Why Make This Recipe
Zesty lemon bars are a delightful dessert that combines the bright tartness of lemons with a sweet, buttery crust. This recipe is perfect for those warm days when you crave a refreshing treat. If you enjoy lemon flavors, you might also want to try some refreshing lemonade ideas to complement these bars.
How to Make Zesty Lemon Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3½ cups granulated sugar, divided
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
- Garnish: lemon zest
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 13×9-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, beat butter and ½ cup of granulated sugar at medium speed until creamy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until combined. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining sugar. Add the remaining flour and mix well.
- Pour the filling onto the crust. Bake until set, about 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely; refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars.
- Dust with confectioners’ sugar and garnish with lemon zest before serving.
How to Serve Zesty Lemon Bars
These lemon bars can be served chilled, dusted with confectioners’ sugar for a lovely presentation. You can also pair them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. If you’re looking to create a perfect meal, consider serving them alongside a plate of zesty pan-roasted chicken.
How to Store Zesty Lemon Bars
Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to a week, although their flavor is best when fresh. Make sure to dust them with confectioners’ sugar just before serving for the best appearance and taste. You may also find Bright Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars useful.
Tips to Make Zesty Lemon Bars
To ensure your lemon bars are perfectly set, make sure to keep an eye on them while baking. If you like a more intense lemon flavor, you can add more lemon zest or juice. For a thicker crust, consider using less filling or increasing the amount of crust ingredients. If you’re short on time, you might also want to check out these quick lemon cake mix cookies.
Variations
You can customize these lemon bars by adding a fruit layer, such as blueberries or raspberries, into the filling before baking. Additionally, a sprinkle of sea salt on top can enhance the flavors. You may also find Perfect Lemon Bars Tangy Shortbread Crust useful.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, you can use bottled juice in a pinch.
How do you know when lemon bars are done baking?
The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when pulled out of the oven, as it will firm up as it cools.
Can I freeze lemon bars?
Yes, lemon bars can be frozen! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, zesty lemon bars are a fantastic and delicious treat that you can enjoy anytime. For more inspiration, you might want to check out this zesty lemon bar recipe or explore a different version at this link on Elizabeth Karmel’s site.
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Zesty Lemon Bars
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful lemon bars with a sweet, buttery crust, perfect for warm days.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3½ cups granulated sugar, divided
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
- Garnish: lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 13×9-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper.
- Beat butter and ½ cup of granulated sugar in a stand mixer at medium speed until creamy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Whisk together 2 cups of flour and salt in a medium bowl. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until combined. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- Whisk together eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining sugar in a large bowl. Add the remaining flour and mix well.
- Pour the filling onto the crust. Bake until set, about 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely; refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars.
- Dust with confectioners’ sugar and garnish with lemon zest before serving.
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg