Honey Lemon Basil Bars

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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Welcome to the delightful world of Honey Lemon Basil Bars! These treats are a refreshing twist on the classic lemon bar, combining the sweetness of honey and the fresh aroma of basil. Perfect for a sunny afternoon or a lively gathering, they offer a burst of flavor in each bite.

Ingredients for Honey Lemon Basil Bars

The buttery crust is the foundation of our bars, created using a mixture of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter. The sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps in binding the crust. By cutting in the butter, you achieve a crumbly texture that becomes perfectly crisp once baked.

The filling is where the magic happens. Honey not only sweetens but brings a distinct floral note that complements the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. These give the bars their signature tang. Eggs help to bind everything together, while basil adds a surprising yet delightful aromatic twist. Baking powder and salt ensure a nice texture and enhance the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled juice won't give the same zing.
  • Chop the basil finely to ensure even distribution and avoid overpowering bites.
  • Chill the bars in the fridge for easier slicing and a firmer texture.

Serving Suggestions

These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of chamomile tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a refreshing twist, serve alongside a summer fruit salad with berries and mint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended for its aroma and flavor. If you must use dried, use about one-third of the amount and expect a milder flavor.
How should I store these bars?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Honey Lemon Basil Bars Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x9-inch baking pan. This ensures your bars don't stick, making for easy removal later.

In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Add the butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is your crust, so press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.

Bake this crust for about 15 minutes until it turns a lovely light golden color. This pre-bake step ensures that your crust remains firm under the lemon filling. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly.

For the filling, whisk 1 cup of granulated sugar with eggs, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and basil in a separate bowl. Once everything is combined smoothly, stir in the baking powder and salt. Pour this luscious mixture over your pre-baked crust.

Place the pan back in the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the filling is set and the top shows just a hint of browning. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, add a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Finally, cut into bars and serve these delightful treats to your eager guests.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A unique combination of sweet honey and tangy lemon with aromatic basil.
  • Simple to make with ingredients you likely have at home.
  • Perfect balance of flavors that feels gourmet yet comforting.
  • Ideal for showcasing fresh, seasonal basil.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
4. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar, eggs, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped basil until well combined.
5. Stir in the baking powder and salt, mixing until smooth.
6. Pour the lemon mixture over the pre-baked crust and return to the oven.
7. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top begins to lightly brown.
8. Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar.
9. Cut into bars and serve.

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