Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar

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There’s something incredibly delightful about the tangy sweetness of lemon bars, topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar. These classic treats have been a staple in many households, including my own, where they are often requested for family gatherings and special occasions. The balance of tart lemon filling and buttery shortbread crust is what makes lemon bars so irresistible. My family, who are ardent dessert enthusiasts, have given this recipe their seal of approval time and again. As soon as they come out of the oven, the enticing aroma fills the house, drawing everyone to the kitchen for a taste. Within minutes, the lemon bars disappear, leaving behind only a few crumbs and satisfied smiles. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

The beauty of lemon bars lies in their simplicity, requiring just a handful of ingredients to create a delectable dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• Additional powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Creating lemon bars is a straightforward process that doesn’t require any special equipment or advanced baking skills. Follow these steps to make your own batch:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, 2 cups of flour, and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Mix until the dough is crumbly and well combined.

3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, forming the crust. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown.

4. While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, 1/3 cup of flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and well blended.

5. Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.

6. Remove the lemon bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, dust the top with a generous amount of powdered sugar.

7. Cut the lemon bars into squares or rectangles, and serve. Enjoy the burst of citrus flavor and buttery crust!

Nutrition Facts

Each batch of lemon bars yields approximately 24 servings, depending on how you cut them. Here are the nutrition facts per serving:

• Calories: 180

Preparation Time

One of the best aspects of this lemon bar recipe is the minimal preparation time required. The entire process, from start to finish, takes about an hour, with the following breakdown:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

How to Serve

While lemon bars are delightful on their own, there are several ways you can serve them to enhance their appeal:

• Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing treat.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
• Garnish with fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for added color and flavor.
• Dust with extra powdered sugar just before serving for a snowy effect.
• Present on a decorative platter during holiday gatherings or afternoon teas.

Additional Tips

To ensure your lemon bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these additional tips:

1. Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor, so avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.

2. Chill before cutting: Allow the lemon bars to cool completely, and even chill them in the refrigerator before cutting to ensure clean, even slices.

3. Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a more tart lemon bar, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling slightly to suit your taste.

4. Line your baking dish: For easy removal, line the baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the bars out effortlessly.

5. Experiment with flavors: Add a touch of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to the filling for a subtle depth of flavor.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about making lemon bars, along with their answers:

1. Can I use a different type of citrus? Absolutely! While lemon bars are traditional, you can substitute lime or orange juice and zest for a different flavor profile.

2. How do I store leftover lemon bars? Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

3. Can I make gluten-free lemon bars? Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.

4. Why is my filling runny? If the filling is too runny, it may not have baked long enough. Ensure the filling is set before removing from the oven, and allow it to cool completely.

5. Do I need to refrigerate lemon bars before serving? It’s not necessary, but refrigerating them can enhance the texture and make them easier to cut.