Lemon Bars
Recipe Overview
Overview
Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that combines a buttery shortbread crust with a tangy lemon filling. The process begins with creating the crust, which is simple yet essential for the overall texture of the bars. The crust is made by mixing all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, and melted butter until crumbly, then pressed into a baking dish and baked until lightly golden. This step is crucial as it forms the base that holds the luscious lemon filling.
The filling is where the magic happens. Fresh lemon juice and zest are combined with sugar, flour, and eggs to create a custard-like mixture that is poured over the baked crust. The result is a creamy, tart filling that perfectly complements the crispness of the shortbread. Baking the bars until just set ensures they remain soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Once cooled, a dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. These Lemon Bars are not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for gatherings or as a refreshing dessert on a warm day. Whether enjoyed at a picnic or as a sweet ending to a dinner party, they are sure to brighten anyone’s day.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Tip: Line the baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Line a 9 by 13 baking dish with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer, combine 300 grams of all-purpose flour, half a teaspoon of salt, and two-thirds of a cup of confectioners' sugar.
Add 12 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to the dry ingredients.
Tip: Pat the shortbread mixture together to form a crust.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it down evenly.
Bake the crust in the oven for about 20 minutes.
Tip: You can choose how golden you want your shortbread crust.
Process two cups of sugar with the zest of three lemons until the sugar turns pastel lemon color.
Tip: Zest the lemons to enhance the flavor of the sugar.
Juice the lemons to obtain one cup of fresh lemon juice.
In a bowl, combine the lemon sugar mixture, half a cup of flour, and eight large eggs.
Tip: Use room-temperature eggs for better mixing.
Pour the lemon filling over the baked shortbread crust.
Bake the lemon bars at 350°F for about 25 minutes.
Tip: Turn the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
Tip: Avoid browning the lemon bars to maintain their texture.
Let the lemon bars cool in the fridge for about two hours.
Dust the cooled lemon bars with confectioners' sugar.
Tip: Dampen your knife with a wet paper towel for clean cuts.
Cut the lemon bars using a dampened knife for clean edges.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Chia Egg
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Lemon bars are a classic dessert known for their bright, tangy flavor and buttery crust.
- •Using fresh lemon juice and zest enhances the flavor of the lemon filling.
- •The shortbread crust provides a delicious contrast to the creamy lemon filling.
- •Dusting with confectioners' sugar adds a sweet finish to the bars.
