Lemon Bars

There’s something truly special about Lemon Bars that takes me back to warm summer days spent at my grandmother’s house. She had a knack for transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary, and her Lemon Bars were definitely a highlight. The moment you take a bite, you’re hit with that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, a little sunshine on a plate. I remember standing in her kitchen, the aroma of fresh lemons filling the air, while she showed me how to get that perfect crumbly crust. Whenever I make this recipe, it feels like I’m connecting with those cherished memories, sharing the joy of baking with loved ones. Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a treat for yourself, these Lemon Bars are sure to impress!

What You’ll Need for Lemon Bars

To create the perfect Lemon Bars, we’ll be focusing on a few key ingredients that work in harmony to create a delicious treat. The combination of tart lemon juice, creamy butter, and sweet sugar results in a delightful balance that everyone will love. Each ingredient plays its part, from the buttery crust to the luscious lemon filling.

• 1/2 lb unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 7 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon zest, from 4 to 5 lemons
• 1 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed (from 5 large or 8 medium lemons)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Confectioners sugar, to dust

Recipe Steps for Lemon Bars

Making Lemon Bars is as much about enjoying the process as it is about the final product. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a treat that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Let’s dive into the fun of baking these bars.

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Start by lining a 13x9x2 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This helps prevent the filling from spilling over and makes removal easier later on.
2. Make the crust: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together softened butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, and 1/4 tsp of salt. Continue mixing until the mixture looks crumbly and no dry flour remains.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use your fingertips to flatten and smooth out the dough. Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes or until it’s lightly golden at the edges. Once done, transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
4. Prepare the filling: While the crust bakes, zest and squeeze the lemons to prepare your filling. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 7 large eggs and 3 cups of granulated sugar until blended. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest, whisking to combine. Finally, add 1 cup of flour and whisk until the mixture is smooth, ensuring no traces of flour remain.
5. Pour the filling over the warm crust, and bake in the center of a preheated oven at 350˚F for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is set but not wobbly in the center. Remove from the oven to prevent over-baking.
6. Cool the bars in the pan at room temperature for at least 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the bars set properly and enhances the flavors.
7. To serve: Carefully pull the parchment paper to loosen the Lemon Bars from the pan. Transfer to a cutting board, and cut into 18 to 20 squares. Dust the tops lightly with confectioners sugar before serving for that perfect finishing touch.

Customization Ideas

While the classic Lemon Bars are irresistibly delicious, there are plenty of ways to add your own twist to this recipe. Let your creativity shine through!

• Add a berry twist: Consider adding a layer of fresh raspberries or blueberries on top of the filling before baking for a fruity variation.
• Experiment with flavors: Try incorporating other citrus fruits like limes or oranges to give a unique flavor profile to your Lemon Bars.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer your bars less sweet, consider reducing the amount of granulated sugar in the filling.
• Herb infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or mint to the filling for an unexpected herbal flavor that pairs beautifully with lemon.
• Serve with whipped cream: Pair your Lemon Bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week to keep them fresh.
• Freezing: You can freeze Lemon Bars for up to three months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Lemon Bars can be as delightful as making them. Here are some ideas to ensure your dessert stands out:

• Perfect for brunch: Serve these Lemon Bars as a refreshing brunch item alongside your favorite breakfast dishes, like pancakes or eggs.
• Tea party treat: They make an excellent addition to tea parties, adding a touch of elegance and a burst of flavor.
• Summer picnics: Pack them up for picnics or outdoor gatherings. Their easy-to-transport nature makes them ideal for enjoying in the sun.
• Gifts for friends: Wrap them up nicely and share with friends or neighbors as a sweet surprise.
• Pair with beverages: These bars go wonderfully with iced tea or lemonade, enhancing their citrusy goodness.
• Decadent dessert: Enjoy them as an after-dinner treat, possibly with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for contrast.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, these Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness, making them a favorite among many. Their simplicity and refreshing flavor make them a must-try dessert for any occasion. I encourage you to gather your ingredients and bake a batch today—you won’t regret it!

Lemon Bars

Craving something refreshing? These Lemon Bars combine the perfect balance of tart and sweet for a delightful treat. Easy to make and beautifully zesty, they're the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Treat yourself tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 20 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 207

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 lb unsalted butter room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 7 large eggs room temperature
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon zest from 4 to 5 lemons
• 1 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed (from 5 large or 8 medium lemons)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Confectioners sugar to dust

Equipment

• Oven
• Whisk
• Blender
• Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Line a 13x9x2 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This helps prevent the filling from spilling over and makes removal easier later on.
2. Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together softened butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, and 1/4 tsp of salt. Continue mixing until the mixture looks crumbly and no dry flour remains.
3. Step 3: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use your fingertips to flatten and smooth out the dough. Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes or until it’s lightly golden at the edges. Once done, transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
4. Step 4: While the crust bakes, zest and squeeze the lemons to prepare your filling. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 7 large eggs and 3 cups of granulated sugar until blended. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest, whisking to combine. Finally, add 1 cup of flour and whisk until the mixture is smooth, ensuring no traces of flour remain.
5. Step 5: Pour the filling over the warm crust, and bake in the center of a preheated oven at 350˚F for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is set but not wobbly in the center. Remove from the oven to prevent over-baking.
6. Step 6: Cool the bars in the pan at room temperature for at least 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the bars set properly and enhances the flavors.
7. Step 7: Carefully pull the parchment paper to loosen the Lemon Bars from the pan. Transfer to a cutting board, and cut into 18 to 20 squares. Dust the tops lightly with confectioners sugar before serving for that perfect finishing touch.

Notes

• Tip 1: If using Meyer lemons, cut the sugar down to 2 cups for the filling.
• Tip 2: Avoid using more lemon juice than what is called for or the filling won’t set properly.

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Meet Maya Warren

Our main recipe developer and resident forager. My passion is cooking with what the season gives us, whether it’s wild mushrooms from the woods or fresh berries from the garden. I work with Chloe to create our main dishes and with Tessa on new flavor ideas for her bakes. I love the challenge of turning a fresh, raw ingredient into something magical.