Sweet and Tangy: Classic Lemon Bars

on

Bring a burst of sunshine to your dessert table with these Classic Lemon Bars. With a buttery shortbread crust and a luscious lemon filling, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Ideal for any occasion, this recipe is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • Pinch of salt

For the Lemon Filling:

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)

  • Zest of 2 lemons

For Topping:

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

  1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

  2. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.

  3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Filling

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.

  2. Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust.

Step 4: Bake the Lemon Bars

  1. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.

  2. Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

  1. Once cooled, refrigerate the lemon bars for at least 2 hours for easier slicing.

  2. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.

  3. Dust the top generously with powdered sugar before slicing into squares or rectangles.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Bars

  • Fresh Lemons Are Key: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest make all the difference in flavor.

  • Don’t Overbake: Bake just until the filling is set to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

  • Use a Sharp Knife: For clean slices, wipe the knife between cuts.

Classic Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that brighten up any day. Try this recipe and let us know how you customize your lemon bars in the comments below. Happy baking!

Comments

Post a Comment