When life gives you lemons, why not turn them into delicious lemon bars? This 5-ingredient recipe is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a buttery crust that melts in your mouth and a refreshing lemon filling that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or simply craving a citrusy treat, these lemon bars are sure to brighten your day.
Who is This Recipe For?
This recipe is ideal for busy bakers who crave homemade desserts but don’t have a lot of time to spare. With just five simple ingredients, these lemon bars are quick and easy to whip up, making them perfect for novice cooks and seasoned bakers alike. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these lemon bars are sure to delight.
Why Lemon Bars?
What sets these lemon bars apart is their simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a dessert that’s bursting with fresh, citrusy flavor. Whether you’re a lemon lover or simply in need of a sweet pick-me-up, these bars are sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, flour, and powdered sugar until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon filling over the hot crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar. Cut into squares and serve.
Tips and Tricks:
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the filling.
- Make sure to zest your lemons before juicing them—it’s much easier to zest a whole lemon than a squeezed one!
- If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can increase the amount of powdered sugar in the crust or the granulated sugar in the filling.
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Zester or microplane
How to Store Leftovers:
If you happen to have any leftover lemon bars (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve them chilled for an extra refreshing treat.
Food Pairings:
Pair these lemon bars with a hot cup of tea or a glass of cold milk for a delightful afternoon snack. For a special occasion, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? A: While fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% pure lemon juice with no added sugar or preservatives.
Q: Can I freeze these lemon bars? A: Yes! Once cooled, you can freeze the lemon bars in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Can I make these lemon bars ahead of time? A: Absolutely! These lemon bars actually taste even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Simply store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Conclusion:
With their buttery crust and tangy lemon filling, these 5-ingredient lemon bars are a true delight for the taste buds. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, you can’t go wrong with this simple yet satisfying recipe. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of sunshine with every bite!