Lemon Iced Tea Dream Bars
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of summer with these Lemon Iced Tea Dream Bars! Inspired by the beloved Arnold Palmer beverage, these delightful dessert bars feature a buttery crust topped with a luscious filling that marries the citrus brightness of lemon with the rich depth of unsweetened tea. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or an afternoon treat, these bars are easy to make and are sure to impress your friends and family. Serve chilled, dusted with powdered sugar, and ready to be enjoyed with a glass of iced tea!
N/A
Servings
20
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (softened)
granulated sugar
1/2 cup (divided into two portions - 1/2 cup for crust and 3/4 cup for filling)
all-purpose flour
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons (separated for crust and filling)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
unsweetened tea
1/2 cup (reduced to 1/4 cup)
large eggs
3 (lightly beaten)
lemon juice
1/4 cup
lemon zest
2 teaspoons
powdered sugar
2 tablespoons (for dusting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Cream the mixture together with a hand mixer or whisk until it is smooth and light in color.
3
Gradually add in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir until a dough forms.
4
Press this dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it covers the entire base.
5
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
6
For the topping, bring 1/2 cup of unsweetened tea to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat, allowing it to reduce down to 1/4 cup. Once reduced, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
7
In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons of lemon zest until well blended.
8
Stir in the reduced tea, mixing until smooth and well combined.
9
Pour the tea mixture over the cooled crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
10
Lower the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
11
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 16 equal squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
0.25g
Protein
1.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lemon Iced Tea Dream Bars?
They are a refreshing summer dessert featuring a buttery crust and a filling that combines lemon and tea flavors.
What beverage inspired these dessert bars?
These bars are inspired by the beloved Arnold Palmer beverage.
What is the first step in preparing the oven?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size pan is required for this recipe?
You should use a 9x9-inch square baking pan.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Grease the pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
How do you make the crust dough?
Cream 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth, then stir in 1 cup flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
How long does the crust need to bake?
Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes.
How do I know when the crust is done baking?
The edges should be golden brown.
How do I prepare the tea for the filling?
Bring 1/2 cup of unsweetened tea to a simmer and reduce it down to 1/4 cup.
What ingredients are whisked together for the filling?
Whisk 3 tablespoons flour, 3/4 cup sugar, 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons lemon zest.
At what temperature should the bars be baked after adding the filling?
Lower the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
How long is the second baking period?
Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes.
How can I tell if the filling is set?
The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
How should the bars be cooled?
Allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe makes 16 equal squares.
What is the recommended final garnish?
Dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving.
What type of tea is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for unsweetened tea.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
This recipe requires 3 large eggs.
What is the calorie count per bar?
Each bar contains 20 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is 1g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 2.5g of carbohydrates.
How much sugar is in each bar?
Each serving contains 1.5g of sugar.
What are the primary flavor profiles of these bars?
The flavors are citrus brightness from lemon and rich depth from tea.
Is this recipe suitable for summer events?
Yes, it is tagged for summer and is perfect for picnics or barbecues.
Should these bars be served warm or cold?
They should be served chilled.
What amount of lemon juice is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of lemon juice.
How much lemon zest is required?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of lemon zest.
How much protein is in each serving?
There is 0.25g of protein per serving.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe.
How much butter is required for the crust?
You need 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter.