Lemon Bars Recipe

Lemon bars are a classic dessert that combines a rich, buttery crust with a zesty, tangy lemon filling. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a more formal event. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a simple yet delicious lemon bars recipe that will leave everyone craving more.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will ensure your lemon bars come out perfectly without sticking to the pan.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix until the dough is crumbly and well combined.
2. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring it forms an even layer.
3. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Filling

1. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder until smooth and well combined.
2. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest (if using) to the egg mixture. Whisk until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
3. Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Lemon Bars

Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch. The edges may be lightly browned, but the center should still have a slight jiggle.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and place them on a cutting board.
2. Dust the top of the lemon bars with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
3. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy the perfect balance of buttery crust and tangy lemon filling!

Tips and Variations

• Storage: Store any leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Lemon bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these delicious bars.

Lemon bars are a versatile and delightful treat that will brighten up any dessert table. Their combination of sweet and tart flavors makes them a crowd-pleaser, perfect for both casual and special occasions. Try this recipe and let the tangy goodness bring a smile to your face!