In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of table salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Cut in 1 cup of unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
For the lemon filling:
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2.5 cups of granulated sugar, 0.5 cup of all-purpose flour, and a pinch of table salt.
Add in 7 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in 1 cup of lemon juice until well combined.
Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust.
Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
Allow the lemon bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.