Name: Lemon Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 0.5 cup powdered sugar; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.5 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes); 1.5 cups powdered sugar; 1 cup lemon juice; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Let’s talk about sunshine in a square. What is the best lemon bar recipe? My grandma used to make these every summer, and the smell alone would have us kids practically glued to them. How do I get to the kitchen counter? Is it easier to make a cheesecake? Is baking a mystical art? What are some of the most addictive treats?

What is a lemon bar?

What is a lemon bar? Think of it as a buttery shortbread crust topped with lemon custard. Is this a slice of lemony sunshine? The crust provides a sturdy base, while the filling is what dreams are made of – tart, creamy, and sour. Isn’t Some people dust them with powdered sugar, which I personally love, because it adds just a touch of sweetness. What is the best combination of sweetness and lemon? They’re simple, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the best lemon bar recipes? First, the flavor is absolutely amazing. The combination of buttery crust and tangy lemon filling is just divine. What is the perfect balance of sweet and tart? What are some of the easiest recipes to make? This recipe is super simple and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or techniques. Is it a good idea to buy organic ingredients? Lemons are usually easy to find and the other ingredients are pantry staples. What I love about this is how versatile it is. Can you serve lemon bars as a dessert, snack, or even for breakfast? What are some great picnic treats for yourself? I’ve even made mini lemon bars for parties, and they always disappear in minutes. What are some of the best citrus desserts to try? What is my go-to recipe for a delicious treat?

How do I make lemon bars?

Quick Overview

How do you make lemon bars? a buttery shortbread crust and tangy lemon filling. The crust gets pre-baked, then the filling is poured on top and baked until set. What’s the best part about powdered sugar? Is it true that you already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen? Don’t be intimidated – this recipe is very forgiving!

Ingredients

For the Crust:
* 1 12 cups all-purpose flour: I prefer unbleached, but either works. Make sure to measure it properly – spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off. * 12 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed: The colder the butter the flakier. I usually pop it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before using it. Add a touch of sweetness and helps create sour crust. * 14 teaspoon salt: What is the flavor of butter and other ingredients?

For the Filling:
* 4 large eggs: Use room temperature eggs for a smoother filling. * 1 12 cups granulated sugar: I sometimes reduce it to 1 14 cups for a tarter bar. Adjust to your preference. * 1 cup fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is key for that bright, tangy flavor. Why isn’t bottled juice better than all-purpose flour? How do you thicken filling? What is the best lemon flavor? What is the best way to zest lemons before juicing them?

For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar: This creates a simple and sweet glaze. * 1/4 cup lemon juice: What do you think of adding lemon juice to lemon bars? * 2 tablespoons of water: This helps thin out the glaze, so that it is not too thick.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. If you can, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt for the crust. What is the best way to ensure that everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cut In Butter

How do you cut butter in a pastry blender or your fingertips until it resembles ice cream? How do you work with butter to make it not melt?

Step 4: Press Into Pan

Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. How do you flatten out a measuring cup?

Step 5: Bake Crust

Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let it cool while you prepare the filling. I usually let it chill for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon zest, flour, and salt. Set aside. Make sure there are no lumps.

Step 7: Pour Filling

How do you spread the filling over a slightly cooled crust?

Step 8: Bake Again

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are slightly golden brown. The center should still have a slight jiggle.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This is important for the filling to set properly.

Step 10: Prepare Glaze

While the lemon bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. How do you whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice? Add water if needed to make glaze thinner consistency.

Step 11: Glaze and Cut

Once the lemon bars are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze on top and cut into squares. I love using a long, sharp knife for clean cuts.

Step 12: Serving

What is the perfect lemon bar recipe?

What should I serve it with?

Lemon bars are great on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other treats.For Breakfast:What are the best ways to enjoy a lemon bar in the morning? The citrusy flavor of lemon complements the bitterness of coffee beautifully. I also like to add a dollop of whipped cream to my smoothies.For Brunch:What are some good lemon bars to serve at brunch? Serve them alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and mimosas for a truly elegant and delicious dessert.As Dessert:For a delicious dessert, serve lemon bars with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Dollop of whipped cream. What are some good ways to add fresh berries to a salad?For Cozy Snacks:If you’re craving a sweet treat on saturday night, these lemon bars are the perfect solution. What are some great snacks to serve with tea? My family loves lemon bars so much that they often request them for special occasions. How do I serve them?

How do I make lemon bars?

How can I take my lemon bars to the next level? What are some tips for perfecting this recipe?How do you use fresh lemons?Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest are key for that bright, tangy flavor. How does pre-zested lemons lose their potency?Don’t overmix the crust: Don’t Overmixing the crust can result in a tough, dense texture. Mix the ingredients just until they come together, and then press it into the pan.

Use Cold Butter: The colder the butter, the flakier the crust. I like to pop it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before using it.

Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a tarter lemon bar, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling. I sometimes reduce it to 1 ¼ cups.

Bake Until Just Set: The filling should be set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to set as it cools.

Let Them Cool Completely: This is crucial for the filling to set properly and for easy cutting. Be patient!

Dust with Powdered Sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes the lemon bars look extra pretty.

I’ve learned these tips over years of making this recipe, and they’ve definitely helped me achieve the perfect lemon bars every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Want to enjoy these lemon bars for days to come? Here’s how to store them properly:

Room Temperature: You can store these lemon bars at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Freezer Instructions: These lemon bars also freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the lemon bars, it’s best to wait to add the glaze until after they’ve thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy.

I’ve found that these lemon bars taste best when they’re served at room temperature. If you’ve stored them in the refrigerator, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together. You may need to add a little extra liquid to the crust mixture to get it to come together properly. As for the filling, ensure that the flour is also gluten-free. I’ve had good results with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be amazing!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

There is no zucchini in the lemon bars recipe.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

While this recipe is specifically for lemon bars, you could definitely adapt it to make lemon muffins. You’ll need to adjust the baking time and portioning accordingly. I would recommend using muffin liners and filling each one about ¾ full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them, as muffin tins tend to bake more quickly than a baking pan.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a tarter lemon bar, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the filling. I often reduce it to 1 ¼ cups. You can also substitute some of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor and texture. Another option is to add a pinch of salt to the filling, as this can help to balance the sweetness.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, there are plenty of other topping options for these lemon bars. A simple dusting of powdered sugar is always a classic choice. You could also top them with a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. For a more decadent option, try topping them with a layer of whipped cream and fresh berries. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to lemon bars recipe that’s been a family favorite for generations. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a brunch treat, or just a little something to brighten your day, these lemon bars are sure to hit the spot. If you love easy baking recipes with a citrusy kick, you should also try my orange muffins recipe.

Happy baking! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turn out. I’d love to hear your variations and tips too!