Delightful Citrus Dream Bars
These Delightful Citrus Dream Bars combine a buttery, crumbly base with a luscious, zesty lemon filling that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply indulging yourself at home, these bars are a refreshing treat that effortlessly balance sweetness with a citrusy punch. Every bite is a burst of sunshine, inviting you to savor the smooth texture and vibrant flavors that are sure to become a family favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups (divided - 2 cups for the crust and 1/4 cup for the filling)
powdered sugar
1/2 cup (for the crust, plus additional for dusting)
butter or margarine
1 cup (softened)
eggs
4 large (whisked)
sugar
2 cups (granulated)
lemon juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (for the filling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Whisk together until fully incorporated.
3
Cut in 1 cup of softened butter or margarine using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4
Firmly press the crumbly mixture into the bottom of a greased 13x9 inch baking pan to form an even layer.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the crust is set.
6
In a separate large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs until frothy.
7
Gradually add 2 cups of sugar and 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice to the eggs, whisking until well combined.
8
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of flour with 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Whisk this dry mixture into the egg mixture until smooth and fully integrated.
9
Pour the lemon batter over the pre-baked crust in the pan, spreading it evenly.
10
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
11
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.
12
Dust the cooled bars with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Delightful Citrus Dream Bars?
They are a refreshing dessert featuring a buttery crust and a zesty lemon filling.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What is the first step in making the crust?
Whisk 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar in a medium bowl.
How do I incorporate the butter into the crust?
Cut in 1 cup of softened butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
What type of baking pan is needed?
A greased 13x9 inch baking pan is required for this recipe.
How long does the crust bake for?
The crust should bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
How do I know the crust is done?
The edges should be lightly browned and the crust should be set.
How many eggs are used in the filling?
The filling requires 4 large eggs.
How should the eggs be prepared?
Whisk the eggs in a large bowl until they are frothy.
How much sugar goes into the lemon filling?
The filling uses 2 cups of granulated sugar.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the role of the remaining flour?
The remaining 1/4 cup of flour is mixed with baking powder and added to the filling.
How much baking powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
When do I add the lemon batter to the pan?
Pour the batter over the pre-baked crust after it has finished its initial baking period.
How long do the bars bake after adding the filling?
Bake for an additional 25 minutes.
What is the total amount of flour used in the whole recipe?
A total of 2 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour is used.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either softened butter or margarine.
How should the bars be cooled?
Allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
What is the final touch before serving?
Dust the cooled bars with additional powdered sugar.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is described as luscious, smooth, and zesty.
What are some suggested occasions for these bars?
They are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a family treat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: flour, powdered sugar, butter, eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and baking powder.
Should the lemon juice be fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifies using freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
How do I ensure the crust is even?
Firmly press the crumbly mixture into the bottom of the pan to form a level layer.
What color should the filling be when finished?
The filling should be set and lightly golden on top.
Is the sugar in the crust different from the filling?
Yes, the crust uses powdered sugar while the filling uses granulated sugar.
When should I cut the bars into squares?
Wait until the bars have cooled completely before cutting them.
What tools can I use to mix the butter?
You can use a pastry blender or a fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture.
What is the main flavor profile?
It is a balance of sweetness with a vibrant citrusy punch.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a family favorite.