Zesty Lemon Dream Bars
These Zesty Lemon Dream Bars offer a delightful and refreshing twist on classic cookie bars. With their vibrant lemon flavor and tangy filling, they provide a perfect counterbalance to sweeter holiday treats. Light yet satisfying, these bars are sure to impress your guests and stand out on any dessert platter. Plus, they can be easily frozen for up to a month, making them a fantastic option for holiday baking or any special occasion. Indulge in the perfect combination of tartness and sweetness with every bite!
40
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
3/4 cup (softened)
sugar
1 3/4 cups (divided (1/2 cup for crust, 1 1/4 cups for topping))
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups (divided (2 cups for crust, 1/4 cup for topping))
eggs
4 (none)
lemon rind
2 tablespoons (finely grated)
lemon juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (none)
icing sugar
1 tablespoon (for dusting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
Grease a 13 x 9 inch (33 x 23 cm) cake pan and set aside.
3
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4
Gradually add in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and mix until just combined.
5
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, forming a solid base layer.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a cooling rack.
7
For the lemon topping, beat 4 eggs and the 1 1/4 cups of sugar in a bowl until the mixture is pale and thick.
8
Stir in the finely grated lemon rind, lemon juice, remaining 1/4 cup of flour, and baking powder. Mix until well combined and smooth.
9
Once the base has cooled, pour the lemon mixture evenly over the top.
10
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the filling is set.
11
After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack.
12
Once cool, dust the top with icing sugar, then cut into 40 bars for serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Lemon Dream Bars?
Zesty Lemon Dream Bars are a refreshing dessert featuring a vibrant lemon flavor and a tangy filling on a solid crust.
How many bars does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 40 bars.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C).
What size pan is required for these bars?
You will need a 13 x 9 inch (33 x 23 cm) cake pan.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Grease the cake pan thoroughly before starting the recipe.
What ingredients are needed for the crust?
The crust consists of 3/4 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How should the butter be prepared for the base?
The butter should be softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
How long should the crust bake?
The crust needs to bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Does the crust need to cool before adding the topping?
Yes, the base should cool completely on a cooling rack before the lemon mixture is added.
What are the ingredients for the lemon topping?
The topping includes 4 eggs, 1 1/4 cups sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon rind, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup flour, and 1 teaspoon baking powder.
How do I prepare the lemon filling?
Beat the eggs and sugar until pale and thick, then stir in the lemon rind, juice, flour, and baking powder.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How much lemon rind is used?
Use 2 tablespoons of finely grated lemon rind for maximum flavor.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
A total of 4 eggs are used in the lemon topping.
How long is the second baking stage?
The bars should bake for an additional 25-30 minutes once the topping is added.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the lemon filling is set and no longer jiggly.
Should I cool the bars in the pan?
Yes, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack after baking.
What is the final garnish for these bars?
Dust the top of the cooled bars with 1 tablespoon of icing sugar.
Can Zesty Lemon Dream Bars be frozen?
Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to one month.
Are these bars suitable for holiday treats?
Absolutely, they provide a tangy counterbalance to traditional sweeter holiday desserts.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour for both the crust and the filling.
How much total sugar is needed for the entire recipe?
A total of 1 3/4 cups of sugar is used, divided between the crust and topping.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is a solid, buttery base layer similar to a shortbread cookie.
How do I ensure the lemon topping is smooth?
Mix the ingredients until they are well combined and the flour is fully integrated into the egg mixture.
Is baking powder necessary for this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of baking powder is used in the lemon filling to help it set correctly.
Why do the eggs and sugar need to be beaten until pale?
This creates a thick, airy structure that contributes to the dream-like texture of the bars.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used as a substitute.
How should I store these bars if not freezing them?
They should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Do I need an electric mixer?
An electric mixer is recommended for creaming the butter and beating the eggs for the best results.
What makes these bars 'zesty'?
The combination of 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon rind and 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice provides a sharp, zesty citrus punch.