Lemon Bars

My youngest son and his friends occasionally get together to do some baking. Last time they met, they made macaroons and lemon bars. He took some home for us to taste and they were really good. They used Ina Garten’s lemon bars recipe because it was simple and easy to follow.  We all enjoyed the lemon bars so much, my son decided to make them again at home. He made some changes to the lemon filling part of the recipe by reducing the amount of sugar in half and adding more lemon zest. The crust was chilled for 10 minutes and then baked in the oven for 15 minutes. After the crust cooled down, the lemon filling was poured over the crust and then baked for 30 minutes. The crust was crispy while the delicate lemon filling was rich, tart and not too sweet. We all love to indulge on a slice of this delightful treat when we get home from work or school. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Lemon Bars

To make sure your lemon bars turn out perfectly every time, focus on the temperature of your ingredients. Using cold butter for the crust is essential, as it helps create a flaky texture. When mixing the crust, avoid overworking the dough. Just mix until it comes together. For the lemon filling, fresh lemons are a must. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t provide the same vibrant flavor. Zesting lemons before juicing makes the process easier and ensures you get the most zest possible. Another tip is to use a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp or seeds from the lemon juice. This will give your filling a smoother texture. Lastly, let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. This helps them set up properly and prevents a messy cut. If you can resist the temptation, chilling them in the refrigerator for a couple of hours after they cool is even better. The flavors will intensify, and the texture will be delightful.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Lemon bars are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. For a simple presentation, dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar right before serving. This adds a nice touch and balances the tartness of the lemon. Pair them with fresh berries for a colorful and refreshing contrast. Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also complements the tangy flavor beautifully. If you want to mix things up, consider adding a twist to the classic lemon filling. You can incorporate flavors like lavender or ginger for an interesting spin. Another variation is to make a lemon-blueberry version by folding in fresh blueberries into the filling before baking. For those who like a bit of crunch, sprinkling some crushed nuts on top of the lemon filling before baking adds texture and flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment, as lemon bars are a great canvas for creativity in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of sugar for the lemon filling?

Using a different type of sugar, like brown sugar, can change the flavor profile of your lemon bars. It will add a bit of depth and a slight caramel flavor, but stick to granulated sugar if you want to keep that classic lemon taste.

How should I store leftover lemon bars?

Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about a week, but they’re usually gone long before then!

Can I make lemon bars ahead of time?

Lemon bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Just bake and cool them, then cover and store in the fridge. They taste even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

What can I serve with lemon bars?

Lemon bars pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries on the side add a nice pop of color and flavor too.

What if my lemon bars are too sweet?

If your lemon bars turned out too sweet, you can balance it out by serving them with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top. A little salt can really enhance the tartness of the lemon and make them more enjoyable.

Lemon Bars

Liza A

Tangy lemon bars with a buttery crust and a smooth, zesty filling are a refreshing treat. Dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 20 squares

Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients

  

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For The Crust:

• ½ lb unsalted butter room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt

For The Filling:

• 6 large eggs room temperature
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp grated lemon zest 2 large lemons
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup flour
• Confectioner’s sugar for dusting optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9X13 inch baking pan with butter; set aside.
• Make the crust: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle, cream the butter and sugar until light. With the mixer on low, add flour and salt until combined. With floured hands, gather the dough into a ball and then flatten and press it into the prepared pan, building up a ½ -inch edge on all sides. Chill for at least 10 minutes.
• Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until very light browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.
• Make the filling: Whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature.
• Slice into squares and sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar, if using.

Notes

Recipe adapted: foodnetwork.com

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15g

Keyword citrus dessert, dessert recipe, easy baking, lemon bars

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