Easy Lemon Bars

$- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder To make these easy lemon bars, you need simple, fresh ingredients. All-purpose flour helps form the crust. Powdered sugar gives a light sweetness. A pinch of salt balances the flavors. Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture. Eggs help bind the filling. Granulated sugar sweetens the lemon mix. Fresh lemon juice brings zesty flavor. Lemon zest adds a bright note. Baking powder helps the filling rise. If you want to make these lemon bars gluten-free, you can use gluten-free flour options. Almond flour or oat flour work well. For a vegan version, try using flax eggs or applesauce instead of eggs. Swap the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. These swaps still give great taste and texture. To make your lemon bars, you will need a few basic tools. Mixing bowls help keep your ingredients organized. A whisk is great for mixing the batter smoothly. A baking pan, ideally 8 inches square, is needed for baking. Parchment paper makes it easy to lift the bars out later. Now you have everything you need to create these delightful lemon bars. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions! - Preheat to 350°F (175°C). - Grease or line the baking pan with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal. - In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. - Pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until the mixture is crumbly. - Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Aim for an even layer. - In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest. - Add 1/4 teaspoon baking powder to the mix. Whisk until smooth and well combined. - Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. Make sure it spreads evenly. - Bake the crust for 15 minutes. It should be lightly golden. - After adding the lemon filling, return the pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. - The filling should be set and slightly golden on top. You can check for doneness by gently shaking the pan; the center should not wobble. Following these steps will lead you to delicious lemon bars. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To know when your lemon bars are done, look for a slight jiggle in the center. The edges should look firm and slightly puffed. If the filling is too wobbly, bake it a few more minutes. For the best crust, aim for a golden brown color. Press it firmly into the pan, so it holds up well with the filling. Fresh fruit pairs well with lemon bars. Strawberries or blueberries add color and flavor. For drinks, serve iced tea or lemonade. These drinks enhance the lemon flavor and keep things refreshing. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. This adds a nice contrast to the bright yellow filling. You can also use fresh lemon slices for garnish. They not only look pretty but also add a hint of zest. For a fun twist, arrange the lemon bars on a colorful plate to make them pop! {{image_2}} You can make lemon bars even more special with extra flavors. Adding herbs like basil or thyme can give a fresh twist. These herbs pair well with lemon's tang. Try adding just a pinch to the filling for a surprise. You can also infuse your bars with other fruit juices. Raspberry juice adds a nice color and sweet-tart taste. Mix it into the lemon juice for a fun flavor combo. If you want to change the crust, shortbread is a great choice. It adds a rich, buttery taste that pairs well with lemon. Just replace the basic crust with a shortbread mix. For those needing gluten-free options, there are alternatives, too. Use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour instead. This keeps the bars tasty while meeting dietary needs. You can adjust the sweetness of your lemon bars easily. If you prefer them less sweet, simply reduce the sugar. This keeps the lemon flavor bright and bold. Another option is to use honey or agave syrup instead. These natural sweeteners add a unique taste while lowering refined sugar. Experiment with these changes to find your perfect balance. Remember, you can make them just the way you like! For the full recipe, check out the link. After baking, let your lemon bars cool completely in the pan. This step is key for the best taste. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. For storage, I recommend using an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and moist. You can store lemon bars at room temperature for up to three days. Make sure they are covered well. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy your lemon bars again, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them fresh and tasty. You can serve them warm or chilled. Both ways highlight that zesty lemon flavor. For a personal touch, dust them with powdered sugar before serving. To make lemon bars less sweet, you can reduce the sugar. Start by cutting the granulated sugar in half. Use only 1/2 cup instead of 1 cup. You can also add a pinch of salt. This helps balance the flavors and cuts the sweetness. If you want more zing, add a little extra lemon juice. This adds brightness without more sugar. Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh is best. Fresh lemon juice gives a brighter and more vibrant flavor. Bottled juice often has preservatives that change the taste. If you use bottled juice, check for 100% lemon juice. It should not have added sugars or flavors. The results may not be as zesty, but it will still work in a pinch. To know if your lemon bars are done, look for their color and texture. The top should be lightly golden. The center should be set, not jiggly. You can also insert a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. Let them cool completely before cutting for the best texture. Yes, you can double this lemon bar recipe. To do this, simply use double the ingredients. For the crust, use 2 cups of flour and 1 cup of sugar. You will also need 1 cup of butter and 4 eggs. Use a larger pan, like a 9x13-inch to fit the extra batter. Bake for the same time, but check for doneness a bit earlier. Enjoy your tasty lemon bars! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. You learned how to make delicious lemon bars step by step. We covered ingredient lists, making the crust, and preparing the filling. I shared helpful tips, easy variations, and storage info to ensure your lemon bars shine. Remember, you can adjust sweetness, try different crusts, and even add unique flavors. Enjoy your baking and share your lemon bars with friends and family for smiles and happy moments. With these methods, you’ll impress everyone with your tasty treats. Happy baking!$

Indulge in these delightful Zesty Lemon Bliss Bars that are sure to brighten your day! With a perfectly crumbly crust and a luscious lemon filling, they're ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth. This easy recipe takes just 50 minutes, making it perfect for any occasion. Ready to elevate your dessert game?

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Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.

Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly and combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.

Bake the crust in the oven for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

While the crust is baking, in a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder until smooth.

Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon filling over the hot crust.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden.

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper (if used) and dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 16 bars