Lemon Bars - Irresistible Citrus Treats | Bake Me Happy

Lemon bars are a delightful dessert that combines the zesty flavor of lemon with a rich, buttery shortbread crust. Loved by baking enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike, these treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering or a simple afternoon snack.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make the most delicious lemon bars, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Crust

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

For the Lemon Filling

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Crust Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
• Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, and mix until the dough comes together. It should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.

3. Form the Crust:

• Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure to cover the bottom and slightly up the sides.
• Prick the crust all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

4. Bake the Crust:

• Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Making the Lemon Filling

1. Prepare the Filling:

• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined.
• Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
• Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing until fully incorporated.

2. Pour the Filling onto the Crust:

• Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly.

3. Bake the Lemon Bars:

• 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 in the center.

Baking and Cooling

1. Cool Completely:

• Allow the lemon bars to cool in the baking dish on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

2. Cut and Dust:

• Once chilled, lift the parchment paper to remove the bars from the baking dish. Cut into squares or rectangles and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while baking to ensure the filling doesn’t overcook. It should be set but still slightly soft.
• Chill Well: Chilling the bars makes them easier to cut and enhances their flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Chilled: Lemon bars are best served chilled and straight from the refrigerator.
• Add Garnishes: Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries for an extra touch.
• Storage: Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate guide to making perfect lemon bars! We hope you enjoy making and tasting these delightful treats as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your experience and any unique twists you’ve added to the recipe. Happy baking!

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Feel free to reach out to our community of baking enthusiasts for more tips and recipes. Enjoy your lemon bars!