Craving a treat that perfectly balances tangy and sweet with a hint of spice? These Lemon Ginger Bars are your answer! With a buttery crust and a zesty filling, they make for a delightful dessert or a special snack.
All-purpose flour forms the base of both the crust and filling, giving structure and body. Unsalted butter is crucial for a rich, tender crust that contrasts beautifully with the zesty topping. Powdered sugar in the crust adds sweetness without heaviness, while granulated sugar in the filling balances the tartness of the lemons. Eggs provide richness and help the filling to set. The lemon zest and lemon juice bring that bright, refreshing citrus flavor that defines these bars. Fresh ginger adds a spicy warmth that complements the lemon. A touch of baking powder in the filling gives it a slight lift, and a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors.
These bars are wonderful on their own, but if you’re serving them after dinner, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements them beautifully. For a bit of elegance, serve with a cup of chamomile tea or a chilled glass of white wine.
First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you time to prep without the rush. In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of flour, softened butter, and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. You're aiming for a crumbly dough, so don't stress if it's not perfectly smooth.
Next, press this dough into an 8x8 inch baking pan. Make sure it’s an even layer—this will be the foundation of your bars. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until it's lightly golden. While that’s baking, let's get started on the filling.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of flour, baking powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, ginger, and salt until smooth. Aim for a lump-free mixture. Once your crust is ready, pour this lemon-ginger mixture over it, spreading evenly.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle. Let it cool to room temperature, then dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
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