Deliciously Tangy Lemon Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust
Indulge in these delightful Lemon Bars, featuring a perfectly buttery shortbread crust that melts in your mouth. The tartness of fresh lemon juice balances harmoniously with the sweetness of the filling, creating a refreshing treat that’s ideal for any occasion. This simplified version of classic lemon bars uses melted butter for the crust, making preparation a breeze without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply enjoying at home, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. Meyer lemons can be used for a unique twist, enhancing the sweetness of each bite.
12
Servings
240
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
Confectioners' sugar
1 cup (sifted)
Butter
1 cup (melted)
Eggs
4 (lightly beaten)
White sugar
1.5 cups (granulated)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (preferably aluminum-free)
All-purpose flour
1/4 cup (for mixing with sugar)
Lemon juice
5/8 cup (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it generously, ensuring to coat the sides well to prevent sticking.
2
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and confectioners' sugar until fully combined. If the confectioners' sugar has lumps, make sure to pass it through a fine mesh strainer.
3
Pour in the melted butter and mix until the dry ingredients are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
4
Bake the shortbread crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until it turns a light golden color.
5
While the crust is baking, beat the eggs in a large bowl until they are light and frothy.
6
In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups white sugar, baking powder, and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to break up any lumps.
7
Gradually add the sugar mixture to the beaten eggs, stirring until completely incorporated.
8
Stir in the fresh lemon juice until the filling mixture is smooth and well blended.
9
Once the shortbread crust is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon filling over the warm crust.
10
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the bars appear set in the center and lightly golden on top.
11
Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing them into squares. For a fancy touch, dust with additional confectioners' sugar before serving.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
34g
Carbs
2.67g
Protein
18.67g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Deliciously Tangy Lemon Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust?
These are a refreshing dessert treat featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a balanced sweet and tart lemon filling.
What makes the crust of these lemon bars special?
The crust is a buttery shortbread that melts in your mouth and uses melted butter for easier preparation.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan generously, ensuring the sides are well-coated to prevent sticking.
How are the dry ingredients for the crust prepared?
Sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of confectioners' sugar in a medium bowl until fully combined.
What should I do if my confectioners' sugar has lumps?
Pass the sugar through a fine mesh strainer to remove any lumps before mixing.
How do I incorporate the butter into the crust?
Pour 1 cup of melted butter into the sifted flour and sugar, mixing until the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
How is the crust formed in the pan?
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared 9x13 inch pan to form an even layer.
How long does the shortbread crust need to bake?
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes.
What color should the crust be after the initial bake?
The crust should be a light golden color before adding the filling.
How should the eggs be prepared for the lemon filling?
Beat 4 eggs in a large bowl until they are light and frothy.
What dry ingredients are combined for the filling?
Mix 1 1/2 cups white sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour thoroughly to break up lumps.
How do I mix the sugar mixture into the eggs?
Gradually add the sugar mixture to the beaten eggs, stirring until completely incorporated.
When is the lemon juice added to the recipe?
Stir in 5/8 cup of fresh lemon juice after the eggs and sugar mixture are blended.
What should the consistency of the filling be?
The filling mixture should be stirred until it is smooth and well blended.
Should the filling be poured over a hot or cold crust?
Pour the lemon filling over the crust while it is still warm from its initial 15-minute bake.
How long is the final baking time for the lemon bars?
Bake the bars for an additional 30 minutes once the filling has been added.
How can I tell when the lemon bars are done?
The bars are done when they appear set in the center and are lightly golden on top.
How should the lemon bars be cooled?
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to slice them.
How are the lemon bars typically served?
Slice the cooled bars into squares and optionally dust them with additional confectioners' sugar.
Can I use different types of lemons for this recipe?
Yes, Meyer lemons can be used for a unique twist and to enhance the sweetness of the bars.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
How much fat is in each serving?
There is 10g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of a lemon bar?
Each bar contains 34g of carbohydrates.
How much sugar is in one serving?
There is 18.67g of sugar in each serving.
How much protein does a serving provide?
Each serving provides 2.67g of protein.
How many individual ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 ingredients: flour, confectioners' sugar, butter, eggs, white sugar, baking powder, and lemon juice.
Is baking powder necessary for the filling?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of baking powder (preferably aluminum-free) is used in the filling.
What is the recommended size for the baking pan?
A standard 9x13 inch baking pan is recommended for these bars.