Lemon bars are a delightful dessert that merges the tartness of fresh lemons with a buttery, crumbly crust. Their bright, refreshing flavor makes them a perfect treat for any occasion. Here’s a simple recipe to help you bake the best lemon bars, along with some tips for achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Lemon Filling:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Crust:
– In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. If using, add the vanilla extract.
– In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough will be crumbly.
– Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Lemon Filling:
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour. Add the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
– Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust.
- Bake Again:
– Bake the lemon bars in the oven for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when you move the pan.
- Cool:
– Once baked, remove from the oven and let the lemon bars cool at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the filling to set completely.
- Serve:
– Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar. Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Lemon Bars
– Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lemons for the juice and zest to achieve that bright, tangy flavor. Bottled lemon juice lacks the freshness needed for the best taste.
– Room Temperature Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for smoother incorporation into the filling, which helps achieve the perfect texture.
– Don’t Overmix: When mixing the filling, be careful not to overmix after adding the eggs. Just whisk until combined to avoid introducing too much air.
– Chill Before Cutting: Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator before cutting them. This helps the filling set completely and makes them easier to cut into neat squares.
– Flavor Variations: For a twist on traditional lemon bars, try adding a little lime or orange juice to the filling, or even a few tablespoons of coconut for a tropical flair.
Conclusion
Baking the best lemon bars requires a bit of attention to detail, but the resulting treat is well worth the effort. With a buttery crust and a creamy, tart filling, these lemon bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself for a cozy afternoon treat!