Grandma's Classic Lemon Delight Bars
Indulge in the zesty goodness of Grandma's Classic Lemon Delight Bars! These bars feature a perfectly buttery crust that combines the richness of butter and shortening for an irresistibly flaky texture. The luscious, tangy lemon filling balances sweet and tart flavors, making every bite a refreshing treat. Topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, these bars are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or just a sweet escape at home. Once you try these, they’ll become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1 3/4 cups (Measure flour for the crust and filling.)
butter
1/2 cup (Softened at room temperature.)
shortening
1/2 cup (Softened at room temperature.)
powdered sugar
1/2 cup (For the crust.)
sugar
2 cups (For the filling.)
eggs
4 (Large eggs, lightly beaten.)
flour
4 tablespoons (For the filling.)
lemon juice
5-6 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed for best flavor.)
powdered sugar
as needed (For dusting on top before serving.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of shortening, and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Mix until crumbly and well incorporated.
3
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer for the crust.
4
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
5
While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of sugar, 4 eggs, 4 tablespoons of flour, and 5 to 6 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. For added tang, feel free to adjust the lemon juice to your taste.
6
Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon filling over the hot crust, spreading it evenly.
7
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the edges begin to brown slightly.
8
After removing the bars from the oven, dust the top generously with powdered sugar while they are still warm.
9
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grandma's Classic Lemon Delight Bars?
These are zesty dessert bars featuring a buttery, flaky crust and a tangy lemon filling, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you begin baking.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
You should use a 9x13-inch baking pan for these lemon bars.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Grease the 9x13-inch baking pan before adding the crust mixture.
What makes the crust so flaky?
The crust uses a combination of 1/2 cup of butter and 1/2 cup of shortening to achieve an irresistibly flaky texture.
What ingredients are needed for the crust?
The crust requires 1 3/4 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of shortening, and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
How long does the crust need to bake initially?
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until it is lightly golden.
What ingredients are in the lemon filling?
The filling consists of 2 cups of sugar, 4 eggs, 4 tablespoons of flour, and 5 to 6 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Can I adjust the tartness of the lemon bars?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of lemon juice (5 to 6 tablespoons) to your personal taste for added tang.
Should the crust be hot or cold when I add the filling?
You should pour the lemon filling over the hot crust immediately after removing it from the oven.
How long do the bars bake after adding the filling?
Return the bars to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes after adding the filling.
How do I know when the lemon bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the edges begin to brown slightly.
When should I add the powdered sugar topping?
Dust the top generously with powdered sugar while the bars are still warm from the oven.
Do I need to let the bars cool before cutting them?
Yes, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
This recipe requires 4 large eggs for the lemon filling.
Should I use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best and most authentic flavor.
What state should the butter be in for the crust?
The butter should be softened at room temperature before mixing.
What state should the shortening be in?
Like the butter, the shortening should be softened at room temperature.
Is there flour in the filling as well as the crust?
Yes, 1 3/4 cups are used for the crust and 4 tablespoons are used for the filling.
What kind of sugar is used in the crust?
The crust uses 1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
What kind of sugar is used in the filling?
The filling uses 2 cups of regular granulated sugar.
How do I mix the crust ingredients?
Mix the flour, butter, shortening, and powdered sugar until the mixture is crumbly and well incorporated.
How do I ensure the crust is even?
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even layer.
Are these bars suitable for gatherings?
Yes, they are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a family treat.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 9 ingredients in total: flour, butter, shortening, powdered sugar, sugar, eggs, and lemon juice (some used in multiple steps).
What is the primary flavor profile of these bars?
They offer a balance of sweet and tart flavors with a rich, buttery finish.
Should the eggs be beaten before adding them to the filling?
Yes, the 4 large eggs should be lightly beaten before whisking them with the other filling ingredients.
Can I add lemon zest for more flavor?
While not in the original recipe, many bakers add zest to the filling for an extra citrus punch.
What tags describe this recipe?
Common tags include lemon bars, dessert, sweet, treat, citrus, baking, family recipe, and party food.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is described as Grandma's Classic recipe, suggesting a traditional and time-tested method.