Lemon Bars Recipe – A Sweet & Tangy Delight
Introduction
If you love the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, these Lemon Bars are for you. With a buttery shortbread crust and a tangy lemon filling, these bars offer a refreshing dessert that’s both simple to make and hard to resist. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a picnic, or just craving a treat, lemon bars are a timeless dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Bars Recipe
Tangy and Sweet: The combination of the zesty lemon filling and the buttery, crumbly crust is irresistible.
Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly and easily.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer gathering, a holiday dessert table, or just a sweet treat after dinner, lemon bars are the ideal dessert.
Ingredients for the Lemon Bars
For the Crust:
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup powdered sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Filling:
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Zest of 2 lemons
½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
Make the crust: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form the crust.
Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the lemon filling.
Make the lemon filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, and baking powder. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, and whisk until smooth and well combined.
Pour the filling: Pour the lemon mixture over the slightly cooled crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set and lightly golden around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Cool and dust: Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares.
Serve: Serve the lemon bars chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon bars can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of sides or drinks. Try serving them with:
A refreshing iced tea or lemonade
Fresh fruit, like berries or a citrus salad
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side
Tips for Perfect Lemon Bars Every Time
Let the bars cool completely before cutting into them to ensure clean, neat slices.
For an extra tangy flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon juice or zest.
Don’t overbake the filling: The lemon filling should be set but not dry, so keep an eye on the baking time to ensure the filling is just right.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor—fresh lemons make a noticeable difference in taste!
Health Considerations
While lemon bars are a delicious treat, they do contain butter, sugar, and eggs, so they’re best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence. You can also try substituting some ingredients for healthier alternatives, such as using a low-fat butter substitute or reducing the sugar content for a lighter version.
Conclusion
These Lemon Bars are a perfect combination of sweet and tart, with a buttery crust that’s just as irresistible as the lemon filling. They’re sure to become a favorite dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these lemon bars are bound to be a hit!