Step 1

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Step 2

Line the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch glass baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the bars out.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, add the melted butter, 1/2 cup of the sugar, the vanilla, and the salt and mix to combine.

Step 4

Add 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons of the flour to the butter mixture and stir until completely combined into a dough.

Step 5

Press the dough firmly into the prepared pan, making sure the layer is smooth and even.

Step 6

Bake until the edges of the crust are lightly browned, about 20-22 minutes.

Step 7

Transfer the crust from the oven and use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the warm crust, but not all the way through the crust.

Step 8

In a large bowl, sift the remaining sugar and the remaining flour together.

Step 9

Add the eggs to the sugar-flour mixture and whisk to combine.

Step 10

Add the lemon juice to the egg mixture and whisk to combine.

Step 11

Pour the lemon filling mixture over the warm crust.

Step 12

Bake the bars until the center is relatively set and no longer jiggles, about 22-26 minutes.

Step 13

Transfer the baking dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely.

Step 14

Once cool, lift the parchment paper out of the pan to transfer the bars.

Step 15

Dust the bars with the confectioners' sugar.

Step 16

Cut into squares and serve.