Zesty Lemon Bars – A Citrusy Delight
Lemon bars are a perfect blend of tangy lemon flavor and sweet buttery goodness. With a rich, shortbread crust and a luscious, creamy lemon filling, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Whether you’re serving them at a picnic, party, or just enjoying them with a cup of tea, these homemade lemon bars are sure to brighten your day. Let’s dive into this easy recipe for making a batch of these irresistible treats from scratch!
Ingredients:
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup (226g) Noids infused butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (Noids Sugar Optional)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar (Noids sugar Optional)
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- ⅔ cup (160ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 23 x 33 cm baking tray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
-
Mix the dough: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined. The dough will be crumbly, but that’s okay—just press it together.
-
Press into the pan: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish and press it evenly into the bottom of the dish to form an even layer.
-
Bake the crust: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Filling
-
Whisk the filling ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and whisk until everything is fully combined and smooth.
-
Pour over the crust: Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly across the surface.
Step 4: Bake the Lemon Bars
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center. The top should look slightly firm, but not browned.
Step 5: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Remove the lemon bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang, and place them on a cutting board. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to slice the lemon bars into squares or rectangles. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices.
Pro Tips:
- For extra tartness, you can add a bit more lemon zest or a tablespoon of lemon juice to the filling.
- Chill before serving: These lemon bars taste even better after chilling in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, allowing the flavors to set and the bars to firm up.
Serving Suggestions: Serve these lemon bars at room temperature or chilled. They make a fantastic dessert on their own or paired with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite of these homemade lemon bars!
Share: