Quick and Easy Tart and Creamy Lemon Bars

Learn How to Prepare a Simple Citrus Infused Dessert Bar

© Lynn Smythe

Feb 6, 2009

These delectable dessert bars feature a creamy, slightly tart lemony filling, on top of a crisp and buttery shortbread crust. Lemon bars can be the star attraction at a bridal shower, tea party, or breakfast buffet.

Lemon Bar Recipe Overview

Lemon squares aren't that difficult to make. Even a novice baker should have no problem following along this recipe for a citrus enhanced dessert bar. The shortbread crust is prepared ahead of time, and partially baked in the oven. While the crust is baking, the lemon filling can be prepared. The lemon filling is then poured on top of the shortbread crust and the dessert bars are placed back in the oven. The bars are allowed to cool slightly, then dusted with powdered sugar before serving. This recipe makes between 9 and 12 lemon bars, depending on how large the bars are cut.

Ingredients for the Lemon Bar Shortbread Crust

• 1/2 cup butter - room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

Directions for the Lemon Bar Shortbread Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, add the softened butter and sugar, and cream together until smooth.
3. Add the flour and mix until well blended.
4. Add the crust to a greased 8 or 9 inch square pan.
5. Smooth the crust evenly across the bottom of the pan.
6. Place the pan in the oven and bake until golden brown, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
7. Remove the pan from the oven and continue with the recipe for the lemon bar filling.

Ingredients for the Lemon Bar Filling

• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar

Directions for the Lemon Bar Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar.
2. Stir in the baking powder and flour.
3. Add the lemon juice and mix until well blended.
4. Pour the filling into the pan with the shortbread crust.
5. Place the pan back in the oven and cook for 17-20 minutes.
6. Remove the pan from the oven and let cool slightly.
7. Prior to serving the lemon bars, dust them with the confectioner's sugar.
8. Cut the bars into 9-12 pieces.

Recipe Variation

For a change from the traditional lemon bar recipe, substitute another citrus juice for the lemon juice that is called for.Try using lime or orange juice, for a nice change of taste to this classic dessert square recipe.

Additional Lemon Dessert Recipes

The Lemon Basil French Toast recipe features a herb infused breakfast food, served with lemon syrup. The Lemon Poppy Seed Tea Cakes article contains a recipe for a cookie-like treat enhanced with citrus and poppy seeds.

Lemon Bars

Lemons

Shortbread Crust

Confectioner's Sugar for Decorating

Pan of Lemon Bars

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