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Lemon Dream Bars Recipe

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4.4 from 21 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 53 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x

Description

Lemon Dream Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a tangy and sweet lemon filling. These bars are baked to perfection with a soft, luscious texture and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, these bars balance citrusy freshness with rich buttery goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Filling

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
  • Zest of 2 lemons

For Finishing

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This ensures easy removal of bars after baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender and crumbly crust texture.
  3. Mix Crust Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter-sugar mixture and stir until a crumbly dough forms, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  4. Press and Bake Crust: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, indicating the crust is set and partially baked to hold the filling.
  5. Make the Lemon Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and combined, providing a creamy base for the filling.
  6. Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking powder, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest, whisking until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
  7. Assemble Bars: Pour the lemon filling over the warm baked crust to ensure it spreads evenly and sets properly during the second bake.
  8. Bake the Bars: Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 22 to 25 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set and the edges are slightly golden, indicating doneness.
  9. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool entirely in the pan to ensure they firm up to the perfect texture and are easy to slice.
  10. Finish and Serve: Once cooled, dust the bars generously with powdered sugar, cut into 16 squares, and serve for a delightful citrusy treat.

Notes

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness in the filling.
  • Allow the bars to cool fully before slicing to avoid a runny filling.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
  • You can add a pinch of turmeric or yellow food coloring for a more vibrant lemon color, if desired.
  • These bars freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 43 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://falafelsrecipe.com/lemon-dream-bars-recipe/