Classic Lemon Bars are a delightful combination of tangy and sweet, with a buttery crust that melts in your mouth. They're the perfect treat for a bright and refreshing dessert, making them a timeless favorite for gatherings or a simple afternoon snack.
The base of these bars is the butter, which provides richness and helps create that crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The flour forms the structure of both the crust and the filling. Granulated sugar sweetens the crust and filling, balancing the tartness of the lemons. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. The eggs give the filling its smooth, custard-like consistency, while the lemon juice and zest deliver that bold citrus punch. Finally, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a pretty finish.
These lemon bars are lovely on their own, but you can dress them up for a fancier occasion by serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprig of mint. They also pair beautifully with a light, herbal tea for a refreshing afternoon treat.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your crust will bake evenly and get that lovely golden color. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish so your bars don’t stick.
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter, 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix these until they resemble a crumbly dough. This might take a little arm work if you're doing it by hand, but it’s worth it for that perfect texture.
Press this crumbly mixture into your prepared baking dish. Try to get an even layer by pressing down with your fingers or the back of a spoon. Pop this into the oven for about 20 minutes or until you see a nice golden hue.
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In another bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/2 cups of sugar and 1/4 cup flour. This helps prevent clumps in your filling. Add the eggs one by one, whisking after each addition. Then, pour in the lemon juice and zest. Mix until you have a smooth, uniform filling.
Once the crust comes out of the oven, pour the lemon mixture over it while it’s still hot. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and doesn’t jiggle when you shake the pan gently.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar. This not only looks beautiful but adds an extra layer of sweetness. Slice into bars and enjoy!
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