Irresistible Classic Lemon Bars Recipe You’ll Love

The moment you take a bite of classic lemon bars, your taste buds will do a happy dance. The bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons mingles with the buttery crust, creating a symphony of sweetness and tartness that’s impossible to resist. Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice where the soft filling almost melts in your mouth while the crust adds that perfect crunch—it’s like sunshine on a plate. For more inspiration, check out this cake recipes to try recipe.

Now, let’s get real for a second. These classic lemon bars hold a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I had them at my grandma’s house during summer vacations. She’d whip up a batch while we chased fireflies in the backyard, and the aroma would waft through the air, drawing us back inside like bees to honey. Whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, these bars promise an explosion of flavors that’ll make you feel like you’re basking in the sun.

Ingredients for Classic Lemon Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for both the crust and filling, it provides structure and texture.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dessert wonderfully; be sure to use a good quality sugar.

• Unsalted Butter: The star of the crust! It adds richness and flavor; use room temperature butter for easier mixing.

• Fresh Lemons: You’ll need juice and zest; go for juicy ones that smell fragrant!

• Eggs: They create that creamy filling; use large eggs for best results.

• Baking Powder: A small amount helps give the filling that lovely lift.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Classic Lemon Bars

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a bowl, mix together one cup of all-purpose flour and half a cup of granulated sugar. Add half a cup of softened unsalted butter and combine until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown. While it bakes, let’s get cracking on that lemony filling!

Step 4: Whisk Together Filling Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together two large eggs with one cup of granulated sugar until smooth. Add one-third cup of fresh lemon juice along with one teaspoon of grated lemon zest and mix well. Finally, sprinkle in one teaspoon of baking powder and stir until combined.

Step 5: Pour Filling Over Crust

Once your crust is done baking, carefully pour the lemon filling over it while it’s still warm. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

After baking, let your classic lemon bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar before slicing into squares or rectangles. Serve chilled or at room temperature! For more inspiration, check out this more dessert recipes recipe.

These classic lemon bars are not just treats; they’re little packets of joy! So whip up this easy recipe today, gather your loved ones around (or maybe hide them from everyone else), and enjoy every tangy-sweet bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create the perfect Classic Lemon Bars, start by preheating your oven while you prepare the crust. Bake it until golden before mixing up the lemon filling. This sequence ensures each layer shines in its own delicious way.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Classic Lemon Bars! You can swap regular sugar for coconut sugar for a unique flavor or add fresh herbs like mint for an unexpected twist. The options are endless!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Classic Lemon Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To enjoy them warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but they’re also delightful chilled!

It reminds me of that time I brought these Classic Lemon Bars to a family picnic. Everyone was raving about them, and my cousin even tried to convince me they were “health food” because of the citrus!

FAQs :

What are Classic Lemon Bars?

Classic Lemon Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a tangy lemon filling. This combination creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. They are often dusted with powdered sugar, making them visually appealing and delicious. The simplicity of the ingredients, including lemons, eggs, sugar, and butter, allows the bright flavor of the lemons to shine through. These bars are easy to make and are perfect for any occasion.

How do you store Classic Lemon Bars?

To store Classic Lemon Bars, allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares. Place the bars in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for added freshness. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate them for longer shelf life, up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.

Can I use bottled lemon juice for Classic Lemon Bars?

While fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for making Classic Lemon Bars due to its vibrant flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. However, the taste might not be as bright or fresh as when using real lemons. If you choose bottled juice, opt for one that is 100% pure and free from additives. Remember that freshly grated lemon zest will enhance the flavor and aroma of your lemon bars regardless of the juice used.

How do I know when my Classic Lemon Bars are done baking?

To check if your Classic Lemon Bars are done baking, look for a slightly set filling that still has a slight jiggle in the center. The edges should appear firm and lightly golden. Typically, they require around 25-30 minutes of baking time at 350°F (175°C). For best results, let them cool completely before cutting; this will help the filling set properly and make slicing easier.

Conclusion for Classic Lemon Bars :

Classic Lemon Bars offer a delightful treat that combines refreshing citrus flavors with a buttery crust. This simple yet elegant dessert is perfect for any gathering or family event. With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, anyone can create these delicious bars at home. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or served at a party, Classic Lemon Bars never fail to impress with their bright taste and satisfying texture. Don’t forget to dust them with powdered sugar before serving for that extra touch!

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Classic Lemon Bars

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x

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Description

Classic Lemon Bars are a refreshing dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. With a buttery crust and a luscious lemon filling, these bars are sure to brighten any occasion. Whether served at family gatherings or enjoyed as a midday treat, each bite delivers a burst of citrus goodness that’s simply irresistible.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp baking powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or parchment paper.
2. For the crust, mix together flour, sugar, and softened butter until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake for about 20 minutes until lightly golden.
4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until smooth. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder; mix well.
5. Pour the filling over the warm crust and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
6. Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares and dusting with powdered sugar.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Always zest lemons before juicing to maximize flavor. For a unique twist, experiment with flavored sugars like coconut sugar. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.