Creamy Lemon Custard Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add Butter: Cut the cold butter into small pieces and mix it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Egg Yolk: Stir in the egg yolk until the mixture is evenly combined.
4. Press Into Pan: Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even layer.
5. Blind Bake: Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Step 3: Make the Custard Filling

1. Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well blended.
2. Add Lemon Ingredients: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, heavy cream, and flour until completely combined.
3. Pour Filling: Pour the custard mixture over the cooled crust.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the custard is set and slightly wiggly in the center.

Step 5: Cool and Dust

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, dust the top with powdered sugar, then slice into squares.