Traditional Lemon Bars Recipe: Shiny, Tangy & Completely Set

Should you’ve ever bitten right into a lemon bar and thought, “That is the one,” then you realize the gold customary: buttery shortbread crust, tangy-sweet lemon filling, and a texture that holds its form with each chew. This traditional lemon bars recipe checks all of the packing containers—after which some.

These bars are a staple in my kitchen, and I’m certain they’ll turn into your favourite, too. Whether or not it’s a spring brunch, summer time picnic, or only a pick-me-up deal with on a cloudy day, they all the time carry sunshine to the desk. And the very best half? They’re not simply scrumptious, they’re additionally a canvas on your creativity. Add a twist with completely different toppings or serve them with numerous accompaniments. The chances are countless!

Learn how to Make the Finest Traditional Lemon Bars

Creating excellent lemon bars is about stability—taste, texture, and method. Under, we’re breaking down every ingredient’s function, so you realize precisely why they’re important, plus the instruments that can make your baking smoother from begin to end.

Substances That Make All of the Distinction

Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Offers construction and a sturdy base for the bars.
• ¼ cup powdered sugar – Dissolves simply, giving the crust a comfortable, clean texture.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar – Provides a delicate caramel-like depth that enhances the tart lemon.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances taste.
• ½ cup chilly unsalted butter, cubed – Ensures a crumbly, tender texture; chilly butter is essential.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (non-compulsory) – Provides heat and aroma to the crust.

Lemon Filling:

• 1⅓ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens and balances the tart lemon juice.
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the filling so it units correctly.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Provides lightness and prevents density.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the citrus and retains flavors balanced.
• 4 massive eggs (room temperature) – Bind the filling and create a silky texture.
• ½ cup recent lemon juice (about 2 lemons) – Offers that shiny, zesty taste. Use recent juice!
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest – Intensifies the lemon taste for optimum citrus affect.

Important Kitchen Instruments You’ll Want

• 8×8-inch baking pan – The right measurement for thick, bakery-style bars.
• Parchment paper – Makes lifting and slicing simple and clear.
• Whisk – To mix the filling gently and evenly.
• Two mixing bowls – One for crust, one for filling.
• Pastry cutter or fork – To mix the butter into the crust combination.
• Zester or Microplane – For high-quality lemon zest.
• Citrus juicer – Makes juicing lemons fast and environment friendly.
• Spatula – For spreading and scraping.
• Wire cooling rack – Helps bars cool evenly.
• Sharp knife – For slicing clear squares as soon as chilled.

Yield & Prep Data

• Makes: 12 lemon bar squares
• Pan Measurement: 8×8-inch
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 40–43 minutes complete
• Chill Time: A minimum of 1 hour

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Put together the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.

2. Make the Shortbread Crust

Whisk collectively flour, powdered sugar, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add chilly butter and vanilla (if utilizing). Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix till coarse crumbs kind.

Press evenly and firmly into the underside of the pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes or till the perimeters are simply golden.

3. Make the Lemon Filling

Whereas the crust bakes, whisk collectively sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add eggs, lemon juice, and zest. Whisk till clean, however don’t overmix.

Pour the filling over the sizzling crust.

4. Bake Once more

Return to the oven and bake for 20–23 minutes till the middle is about and now not jiggles.

5. Cool and Chill

Cool utterly on a wire rack. Refrigerate for not less than 1 hour earlier than slicing.

Mud with powdered sugar earlier than serving.

Useful Ideas for Good Traditional Lemon Bars

Use Recent Lemons—All the time

Bottled lemon juice doesn’t evaluate to the colourful taste of recent lemons. Zest the lemons earlier than juicing for simpler prep.

Line Your Pan with Parchment (with Overhang)

It makes removing simple and ensures stunning, clear slices.

Chilly Butter = Flaky, Tender Crust

Don’t let your butter soften. Chilly butter creates that signature shortbread texture.

Don’t Overmix the Filling

Whisk till simply clean. An excessive amount of air results in cracks or bubbles throughout baking.

Bake the Crust First

This retains the bottom crisp and provides the lemon layer construction.

Look ahead to the Good Set

If the middle jiggles, it wants extra time. When it’s set however not dry, it’s prepared.

Chill Earlier than Slicing

Cooling within the fridge corporations up the filling for tidy, stunning slices.

Powdered Sugar Timing

Mud simply earlier than serving for that recent, snowy end.

Steadily Requested Questions

How do I do know when lemon bars are set?

Gently jiggle the pan. If the middle nonetheless strikes like liquid, bake a couple of minutes longer. Slight firmness with a small jiggle is ideal.

Can I double this lemon bar recipe?

Sure! Use a 9×13-inch pan and improve every baking time by 3–5 minutes.

Why did my lemon bars crack?

You will have overbaked or overmixed the filling. Whisk gently and watch intently within the closing minutes.

How ought to I retailer lemon bars?

Retailer lined within the fridge for as much as 5 days. Freeze for as much as 2 months and thaw in a single day.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Sure—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix for each crust and filling.

Why are my bars gooey or unset?

In case your bars are gooey or unset, the filling is probably underbaked or there may be not sufficient flour in it. All the time verify that the middle is now not moist earlier than eradicating it from the oven. In case your bars crack, you could have overbaked or overmixed the filling. Whisk gently and watch intently within the closing minutes. These troubleshooting ideas will enable you excellent your lemon bars each time.

MORE DELICIOUS DESSERTS TO TRY!

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The BEST Selfmade Peanut Butter Cups

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Simple Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Why You’ll Love These Simple Lemon Bars

• Easy substances and easy-to-follow steps

• Completely balanced sweet-tart taste

• Agency, sliceable texture (no gooey mess!)

• Supreme for spring and summer time occasions

• Crowd-pleasing and freezer-friendly

Should you’re on the lookout for a dessert that delivers recent citrus taste, a buttery chew, and a picture-perfect end, these traditional lemon bars are it. A little bit sunshine in each sq.!

Should you like this homemeade lemon bar recipe – be sure you give it a evaluation under! Pleased baking! 

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