Are you craving a treat that strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet? Look no further than lemon bars! This classic dessert, with its zesty lemon flavor and buttery crust, is a favorite among dessert enthusiasts. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a foolproof recipe for lemon bars that are sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, these lemon bars are made easy with our step-by-step instructions.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a burst of sunshine in every bite. Here’s why you’ll adore them:
- Tangy Lemon Flavor: The fresh lemon juice and zest provide a refreshing citrus punch.
- Buttery Crust: A crumbly, buttery base pairs perfectly with the tangy filling.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these bars are easy to whip up.
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering, a potluck, or just a sweet treat for yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delectable lemon bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- A pinch of salt
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of an overhang for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Tip: For a more even crust, use a food processor to blend the ingredients quickly.
Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Make the Lemon Filling
While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. Add the flour and whisk until smooth and lump-free.
Tip: For a smoother filling, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any zest or lumps.
Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
4. Bake the Lemon Bars
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center should still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the dish.
5. Cool and Serve
Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang and transfer them to a cutting board.
Dust the top with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.
Tip: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Storing Your Lemon Bars
To keep your lemon bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tip: If freezing, cut the bars into squares and layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
Making lemon bars doesn’t have to be complicated. With this step-by-step guide, you can create a delicious batch of lemon bars that are both tangy and sweet. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the burst of citrusy goodness and share the recipe with friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!
Feel free to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Happy baking!
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