Lemon Dream Bars
Indulge in the bright and zesty flavors of these Lemon Dream Bars! Layered with a buttery crust and a refreshing lemon filling, these bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet and tangy dessert, these bars are sure to impress. With a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, they make for a perfect end to a meal or a midday snack. Serve them dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish, and enjoy the sunshine in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/3 cup (softened)
sugar
3/4 cup (divided)
all-purpose flour
1 cup (for crust)
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (for filling)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/8 teaspoon
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed or more to taste)
lemon peel
1 tablespoon (freshly grated or more to taste)
eggs
2
powdered sugar
as needed (for dusting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and flour. Beat at medium speed until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
3
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 8 or 9-inch square baking pan, making sure to create an even layer.
4
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
5
While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In the same mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, lemon juice, lemon peel, and eggs. Beat at medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well mixed.
6
Once the crust is done, pour the lemon filling over the hot crust, spreading it evenly.
7
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 17 to 20 minutes, or until the top is a light golden brown.
8
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
9
For easy cutting, line the baking pan with aluminum foil before greasing. Once cooled, lift the foil out of the pan to remove the bars easily, peel off the foil, and cut into squares.
10
Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lemon Dream Bars?
Lemon Dream Bars are a bright and zesty dessert consisting of a buttery crust and a refreshing lemon filling, often finished with a dusting of powdered sugar.
What is the flavor profile of these bars?
These bars feature a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness with citrus notes from fresh lemon juice and peel.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before you begin baking.
What size baking pan is recommended for this recipe?
An 8 or 9-inch square baking pan is recommended for the best results.
How much butter do I need for the crust?
You will need 1/3 cup of softened butter for the crust mixture.
Do I need to soften the butter before starting?
Yes, the butter should be softened so it can be beaten with sugar and flour until creamy.
How much sugar is required for the entire recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of sugar in total, which is divided between the crust and the filling.
How much flour is used in the crust versus the filling?
The crust requires 1 cup of all-purpose flour, while the filling requires 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
How long should the crust bake initially?
The crust should be baked for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
What ingredients are in the lemon filling?
The filling consists of sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, lemon juice, lemon peel, and 2 eggs.
How many eggs are used in the filling?
Two eggs are used in the lemon filling mixture.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, though you can add more to taste.
Should I use fresh lemon peel?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon peel for the best flavor.
What is the purpose of adding salt to the filling?
A small amount of salt (1/8 teaspoon) is added to the filling to balance the sweetness and enhance the lemon flavor.
Should the lemon filling be poured over a hot or cold crust?
The lemon filling should be poured over the hot crust immediately after it is removed from its first bake.
How long do the bars bake after adding the filling?
After adding the filling, bake the bars for an additional 17 to 20 minutes until the top is a light golden brown.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the top has turned a light golden brown color.
What is the best way to remove the bars from the pan?
For easy removal, line the pan with aluminum foil before greasing; once cooled, lift the foil out and peel it off the bars.
Should the bars be cooled before cutting?
Yes, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove or cut them.
When should I add the powdered sugar?
Dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finish and extra sweetness.
Is baking powder used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder is included in the lemon filling.
What mixing speed should I use for the crust?
Beat the butter, sugar, and flour at medium speed until well combined and creamy.
What mixing speed is used for the filling?
The filling ingredients should be beaten at medium speed until the mixture is smooth.
Can I adjust the amount of lemon flavor?
Yes, you can add more lemon juice or lemon peel to taste if you prefer a tarter bar.
Are these bars considered a dessert or a snack?
They are versatile and can be served as a dessert at the end of a meal or as a midday snack.
What texture can I expect from the crust?
The crust is buttery and firm, providing a solid base for the soft lemon filling.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, the baking pan should be greased to prevent sticking, even if using aluminum foil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients total: butter, sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, lemon juice, lemon peel, eggs, and powdered sugar.
What tags describe this recipe?
Common tags for this recipe include lemon bars, dessert, citrus, baking, sweet, tangy, and easy dessert.
Is this recipe suitable for hosting gatherings?
Yes, these bars are an impressive treat that is perfect for hosting or any special occasion.