If you have a sweet tooth and a love for refreshing citrus flavors, then lemon bars are the perfect treat for you. These delightful bars combine the tanginess of lemons with a buttery crust, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Whether you are planning a summer picnic or want to satisfy your dessert cravings, lemon bars will never disappoint. In this article, we will share a simple yet delicious recipe for lemon bars that you can easily make at home. So, let’s get started!.
Ingredients:
For the crust:.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling:.
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for the crust – all-purpose flour, softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are well combined, and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a firm and even layer. Ensure that the crust covers the entire base of the pan.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until it turns light golden brown. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
5. In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and all-purpose flour for the filling until well combined.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. This ensures a smooth and creamy filling.
7. Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and the lemon zest is evenly distributed.
8. Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust, ensuring it spreads evenly. The crust should still be slightly warm, but not hot, to avoid curdling the filling.
9. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and the top starts to turn golden brown.
10. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the bars to set properly before cutting.
Serving:
11. Once the lemon bars have cooled, gently lift the parchment paper to remove the entire set of bars from the baking pan.
12. Transfer the set of bars to a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into small squares or rectangular bars, depending on your preference.
13. Dust the bars with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, or you can also serve them plain.
14. Lemon bars are best enjoyed chilled. If you prefer a more refreshing treat, refrigerate them for at least an hour before serving.
15. Serve these tangy and sweet lemon bars as a delightful dessert or as a refreshing snack with a hot cup of tea.
Enjoy your homemade lemon bars!.