Lemon bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances the tanginess of fresh lemons with the sweetness of a buttery crust. They're a nostalgic favorite for many, reminding us of summer picnics or grandma's house. What's fantastic about this recipe is its simplicity.
You don't need to be an expert baker to whip up these delicious squares. With a few basic ingredients and some straightforward steps, you'll have a tray of zesty lemon bars ready to impress your friends and family.
Why This Recipe Works
Ease and Simplicity: Many lemon bar recipes can be quite intricate, demanding precise measurements or techniques that could be daunting for new bakers. Our version is fuss-free. You won't find yourself overwhelmed by numerous steps or unusual ingredients. Everything you need is likely already in your pantry, making it a spontaneous baking adventure.
Perfect Balance: Some lemon bars can be too tangy or overly sweet, leaving your taste buds confused. This recipe nails the sweet-tart balance. The buttery crust complements the zesty lemon filling, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite. If you've ever been disappointed by a lemon bar's flavor profile before, this recipe is your solution. It ensures that the lemon shines, but not without its sweet counterpart to make each bite heavenly.
Ingredients
Lemons - These give the bars their tangy and fresh flavor. Always choose fresh lemons over bottled lemon juice for a better taste. If unavailable, you can use limes as a substitute but expect a slightly different flavor.
All-purpose flour - This forms the base of our crust. If you want to make it gluten-free, opt for almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
Granulated sugar -Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemons. If you prefer, you can use coconut sugar or other alternatives, though the flavor may vary slightly.
Butter - Makes the crust rich and tender. If you're dairy-free, use a vegan butter substitute.
Eggs - They bind the lemon filling and give it structure. If you're vegan or allergic, try a flax egg mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) though the texture may vary slightly.
Tips
- Always zest the lemons before juicing them; it's much easier.
- For a clean cut, chill the lemon bars thoroughly before slicing.
- Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- If you want a thicker crust, you can increase the crust ingredients slightly.
- Taste the filling mixture before baking and adjust the sweetness or tartness as per your preference.
How to Serve
Lemon bars are a delightful treat that can be served in a variety of ways. Their tangy and sweet combination makes them versatile for various occasions.
- Tea Time Treat: Pair them with a cup of tea for an afternoon delight. The tartness of the lemon complements many teas, especially green or herbal ones.
- Dessert Platter: Serve alongside other desserts like chocolate brownies or berry tarts to give a varied taste experience.
- Summer Parties: Chill them and serve as a refreshing dessert during warm weather gatherings. Their vibrant color and tangy taste scream summer.
Similar Recipes
Instant Pot Chocolate Chip Cookies
Easy Lemon Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for the crust
- ¼ cup granulated sugar for the crust
- ½ cup butter softened (for the crust)
- 2 lemons zested and juiced
- 1 cup granulated sugar for the filling
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for the filling
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup flour, ¼ cup sugar, and softened butter until crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking dish.
- Bake the crust for about 20 minutes until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, 1 cup sugar, eggs, 2 tablespoons flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the lemon layer is set and lightly golden on top.
- Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for a couple of hours before slicing.
Nutrition
Notes
- Always zest the lemons before juicing them; it's much easier.
- For a clean cut, chill the lemon bars thoroughly before slicing.
- Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- If you want a thicker crust, you can increase the crust ingredients slightly.
- Taste the filling mixture before baking and adjust the sweetness or tartness as per your preference.