Easy Lemon Bars Recipe: A Zesty Delight
Are you craving a burst of sunshine on a plate? Look no further! This easy lemon bars recipe is the perfect treat for any occasion, from casual weeknight desserts to elegant gatherings. These tangy, sweet, and buttery bars are surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing classic!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session. You likely already have many of these items in your pantry!
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, making the baking process stress-free.
Making the Crust:
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press into Pan: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool completely.
Making the Lemon Filling:
- Whisk Together: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until smooth.
- Pour Over Crust: Pour the lemon filling evenly over the cooled crust.
- Bake the Filling: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
- Cool Completely: Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
Tips for Lemon Bar Success:
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest make a huge difference in the flavor of these bars.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can result in dry lemon bars. Check for doneness at the 25-minute mark.
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
- Storage: Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations to Try:
- Raspberry Lemon Bars: Swirl in some raspberry jam into the lemon filling for a delicious twist.
- Blueberry Lemon Bars: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the lemon filling.
- Glazed Lemon Bars: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled bars.
This easy lemon bars recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s perfect for bakers of all levels. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake up some zesty sunshine! Remember to share your creations and tag us! Enjoy!
