5 Best Lemon Bars Recipes

delicious lemon bars recipes

When you think of lemon bars, you probably picture a tangy-sweet treat that brightens up any dessert table. You've got options, from the classic buttery shortbread base to gluten-free and vegan variations that cater to different dietary needs. There's even a twist with lemon blueberry bars that might just change your perception of this dessert. Each recipe brings its own unique flair, making it essential to find the right one for your next gathering. But which version will become your new favorite? Let's investigate the possibilities.

Classic Lemon Bars

tangy citrus dessert squares

Classic lemon bars are a delightful dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. With a buttery shortbread crust and a smooth, zesty lemon filling, these bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a summer picnic, a family gathering, or simply a treat to enjoy at home.

Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, classic lemon bars will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.

Gradually mix in the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.

While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder until well combined. Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon filling over the hot crust.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and dusting with powdered sugar.

Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and organic lemons, as they tend to have a more vibrant taste.

Make sure to let the lemon bars cool completely before cutting them, as this will help them set properly and make for cleaner slices.

If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the lemon filling or a few drops of vanilla extract.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, and enjoy them chilled for a revitalizing treat!

See also  5 Best Chocolate Chip Recipes

Gluten-Free Lemon Bars

delicious gluten free lemon bars

Gluten-free lemon bars are a delightful treat that captures the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons, combined with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. These bars are perfect for those who need to avoid gluten but still want to indulge in a classic dessert.

With a buttery crust made from gluten-free flour and a tangy lemon filling, they're sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while being safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of gluten-free flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt to create the crust.

Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch baking dish, and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of gluten-free flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.

Pour this lemon filling over the pre-baked crust and return it to the oven for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.

Allow it to cool completely before cutting into squares and dusting with powdered sugar if desired.

Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. This improves the tartness and aroma of the bars.

If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to suit your taste.

Additionally, make sure to check that your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum, as this will help give the bars structure.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, and enjoy them chilled for a revitalizing dessert!

Vegan Lemon Bars

delicious plant based lemon dessert

Vegan lemon bars are a delightful and invigorating dessert that captures the zesty flavor of lemons without any animal products.

These bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust paired with a smooth, tangy lemon filling, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're vegan or just looking to try something new, these lemon bars are sure to brighten your day and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

See also  5 Best Icing For Cookies Recipes

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and melted coconut oil until crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust and bake for about 15 minutes.

While the crust is baking, whisk together the almond milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl until smooth.

Once the crust is done, pour the lemon filling over it and return to the oven to bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set.

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Extra Tips:

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of turmeric to the filling for a vibrant yellow hue or even a dash of turmeric to the crust for an earthy flavor.

Make sure to use fresh lemons for the best taste and aroma. You can also refrigerate the bars for a couple of hours before serving, as they taste even better chilled.

Finally, dust the tops with additional powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your delicious vegan lemon bars!

Lemon Blueberry Bars

lemon blueberry dessert bars

Lemon Blueberry Bars are a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar, combining the tartness of fresh lemons with the sweetness of blueberries for an irresistible treat. Perfect for summer picnics, brunches, or simply as a revitalizing dessert, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress family and friends.

The buttery crust complements the zesty lemon filling while the blueberries add a pop of color and flavor, making each bite a delicious experience.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar, then cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust. Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt in a separate bowl until well combined. Gently fold in the blueberries, then pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly golden. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

See also  5 Best Cream Puff Recipes

Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe blueberries and freshly squeezed lemon juice. If you want to amplify the blueberry flavor, consider tossing the berries in a little flour before adding them to the lemon mixture; this can help prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

To make cutting easier, chill the bars in the refrigerator for a few hours after they cool to room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation!

Lemon Meringue Bars

tangy citrus dessert bars

Lemon Meringue Bars are a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar, combining a tangy lemon filling with a fluffy meringue topping that's sure to impress.

These bars have a buttery crust that complements the zesty lemon flavor perfectly, while the meringue adds a light and airy texture. Ideal for tea parties, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home, these Lemon Meringue Bars are as beautiful as they're delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter, mixing until crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.

Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl until well combined. Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust and return to the oven for an additional 20 minutes.

While the bars are baking, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar in a clean bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.

Once the lemon filling is set, remove the bars from the oven and spread the meringue on top. Return to the oven for 10 minutes or until the meringue is lightly browned. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.

Extra Tips:

To achieve the best results, make sure that your egg whites are at room temperature before beating, as this will help them reach their maximum volume.

Be cautious not to over-bake the meringue, or it may become dry and lose its soft texture. For an added touch, you can use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the meringue for a beautiful golden finish.

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for a revitalizing treat the next day, but be aware that the meringue may lose some of its fluffiness over time.


Posted

in

by