Introduction
Make your taste buds dance with these delicious lemon bars! The perfect treat for a sunny afternoon or a sweet addition to any gathering, these bars combine a buttery crust with a tangy lemon filling. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, they are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Crust:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Filling:
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1½ cups granulated sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
⅔ cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 4 medium lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
For Topping:
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Approximately 16 lemon bars
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to facilitate easy removal after baking.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
3. Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs and 1½ cups of granulated sugar until smooth. Add ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, ⅔ cup of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Mix until well combined.
5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into squares. Just before serving, dust the tops with powdered sugar.
Enjoy your homemade lemon bars!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs and 1½ cups of granulated sugar until smooth. Add ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, ⅔ cup of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Mix until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and does not jiggle when gently shaken.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into squares. Just before serving, dust the tops with powdered sugar.
Notes
Storage
Lemon bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. For extra flavor, you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside fresh berries.
Variations
Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like blueberries or raspberries for a fruit twist on traditional lemon bars.
Cook Techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven ensures that your baked goods cook evenly. Always allow the oven to reach the specified temperature before placing your dish inside.
Preparing the Crust
When preparing the crust, combine the butter, flour, sugar, and lemon zest until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This helps create a sturdy yet crumbly base for your lemon bars.
Pressing the Crust
Evenly pressing the crust mixture into the bottom of the baking pan ensures that it bakes uniformly. Make sure to press it firmly to create an even surface.
Baking the Crust
Baking the crust until lightly golden enhances its flavor and provides a solid foundation for the filling. Keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking.
Preparing the Filling
Whisking the filling ingredients together until smooth promotes a consistent texture in the final dessert. Ensure no lumps remain for the best results.
Assembling and Baking
Pour the filling over the crust and spread it evenly to achieve uniform cooking. This layer should be smooth to ensure a beautiful presentation.
Cooling the Lemon Bars
Letting the lemon bars cool completely in the pan is crucial for them to set properly. This step helps prevent the bars from falling apart when cut.
Dusting with Powdered Sugar
Dusting the cooled lemon bars with powdered sugar just before serving adds a beautiful finish and a touch of sweetness to the tangy filling.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter for the crust?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but it may alter the flavor slightly. If you choose to use it, consider reducing the added salt in the recipe.
Can I substitute the fresh lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, you can substitute it with bottled lemon juice in a pinch. However, the taste may not be as vibrant.
How do I know when the filling is set?
The filling is set when it no longer jiggles in the center when gently shaken. It should be slightly firm to the touch.
Can I make the lemon bars ahead of time?
Yes, lemon bars can be made ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a week and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
What is the best way to store leftover lemon bars?
Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for longer storage, wrapped well to prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion
Enjoying these delectable lemon bars is a delightful way to savor a burst of citrus flavor in every bite. The balance of the buttery crust with the tangy lemon filling creates a perfect dessert that is sure to impress family and friends. Whether served at a party or as a special treat for yourself, these lemon bars are a refreshing addition to any dessert table.
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