Luscious Lemon Square Bars: A Recipe for Zesty Delight
Looking for a bright and zesty treat that's easy to make and even easier to devour? Look no further than these luscious lemon square bars! This recipe delivers the perfect balance of tangy lemon flavor, buttery shortbread crust, and a creamy, dreamy lemon filling. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe breaks down into two main components: the crust and the filling. Let's gather our ingredients!
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups fresh lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons) – use fresh for the best flavor!
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but highly recommended!)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Lemon Perfection
Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of these delightful lemon squares.
Making the Crust:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, 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 firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Make sure it's evenly distributed for an even crust.
- Pre-bake (Optional): For a crispier crust, pre-bake the crust for 10-12 minutes before adding the filling. This step is optional but recommended.
Making the Lemon Filling:
- Whisk Together: In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually whisk in the lemon juice, eggs, melted butter, and lemon zest (if using). Make sure there are no lumps. A whisk is key for a smooth filling.
- Pour & Bake: Pour the lemon filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center. Keep an eye on it – ovens vary!
- Cool Completely: Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
Tips for Lemon-tastic Success:
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh lemon juice makes a HUGE difference in the flavor. Bottled lemon juice just won't cut it.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry crust and a tough filling. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool completely ensures that they will cut cleanly and hold their shape.
- Storage: Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Enjoy Your Zesty Creation!
These lemon square bars are a delicious and rewarding baking project. The bright, tangy flavor is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy! And don't forget to share your baking triumphs (and taste tests!) on social media using #LemonSquareBars.
