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How to make Lemon Bars Recipe

Lemon Bars Recipe

When it comes to sweet treats, lemon bars are a classic that never fails to impress. Their bright, zesty flavor is a refreshing contrast to heavier desserts.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Lemon Bars Recipe
Servings: 15
Calories: 222kcal

Equipment

  •  9x13 pan
  • food processor

Ingredients

  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 240 mL
  • 3 tbsp freshly grated lemon zest:
  • 8 large eggs
  • ½ tsp ground ginger12 tbsp melted unsalted butter 170 g
  • 3 cups granulated cane sugar 600 g
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour 360 g
  • cup confectioners’ sugar 66 g

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This will help you lift out the bars once they’re done baking.

Step 2: Make the Crust

  • In a mixing bowl, combine 2½ cups of all-purpose flour, ⅔ cup of confectioners' sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour in 12 tbsp of melted unsalted butter and mix until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

  • While the crust bakes, whisk together 8 large eggs, 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3 tbsp of lemon zest, 3 cups of granulated sugar, ½ tsp of ground ginger, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate ½ cup of flour until smooth.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

  • Once the crust has baked, carefully pour the lemon filling over it. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the filling sets and a light golden color develops.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

  • After removing the baking dish from the oven, allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Dust the top with powdered sugar and cut into squares.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed juice is a game-changer. Bottled juice can taste flat in comparison.
  • Egg temperature: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature so that they blend smoothly into the batter, leading to a better texture.
  • Let it cool: Always let the bars cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set properly.
  • Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a tart flavor, reduce the sugar slightly. Start with a quarter cup less and adjust to taste.
  • Ginger optional: If you’re not a fan of ginger or want to keep it simple, omit the ground ginger. The lemon is already a star!

Nutrition

Serving: 78g | Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2.8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 7mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g
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