Lemon Bars Recipe

There’s something about a sunny afternoon that calls for a sweet and tangy treat, and what better option than a classic Lemon Bars Recipe? These delightful squares are the perfect balance of zesty lemon flavor and buttery goodness, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply treating yourself, lemon bars are sure to please.

With a buttery shortbread crust and a luscious lemon filling, this recipe is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the world of lemony bliss!

Reasons to Love Lemon Bars Recipe

– **Versatile Dessert**: Perfect for any occasion, be it picnics, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
– **Bright and Zesty**: The lemon flavor is both refreshing and invigorating, making it an ideal treat for warm weather.
– **Simple Ingredients**: This recipe requires common pantry staples, making it accessible for everyone.
– **Appealing to All Ages**: Kids and adults alike adore the sweet and tart combination of flavors.
– **Make Ahead Option**: These bars can be made in advance and stored, allowing for stress-free entertaining.

The Ingredient Lineup

To create these mouthwatering lemon bars, you will need:

• 1/2 lb unsalted butter (16 Tbsp) – room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – for the crust
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – for added flavor
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – forms the crust and filling
• 1/4 tsp salt – enhances flavor
• 7 large eggs – room temperature, needed for the filling
• 3 cups granulated sugar – sweetens the lemon filling
• 2 tbsp lemon zest – freshly grated from 4 to 5 lemons for bright flavor
• 1 cup lemon juice – freshly squeezed from 5 large or 8 medium lemons
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – for the filling
• Confectioners sugar – to dust the top before serving

Recommended Tools

To make your lemon bars a success, gather the following tools:

• Mixing Bowls – for combining and mixing your ingredients.
• Whisk – essential for blending the eggs and sugar smoothly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan – the perfect size for your lemon bars.
• Rubber Spatula – to scrape every last bit of batter into the pan.
• Microplane Zester – to easily zest your lemons.
• Juicer – to extract maximum juice from your lemons.
• Cooling Rack – allows your bars to cool evenly.

Step-by-Step: Lemon Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for your delicious lemon bars.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually incorporate 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 tsp salt until the mixture resembles a crumbly dough.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Press the dough into the bottom of your 9×13-inch baking pan evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together 7 large eggs until well beaten. Gradually add in 3 cups granulated sugar and whisk until fully incorporated. Stir in the 2 tbsp lemon zest and 1 cup lemon juice, mixing until smooth.

Step 5: Combine with Flour

Sift 1 cup all-purpose flour into the lemon mixture and gently fold until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Lemon Bars

Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.

Step 7: Cool and Dust

Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack. Once cooled, dust the top with confectioners sugar for a lovely finish.

Step 8: Cut and Serve

Once fully cooled, cut into squares or rectangles, serve, and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade lemon bars!

How to Make It Lighter

If you’re looking to lighten up your lemon bars, consider these alternatives:

• Use light butter or a butter substitute to reduce fat.
• Substitute half the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia.
• Replace some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option.
• Incorporate more lemon juice to enhance flavor without added calories.

Mistakes Even Pros Make

Even the most experienced bakers can encounter issues when making lemon bars. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Not letting the eggs come to room temperature, which can impact the texture.
• Overbaking the lemon filling, resulting in a dry texture instead of a creamy consistency.
• Using bottled lemon juice instead of fresh, which can alter the flavor significantly.
• Skipping the dusting of confectioners sugar, which adds a beautiful touch and balances the tartness.

Best Ways to Store

To keep your lemon bars fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Store lemon bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
• You can freeze lemon bars for up to 2 months; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

FAQ

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While you can use bottled lemon juice, using fresh lemons provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor that is essential for the best lemon bars.

How do I know when my lemon bars are done baking?

The lemon filling should be set and no longer jiggly in the center, and the edges should be lightly golden brown.

Can I add other flavors to my lemon bars?

Absolutely! Adding a bit of raspberry puree or even a hint of lavender can elevate the flavor and add a unique twist to your lemon bars.

What’s the best way to cut lemon bars?

To achieve clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For a neat presentation, refrigerate the bars before cutting to firm up the filling.

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• Chocolate Chip Cookies
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• Fudgy Brownies
• Banana Bread

Let’s Eat

These lemon bars are a delightful treat that will bring a burst of sunshine to your day. The combination of a buttery crust and a tangy filling makes them irresistible. Whether enjoyed at a summer gathering or as a sweet pick-me-up during the week, this Lemon Bars Recipe is bound to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Get ready to savor the zesty goodness and share with loved ones!