Easy Lemon Bars

$To make these easy lemon bars, gather the following ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - A pinch of salt - Extra powdered sugar for dusting When measuring flour, spoon it into a cup and level it off. This step helps avoid using too much flour. For the lemon juice, always use fresh lemons for the best taste. Zest the lemons before juicing; it adds a fragrant kick to your bars. You can swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. Instead of unsalted butter, you can use coconut oil for a dairy-free option. For the lemon juice, a mix of lime and lemon juice works if you prefer a twist. If you like a sweeter bar, add more granulated sugar or use honey as a natural sweetener. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. Next, grab an 8x8 inch pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving extra paper on the sides. This helps you lift the bars out later. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix it well until it looks like coarse crumbs. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan. Bake it for about 15 minutes. You want it to be lightly golden. While the crust bakes, it’s time to make the lemon filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Add 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Don’t forget to add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Mix until it’s smooth and well combined. Once the crust is done, take it out of the oven. Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes. You want the center to be set and the edges lightly golden. After baking, let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles and dust with extra powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your homemade lemon bars! To get a great crust, use cold butter. Cold butter makes a flaky base. Mix the flour and powdered sugar well before adding the melted butter. This helps the crust stay crisp. Press the crust mixture into the pan firmly. It should be even and smooth. Bake it until golden, but don't overdo it. A light color means a perfect crust. You can change the sweetness and tartness of your lemon bars. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more sugar to the filling. For more tartness, use extra lemon juice. I often use the zest of two lemons for more flavor. Taste the filling before baking. This ensures it meets your taste. Remember, the flavor may change slightly once baked. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in your lemon bars. Use fresh lemons for the juice and zest. Bottled lemon juice lacks the bright flavor of fresh juice. It can make your dessert taste flat. Also, check your eggs; they should be fresh for the best taste. Fresh ingredients lead to a tastier treat overall. Trust me; it’s worth the effort. You can find the full recipe above for all the delicious details! {{image_2}} You can easily add your favorite fruits to the lemon bars. Berries like raspberries or blueberries work well. Just fold in one cup of fresh or frozen berries into the lemon filling. The berries add a lovely color and taste. You can also try adding a splash of vanilla for a warm note. This twist makes the bars more fun and unique! If you need gluten-free lemon bars, swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix. These options work well and keep the texture light. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly since different flours can change how the bars set. Always check for doneness by looking for a firm center. Serving lemon bars can be fun! Try topping your bars with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tasty treat. For a more elegant touch, drizzle some raspberry sauce over the bars before serving. Dusting with extra powdered sugar adds a nice finish too. These ideas make each bite even more delightful! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Store your lemon bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and moist. You can place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Always let them cool completely before storage. This prevents condensation that can make them soggy. In the fridge, lemon bars last about one week. Make sure to keep them covered. If you notice any signs of spoilage, it’s best to throw them out. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste! You can freeze lemon bars to enjoy later. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. They will stay good for up to three months. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. You can tell lemon bars are done when the center is set. The edges should be slightly golden. A small jiggle in the middle is okay. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes. Let them cool completely to firm up more. Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice. However, fresh juice tastes better. Fresh juice adds bright flavor. It also gives a nice zest to the bars. If using bottled juice, pick a high-quality brand for the best taste. To cut lemon bars, use a sharp knife. First, let them cool in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty look. Use your knife to score lines first. Then, cut through for even squares or rectangles. To make lemon bars firmer, add an extra egg. You can also bake them a bit longer. Ensure you cool them fully before cutting. If you like a thicker crust, increase the flour slightly. The Full Recipe has all the details you need! You’ve learned how to make delicious lemon bars. We covered all the ingredients and measurements. You can now prepare the crust and filling with ease. Remember the tips for a perfect dessert and try the fun variations. Don’t forget about storing leftovers or freezing extras. With this guide, you’re ready to bake and enjoy lemon bars that impress. Keep experimenting and savor every bite!$

Indulge in the refreshing taste of Zesty Lemon Dream Bars! Perfectly sweet and tangy, these treats are incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients. Discover how to create the ideal crust and luscious lemon filling through our step-by-step guide. Whether for a sunny day snack or a delightful dessert, these bars will brighten your table. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a burst of citrus joy to your kitchen!

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Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

A pinch of salt

Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press this crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl until well combined.

Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.

Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares or rectangles.

Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 9-12 bars