Did you know that the classic lemon bars recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction has a near-perfect rating of 4.97 out of 5 from over 4,200 votes? This irresistible citrusy treat has become a crowd-pleasing favorite for good reason. With a buttery shortbread crust and a thick, creamy lemon curd filling, these homemade lemon bars strike the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
What makes these lemon bars so special? It’s the combination of just 7 simple ingredients, including fresh lemon juice and zest, that come together to create a truly exceptional dessert. In just 4 hours and 15 minutes, you can have a batch of 15 bars ready to share (or keep all to yourself!). At only 385 calories per serving, these classic lemon bars are a guilt-free indulgence that’s sure to satisfy your citrusy cravings.
Key Takeaways
- The lemon bars recipe yields a classic dessert with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
- It’s made with just 7 simple ingredients, including fresh lemon juice and zest.
- The recipe produces 15 servings, with each bar containing only 385 calories.
- The lemon bars have received a near-perfect rating of 4.97 out of 5 from over 4,200 votes.
- The combination of a buttery shortbread crust and a thick, creamy lemon curd filling makes these bars irresistible.
Unlock the Secrets of Perfect Lemon Bars
The Irresistible Combination
The secret to these perfect lemon bars lies in the irresistible combination of the buttery shortbread crust and the thick, tangy lemon curd filling. The crust is made with melted butter, sugar, vanilla, salt, and flour, creating a rich, crumbly base. The lemon filling is a simple mixture of sugar, flour, eggs, and fresh lemon juice that bakes up into a dense, creamy layer. Together, the crust and filling create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that make these lemon bars truly irresistible.
The Essential Ingredients
The key to making the best lemon bars is using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the bright, tangy flavor that is the signature of this dessert. Unsalted butter creates a rich, tender crust, while sugar and flour help to structure both the crust and the filling. Eggs are essential for the thick, creamy lemon curd filling, binding all the ingredients together. With just 7 simple ingredients, you can create a lemon bar that is simply perfect.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1¾ cups |
| Cornstarch | ¼ cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 2 sticks (1 cup) |
| Large eggs | 6 |
| Granulated sugar | 3 cups |
| Lemon zest | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon juice | â…” cup |
| All-purpose flour (for filling) | â…” cup |
“The key to making the best lemon bars is using high-quality, fresh ingredients.”
Lemon Bars Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of homemade lemon bars with our easy-to-follow recipe. This classic dessert boasts a buttery shortbread crust and a creamy lemon filling that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect lemon bars right in your own kitchen.
Preparing the Shortbread Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of butter, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. Using a fork or your fingers, work the ingredients together until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough firmly into a 9×13-inch baking pan, making sure to cover the bottom and slightly up the sides.
Bake the crust for 20 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the lemon filling.
Creating the Lemon Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 2/3 cup of fresh lemon juice. Pour the lemon filling over the warm shortbread crust, ensuring an even distribution.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 18 to 20 minutes, or until the center of the filling is set. Allow the lemon bars to cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Finishing Touches
Once chilled, use a bench scraper or a sharp knife to cut the lemon bars into neat squares. Sift a generous amount of powdered sugar over the top, and serve these delightful treats to your family and friends.
With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create bakery-worthy lemon bars right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the perfect balance of buttery shortbread and tangy lemon filling in every bite!
Tips and Tricks for Lemon Bar Perfection
Achieving the perfect lemon bars requires a delicate balance of flavors and textures. To elevate the lemon flavor in these irresistible treats, we recommend using fresh lemon juice and lemon zest rather than bottled lemon juice, which lacks the vibrant and tangy taste of freshly squeezed citrus. For an extra punch of lemon, you can also create a lemon-infused sugar by pulsing the sugar and lemon zest together in a food processor.
Elevating the Lemon Flavor
To make the lemon-infused sugar, simply combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest in a food processor and pulse until the zest is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This fragrant, yellow-tinted sugar not only enhances the lemon flavor but also adds a beautiful visual appeal to the citrus desserts.
Achieving the Ideal Texture
Proper baking and chilling techniques are essential for achieving the perfect texture in lemon bars. Baking the shortbread crust at a lower temperature ensures it stays crisp and sturdy, while the lemon curd filling bakes up thick and creamy. After baking, allowing the bars to cool completely at room temperature and then chilling them in the refrigerator helps the filling set up to the ideal consistency. With these tips, you’ll end up with lemon bars that have a beautifully balanced texture, with a crisp crust and a rich, velvety filling.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Value | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Fat | 10.1 g | 15.5% |
| Saturated Fat | 5.8 g | 29.1% |
| Carbs | 39.3 g | 13.1% |
| Fiber | 1.5 g | 6.2% |
| Sugars | 24.1 g | – |
| Protein | 3.8 g | 7.6% |
| Sodium | 138.0 mg | 5.7% |
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect lemon bars that will have your guests raving. With their bright, tangy flavor and rich, velvety texture, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire of citrus desserts.
Conclusion
These lemon bars are a classic best lemon bars that are perfect for any occasion. With their bright, tangy flavor and irresistible texture, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. By following this easy, step-by-step easy homemade recipe and incorporating a few simple tips and tricks, we can bake up a batch of lemon bars that are truly exceptional. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing springtime treat or a crowd-pleasing classic lemon dessert for a special event, this lemon bars recipe is a surefire winner.
The combination of the buttery crust, the creamy lemon filling, and the dusting of powdered sugar creates a balanced and delightful dessert that will leave your taste buds craving more. With the right ingredients and attention to detail, we can elevate this classic lemon dessert to new heights and share it with loved ones for years to come.
So, let’s bake up a batch of these irresistible best lemon bars and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and tart in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply treating yourself, these easy homemade recipe lemon bars are sure to be a crowd-pleasing favorite.
FAQ
What ingredients are needed to make these lemon bars?
The key ingredients for these lemon bars include fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, unsalted butter, sugar, flour, and eggs.
How do the crust and filling work together to create the perfect lemon bar?
The buttery, crumbly shortbread crust provides the perfect base for the thick, creamy lemon curd filling, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
What is the secret to achieving maximum lemon flavor in these bars?
The secret is to use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, as well as making a lemon-infused sugar by pulsing the sugar and lemon zest together.
How do you ensure the perfect texture in the lemon bars?
Proper baking and chilling techniques are essential – baking the crust at a lower temperature, allowing the bars to cool completely, and then chilling them in the refrigerator helps the filling set up to the ideal consistency.
What makes this lemon bars recipe a crowd-pleasing treat?
The combination of the buttery shortbread crust and the thick, tangy lemon curd filling creates an irresistible dessert that is sure to be a hit with family and friends.