Delicious homemade lemon bars on a white plate with fresh lemons

Lemon Bars: The Amazing Ultimate Recipe for Everyone

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Lemon Bars: The Amazing Ultimate Recipe for Everyone

The sun is shining, and the vibrant scent of fresh lemons fills the kitchen, instantly putting a smile on my face. Lemon bars, with their buttery crust and zesty, creamy filling, transport me back to warm summer afternoons spent in my grandmother’s backyard. We’d gather around the picnic table, the laughter mixing with the sweet aroma of these golden treats. There’s something undeniably comforting about the delightful balance of tart lemon and sugary goodness, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dessert or planning a cozy weekend gathering, these lemon bars are a must-try. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easily Adaptable: Perfect for casual family dinners or festive holiday gatherings, these lemon bars are crowd-pleasers that everyone will love.
  • Quick and Simple: Whip up this delicious treat in no time; they’re a breeze to make, even for beginner bakers.
  • Creamy and Zesty: The creamy filling with a punch of lemon zest creates a beautiful balance that will dance on your taste buds.
  • Perfectly Sweet: Just the right balance of sweetness, making them suitable for a refreshing dessert any season.
  • Beautiful Presentation: With a dusting of powdered sugar, these bars not only taste amazing but look beautiful on any dessert table.

What You’ll Need

Gather These Simple Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 to 3 lemons)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

How to Make Lemon Bars: The Amazing Ultimate Recipe for Everyone

Making Lemon Bars can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a nice, even bake for your lemon bars.

  2. Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, stir together 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until fully combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand.

  3. Press Into the Pan: Take a 9×9 inch baking dish and lightly grease it. Pour the crust mixture into the dish and press it evenly into the bottom. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden.

  4. Make the Filling: In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs. Add in 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix until everything is well combined. Then, add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.

  5. Pour and Bake Again: Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges.

  6. Cool and Dust: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the dish. Before serving, dust the top generously with powdered sugar.

Variations & Creative Twists

  • Berry Lemon Bliss: Add a layer of fresh raspberries or blueberries in between the crust and filling for a burst of fruitiness.
  • Coconut Delight: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with shredded coconut for a tropical twist that adds a chewy texture.
  • Lavender Lemon Bars: Infuse the lemon filling with culinary lavender for a floral twist that elevates this classic dessert.
  • Ginger-Lemon Twist: Add finely grated fresh ginger to the lemon filling for a warm and spicy undertone that brings out the freshness of the lemons.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

  • Make Ahead: These lemon bars can be made ahead of time! Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Ingredient Swaps: If you want a gluten-free version, try using your favorite gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
  • Cutting Tips: For perfectly cut bars, use a sharp knife and clean it with a damp cloth between cuts to avoid a sticky mess.
  • Storage Suggestions: Keep leftover lemon bars in the fridge, covered. They taste even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld!

Nutrition Information per Serving

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 168
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Sodium: 20mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I make this ahead? Yes! These lemon bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or grapefruit.
  • How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • How long do they last? Properly stored, lemon bars can last about a week in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something inherently joyful about biting into a lemon bar; it encapsulates the essence of sunshine and laughter. I hope you find as much comfort in these bars as I do, whether paired with a warm cup of tea or served at a celebration. Save this Lemon Bars: The Amazing Ultimate Recipe for Everyone to your dessert board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!

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Lemon Bars: The Amazing Ultimate Recipe for Everyone

  • Author: Chef Emma
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Delicious lemon bars with a buttery crust and a zesty filling, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 to 3 lemons)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, stir together 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until fully combined.
  3. Take a 9×9 inch baking dish and lightly grease it. Pour the crust mixture into the dish and press it evenly into the bottom. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs. Add in 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix and then add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
  5. Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust and bake again for 20-25 minutes, or until set and slightly golden around the edges.
  6. Let the bars cool completely in the dish and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

These lemon bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Experiment with different citrus fruits for unique flavors!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 168
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Sodium: 20mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 31mg

Keywords: lemon bars, dessert, summer treat, easy recipe

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