Lemon Bars

Lemon Bars are one of those classic desserts that have a special place in everyone’s hearts, and if you haven’t had the pleasure of tasting them yet, you’re in for a real treat! These delightful squares combine a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust with a luscious lemon filling that’s both sweet and tart. It’s the perfect balance of flavors that brightens up any gathering or simply adds joy to your day. Picture this: a sunny afternoon with a plate of lemon bars, the crisp tanginess dancing on your tongue, and maybe a cup of tea or coffee on the side. Sounds delightful, right? Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and embark on this lemony journey together!

What is Lemon Bars

Lemon Bars are a delicious dessert characterized by a buttery shortbread crust topped with a thick, creamy, and tangy lemon filling. This delightful treat strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Bars

You’ll love these Lemon Bars for their simple yet rewarding preparation, vibrant flavors, and universally appealing nature. They are perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in, providing a burst of sunshine in every bite.

Ingredients

To create the best Lemon Bars, gather these ingredients:

• ½ cup butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ tablespoons lemon zest (approximately 3-4 large lemons)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (for filling)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for filling)
• 4 large eggs
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (for finishing)

Making the Lemon Bars

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly spray a 9″ x 9″ baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Then, line the inside with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over the sides a bit. This makes it so much easier to lift the bars out later.

Create the Shortbread Crust

Now, it’s time to whip up your shortbread crust. Grab your food processor and combine the room temperature butter, 1 cup of flour, ½ cup of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Pulse the mixture until it’s slightly crumbly. Next, evenly pat this lovely shortbread dough into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. It’s okay if it looks a little rough at this stage; it’ll come together beautifully!

Bake the Shortbread Crust

Place the crust in your preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes. You want it to turn lightly golden brown around the edges. Once it’s polished off, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while we prepare the filling.

Prepare the Lemon Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 ½ cups of sugar, ¼ cup of flour, and the eggs. Keep mixing until everything is well combined and smooth. The scent of fresh lemon will start to fill your kitchen—trust me, it’s heavenly!

Assemble and Bake the Lemon Bars

With your shortbread crust slightly cooled, give the lemon filling another gentle whisk to eliminate any lumps. Pour it over the warm crust and send the baking dish back to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set and the edges have a nice golden hue. The anticipation is real!

Cool and Serve the Lemon Bars

Once the time is up, remove those glorious Lemon Bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once they’re fully cooled, you can use the edges of the parchment paper to lift them out. Dust with powdered sugar, cut into squares, and get ready to enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Bars can be served chilled or at room temperature. For a little extra flair, consider garnishing them with additional lemon zest or a handful of fresh berries. Their bright flavors shine even more with these simple additions.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Use fresh lemons for the best flavor and zest.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure cleaner slices.

Variations

If you want to shake things up a bit, consider these fun variations:

• Blueberry Lemon Bars: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the filling for a fruity twist.
• Ginger Lemon Bars: Incorporate finely grated fresh ginger into the filling for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage Tips

To keep your leftover Lemon Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them for longer, they freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly!

Pairing Ideas

Lemon Bars pair beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed tea, sparkling water, or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. They also complement savory dishes, making them a versatile dessert choice.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice for Lemon Bars?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

2. How can I tell when the Lemon Bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the filling is set, and the edges begin to turn a golden brown.

3. Can I make Lemon Bars ahead of time?
Yes! Lemon Bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

4. How do I prevent lemon filling from getting lumpy?
Make sure to whisk the filling well before pouring it onto the crust. Use room temperature eggs for smoother mixtures.

5. Can I freeze Lemon Bars?
Yes, Lemon Bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in the freezer.

These Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that captures the essence of simplicity and flavor. Their creamy, tangy filling atop a buttery crust makes them irresistible, whether enjoyed at a gathering or as a sweet escape after a long day. Embrace the joy of baking with this easy, fresh recipe that will leave you wanting more!

More Easy Desserts & Sweets Recipes:

• Pecan Praline Buttermilk Pound Cake
• Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
• Gluten-Free Lemon Olive-Oil Cake
• Raspberry Lemon Loaf Cake

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Lemon Bars

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Lemon Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a creamy, tangy lemon filling. They’re a delightful treat that radiates freshness and flavor, perfect for any occasion.

• Total Time: 47 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ cup butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ tablespoons lemon zest (approximately 3–4 large lemons)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (for filling)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for filling)
• 4 large eggs
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (for finishing)

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9" x 9" baking dish.
• Combine butter, 1 cup flour, ½ cup sugar, and salt in a food processor to create the shortbread crust.
• Pat the shortbread dough into the bottom of the baking dish and bake for about 12 minutes until golden.
• In a bowl, whisk fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 ½ cups sugar, ¼ cup flour, and eggs until smooth.
• Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust and bake for an additional 20 minutes until set.
• Allow the bars to cool completely, dust with powdered sugar, cut into squares, and serve.

Notes

Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Use fresh lemons for the best flavor and zest.
Cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices.

• Author: Rachael
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 32 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 20
• Sodium: 70
• Fat: 8
• Saturated Fat: 5
• Unsaturated Fat: 3
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 30
• Fiber: 0
• Protein: 2
• Cholesterol: 70