Lemon Bar Recipe

Lemon bars are a beloved classic in the world of desserts, renowned for their irresistible combination of tangy lemon filling and buttery shortbread crust. With a crisp bite and a burst of citrusy flavor in every bite, these homemade lemon bars are sure to brighten any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, planning a special treat, or simply indulging in a delightful dessert, mastering the art of making lemon bars at home is a rewarding endeavor. Join me as we delve into this timeless recipe, perfect for bringing a touch of sunshine to your kitchen and delighting taste buds with every lemony bite.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Pinch of salt

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2. Make the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and starts to come together.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside.

3. Make the Lemon Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour.
2. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and whisk until smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble and Bake the Lemon Bars

1. Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly.
2. Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
3. Remove from the oven and let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

5. Chill and Serve

1. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the lemon bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until cold and firm.
2. Dust the top with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

1. Use a sharp knife to cut the chilled lemon bars into squares.
2. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the tangy and sweet flavors of these classic lemon bars!

Tips for Success:

• For best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the filling.
• Let the crust cool slightly before adding the lemon filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Dust the powdered sugar just before serving to maintain its fresh appearance.

Enjoy making and savoring these delicious homemade lemon bars!