Gingered Lemon Bars

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
• 1/2 cup minced crystallized ginger
• 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
• 6 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Set the oven to 350 degrees F. With an electric mixer, beat the butter, then add 1/3 cup sifted powdered sugar and continue beating until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
2. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, the ground ginger, the crystallized ginger, and a pinch of salt until evenly distributed.
3. Add 1 1/2 cups flour gradually, using 1/4 cup at a time and beating after each addition. Continue mixing until the crust batter is fully combined.
4. In a 13x9-inch baking dish, smooth the crust batter into an even layer across the base. Bake in the 350 degrees F oven for 12 to 15 minutes, just until the edges are lightly browned.
5. While the crust bakes, whisk the eggs in a medium bowl with the lemon juice, granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, 3 Tbsp flour, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Keep whisking until the lemon batter is well blended.
6. Pour the lemon batter onto the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven at 350 degrees F and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the surface is golden.
7. If you’d like, sift a little extra powdered sugar over the top. Set the pan on a rack until the bars are cool, then slice into 36 pieces.