Lemon Bars Recipe: A Zesty Delight That'll Brighten Your Day
Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of sunshine? Then look no further! This lemon bar recipe is the perfect treat for any occasion, from casual weeknight desserts to elegant gatherings. Its bright, tangy flavor and satisfyingly shortbread crust will leave everyone wanting more. Let's dive into the details!
Ingredients for the Perfect Lemon Bars
This recipe balances the perfect tangy lemon filling with a buttery, crumbly crust. You'll need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Lemon Bar Magic
Follow these easy-to-follow steps and you'll be enjoying delicious lemon bars in no time.
Making the Crust: A Foundation of Flavor
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don't overmix!
- Press into pan: Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to create an even layer.
- Pre-bake the crust: Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Creating the Zesty Lemon Filling: The Star of the Show
- Whisk the eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs until light and frothy.
- Add sugar and lemon juice: Gradually add the granulated sugar, whisking constantly until combined. Then, whisk in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
- Incorporate the flour: Add the flour to the lemon mixture and whisk until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Pour over the crust: Pour the lemon filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Bake to perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and just slightly jiggly 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.
Tips for Lemon Bar Success
- Use fresh lemons: For the best flavor, use fresh lemons whenever possible.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in dry lemon bars. Start checking for doneness around 20 minutes.
- Cool completely: Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting prevents them from crumbling.
- Storage: Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Lemon Bar Experience
These lemon bars are delicious on their own, but you can also enhance them with:
- Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
- Fresh berries: Top with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a beautiful and flavorful contrast.
- Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a delightful creamy texture.
Enjoy your homemade lemon bars! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
