Get able to pucker up—these lemon bars are the final word tart deal with! Made with simply 5 easy elements you most likely have already got available, they’re as straightforward to make as they’re to take pleasure in. Excellent for individuals who love a dessert that’s extra tart than candy, these bars strike the best steadiness between a crunchy crust and a luscious, ooey-gooey lemon filling. The end result? A superbly scrumptious lemon bar each single time.
If you’d like one other tasty dessert bar concept, strive our Raspberry Streusel Dessert Bars or our Easy Pumpkin Bars.
Why Our Recipe
- The best crust-to-filling ratio creates the proper steadiness of taste and texture.
- Made with simply 5 on a regular basis elements for a deal with that’s easy but irresistibly scrumptious.
- Our tried-and-true recipe ensures fail-proof lemon bars each time.
Lemon bars are the proper on a regular basis deal with, however they’re much more pleasant in winter and early spring when lemons are at their most flavorful. Whereas they shine as a celebration dessert, they’re equally suited to holidays and particular events. Wherever you are taking them, these lemon bars are assured to be a success!
Ingredient Notes
- Sugar: Provides sweetness to steadiness the tartness of the lemon, and contributes to the feel of the crust and filling. For the crust, gentle brown sugar can be utilized for a deeper taste. Within the lemon layer, honey or maple syrup can substitute sugar, although it should barely alter the flavour profile.
- Butter: Offers richness, taste, and construction to the shortbread crust. Use salted butter for finest style. Unsalted butter with a pinch of salt, or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free model can be utilized as nicely.
- All-Objective Flour: Provides construction to the crust and helps thicken the lemon filling. Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends can be utilized for a gluten-free model, although textures might range barely.
- Eggs: Use massive Grade AA eggs. Eggs are essential for setting the lemon filling, including richness, and making a clean texture so don’t skip these.
- Lemon Juice: Offers the signature tart taste and acidity to the bars. For finest outcomes, use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Retailer-bought lemon juice can be utilized in a pinch.
Sorts of Lemons
Any number of lemon, together with Meyer lemons, can be utilized for lemon bars. Meyer lemons are a cross between lemons and mandarin oranges, providing a sweeter style and a extra orange hue within the juice.
Baking to Perfection
Whereas we provide you with superb baking time, lemon bars are achieved when the middle is totally set and doesn’t jiggle. Frivolously touching the middle shouldn’t go away an imprint.
Topping Concepts
Uninterested in the identical previous standard relating to powdered sugar-dusted lemon bars? Swap issues up with one in all these topping concepts:
Berry Topping: Pair the lemon bars with recent berries like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries for a refreshing distinction and a visually interesting garnish.
Candied Lemon: High your bars with candied lemon slices for a shocking and scrumptious garnish. They add a candy, citrusy zing and look lovely.f
Cream Cheese Frosting: Unfold a skinny layer of cream cheese frosting on high for a wealthy, creamy distinction to the tangy lemon.
Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes can add a tropical twist and a pleasant crunch.
Nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pistachios, or walnuts on high for added texture and a nutty taste.
Meringue Topping: For a lemon meringue pie twist, high your bars with a layer of fluffy meringue and evenly torch it for a golden end.
Storage and Reheating Directions
Refrigerate leftovers in an hermetic container for as much as 5 days.
Freeze by wrapping particular person parts in plastic wrap and retailer in a freezer-safe bag. They are often saved within the freezer for as much as 3 months.
Thaw parts within the fridge for a number of hours or in a single day. This gradual thawing helps preserve their texture and ensures they style simply pretty much as good as after they have been first made.