How to Make Lemon Bars

Lemon bars are a timeless dessert loved by many for their perfect balance of tangy lemon filling and buttery shortbread crust. These delightful bars are ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant parties. The bright, zesty flavor of the lemon filling paired with the sweet, crumbly crust makes this dessert a favorite among both children and adults. In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps to create these delicious lemon bars at home.

Ingredients for Lemon Bars

For the crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the lemon filling:

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

How to Make Lemon Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the crust ingredients: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and salt until well combined and a dough forms.
3. Form the crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even layer.
4. Bake the crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Filling

1. Whisk the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of flour until well combined.
2. Add the wet ingredients: Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking until fully incorporated after each addition. Then, add the lemon juice and lemon zest, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Pour over the crust: Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Lemon Bars

1. Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when the pan is gently shaken.
2. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
3. Chill: Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This will make it easier to cut clean slices.

Step 4: Serve the Lemon Bars

1. Dust with powdered sugar: Before serving, dust the top of the lemon bars with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
2. Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the lemon bars into squares or rectangles. Serve chilled and enjoy!

About the Main Ingredients

Lemons:
Lemons are the star ingredient in this recipe, providing the tart, zesty flavor that defines lemon bars. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for the best taste, as it has a more vibrant and intense flavor compared to bottled lemon juice. The lemon zest adds an extra layer of citrus aroma and enhances the overall lemony taste of the filling.

Butter:
Butter is used in the crust to create a rich, buttery base that complements the tangy lemon filling. Softened butter is easier to mix and helps achieve a smooth dough that can be easily pressed into the baking dish. The fat content in butter also contributes to the tender, crumbly texture of the crust.

Eggs:
Eggs are crucial for the filling, providing structure and stability. They help thicken the lemon mixture as it bakes, ensuring a firm, custard-like texture. The protein in the eggs coagulates during baking, which helps set the filling and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.

Flour:
Flour is used both in the crust and the filling. In the crust, it combines with the butter and sugar to create a sturdy, shortbread-like base. In the filling, a small amount of flour helps to thicken the lemon mixture, ensuring it sets properly and has the right consistency.

Sugar:
Granulated sugar is used to sweeten both the crust and the lemon filling. In the crust, it balances the richness of the butter and adds a slight sweetness to the base. In the filling, it offsets the tartness of the lemon juice, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Powdered sugar is used for dusting the top of the lemon bars, adding a touch of sweetness and a decorative finish.

By using these key ingredients and following the steps outlined above, you can create delicious lemon bars that are sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them as a sweet treat, these lemon bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion.