Lemon Sunshine Bars a Zesty Classic with a Crumbly Twist
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of sunshine on a plate? These lemon desserts are seriously good. Remember those days eating lemon bars? Honestly, these take the biscuit!
Brief Overview
Lemon bars are like sunshine made edible. Originating from America, they’re a classic treat. This recipe is a medium difficulty and takes around 1 hour 40 minutes.
It makes 16 squares perfect for sharing, or not!
Main Benefits
These tangy lemon treats are a mood booster. Baking with lemons adds a lovely zest to life! This recipe is special because of its crumb topping and the combination of textures.
The lemon filling is the star!
Craving Some Lemon Dessert Squares ?
Oh my gosh, are you in for a treat! These aren't your average lemon desserts . Think of them as a ray of sunshine in every bite.
I swear, this recipe makes the best lemon bars you've ever had. The tangy lemon treats inside are balanced with a super buttery base - honestly unreal.
A Slice of Sunshine: What are We Making?
We're talking about lemon dessert squares with a shortbread crust. The buttery shortbread crust is delicious and perfect for summer parties and BBQs.
It's easy enough for a lazy afternoon bake, but impressive enough to wow your mates. This recipe gives you about 16 squares of pure, lemony bliss!
Why You Need This Recipe NOW
The secret? It’s all about the balance. That tangy lemon filling cutting through the sweetness, and the buttery shortbread crust giving it all a proper foundation.
Plus, baking with lemons is scientifically proven to make you happier… okay, maybe not scientifically, but I reckon it's true! This recipe delivers that perfect zing and is one of the easy lemon dessert recipes out there!
Ingredients & Equipment for Lemon Sunshine Bars
Alright, let's chat about what you'll need to make these amazing lemon desserts . Trust me, you won't regret it! We are going to make some real tangy lemon treats today!
Main Ingredients for Lemon Bars
First up, the shortbread crust . You'll need 1 1/2 cups (190g) of all-purpose flour. I always keep a bit extra for dusting.
Then, 1/2 cup (113g) of proper cold, cubed unsalted butter. Honestly, this is where quality matters. Spend a bit extra on good butter; you'll taste the difference.
Add 1/4 cup (50g) of granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 2-3 tablespoons of ice water.
For the lemon filling , grab 1 1/2 cups (300g) of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (30g) of all-purpose flour, and 1/4 teaspoon each of baking powder and salt.
Next, 4 large eggs. Then, you’ll need 1/2 cup (120ml) of freshly squeezed lemon juice that’s about 3-4 lemons .
Oh, and don’t forget the 2 tablespoons of lemon zest from about 2 lemons . The lemon zest makes it taste good.
Finally, for the crumb topping , you’ll need 1/2 cup (65g) of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50g) of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup (57g) of cold, cubed unsalted butter.
You can add powdered sugar for dusting if you fancy.
Seasoning Notes for your Citrus Desserts
The key spice combo here? It's really just the lemon zest combined with a good pinch of salt. The zest brings out all the bright, zesty notes.
Salt balances the sweetness. If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of cardamom or white pepper in the filling can be great.
But Honestly, the simplest version is often the best. For a quick substitution, if you’re out of lemons (gasp!), bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.
But fresh lemon juice always tastes better in lemon dessert squares .
Equipment You'll Need to Bake Easy Lemon Dessert Recipes
Okay, let's talk tools. You will need a 9x13 inch baking pan. Parchment paper is your best friend it makes getting the bars out a breeze.
A food processor is handy for the crust, but a mixing bowl and pastry cutter work fine too. You’ll also need mixing bowls, a whisk, a lemon zester, a lemon juicer, and measuring cups and spoons.
If you don’t have a lemon juicer, you can squeeze the lemons by hand!. Don't worry too much about having fancy equipment; just use what you've got.
People love baking with lemons , so it's worthwhile!
Lemon Sunshine Bars: Your New Obsession
Right, listen up, my friend! We're about to dive headfirst into the world of lemon desserts . Forget those boring old bakes.
We're making Lemon Sunshine Bars , the ultimate tangy lemon treats with a twist that’ll have everyone begging for more! Think of it as a massive hug from summer.
Honestly, this recipe will change your life!
Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, let's get organised. We're talking essential mise en place . Get your 1 ½ cups of flour, ½ cup of cold butter, and other crust ingredients ready.
Juice those lemons! You'll need about 3-4 to get ½ cup of juice. Get your lemon zest ready. Remember, zesting before juicing is easier, trust me!
step-by-step to Lemon Bar Nirvana
- Crust Time: Mix 1 ½ cups flour, ¼ cup sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cut in ½ cup cold, cubed butter. Add 2-3 tablespoons ice water until it comes together. Press into a 9x13 pan. Dock with a fork!
- Chill Out: Pop that shortbread crust into the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Bake It: Bake the crust at 350° F ( 175° C) until lightly golden brown, about 15- 20 minutes.
- Lemon Magic: Whisk together the lemon filling ingredients.
- Crumb Time: Cut ¼ cup cold butter into ½ cup flour and ¼ cup sugar.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour the lemon filling over the crust. Sprinkle with the crumb topping . Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20- 25 minutes , until the filling is set but still has a slight wobble .
- Cool completely . Seriously, it's crucial. Then dust with powdered sugar.
- Cut into squares. And enjoy!
Pro Tips for Lemon Dessert Supremacy
- Cold is Key: Seriously, use cold butter for the crust and topping. It makes all the difference!
- Don't overbake the lemon filling! A slight wobble is perfect. Overbaking means a rubbery texture no one wants that.
- make-ahead? Sure! Bake the shortbread crust a day ahead.
Lemon Bar Recipe - Get Ready to Shine!
These easy lemon dessert recipes are about to become your go-to. From the buttery shortbread crust to the lemon filling , these lemon dessert squares are a real treat.
Whether you call them lemon bars , citrus desserts , or just plain delicious, get ready to bake some sunshine with these tangy lemon treats .
Enjoy baking with lemons!
Recipe Notes
Okay, so you're about to dive into these Lemon Sunshine Bars , which are basically sunshine on a plate. Let's chat about some essential notes to make sure your baking adventure goes swimmingly.
Honestly, these tips are based on my own kitchen mishaps you're welcome to learn from my, sometimes hilarious, mistakes!
Serving 'Em Up Right
Picture this: Perfectly golden lemon dessert squares on a pretty platter. Dust with a little powdered sugar. So fancy!
- Plating and Presentation Ideas: Cut these into squares or even triangles for a fun twist. A sprig of mint adds a pop of color.
- Complementary Sides or Beverages: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a refreshing iced tea. They're also fantastic with a classic Earl Grey. It's all about that afternoon tea vibe, you know?
Storing Your Tangy Lemon Treats
These bars are best enjoyed fresh, but life happens! Don't worry, I got you covered. I mean who doesn't like lemon desserts ?
- Refrigeration Guidelines: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Honestly, they probably won't last that long!
- Freezing Options (if applicable): These freeze surprisingly well! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They'll keep for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating Instructions: No reheating needed! Just grab one straight from the fridge and enjoy.
Mixing It Up: Variations on Easy Lemon Dessert Recipes
Want to play around with the recipe? Go for it! Baking with lemons should be fun.
- Dietary Adaptations: For gluten-free lemon bars , swap the flour for a gluten-free blend. Easy peasy! You can also experiment with coconut oil.
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: Try using Meyer lemons for a slightly sweeter, less tangy flavor. Lemon zest is key for that intense lemon flavor.
Nutrition Basics
I'm no nutritionist, but here’s the basic lowdown.
- Simplified Nutrition Information: Each bar has roughly 250 calories.
- Key Health Benefits: Lemons are packed with Vitamin C! So, you know, you're basically eating something healthy. Right?
So there you have it! A few extra notes to set you up for lemon baking success. Don't be afraid to experiment, and most importantly, have fun! Get ready to show off your delicious citrus desserts creation.
I know you can do it! Enjoy these tasty tangy lemon treats .
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my lemon bars soggy? Nobody wants a soggy bottom like on Bake Off!
A soggy base on your lemon sunshine bars is usually down to a couple of things. First, make sure you pre-bake your shortbread crust until it's lightly golden this creates a barrier. Second, don't over pour the lemon filling. If it's too thick, it won't set properly, leading to that dreaded sogginess.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh for these lemon desserts?
While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, fresh lemon juice is always best for lemon desserts! The flavor is brighter and more vibrant. Think of it like instant coffee versus a proper barista made brew fresh is where it’s at!
Plus, you'll need the lemon zest anyway, so you might as well squeeze the juice out while you're at it.
How do I store these lemon bars to keep them fresh? Will they keep 'til the next tea party?
To keep your lemon bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll happily last for 3-4 days. Just like a good cuppa, it's best to enjoy them sooner rather than later to experience their peak deliciousness. If the next tea party is a week away, best to whip up a fresh batch!
My lemon filling is curdled! What did I do wrong? Is there a trick like with a good Victoria sponge?
Curdling in your lemon filling usually happens from overcooking or adding the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients too quickly. Make sure you whisk the wet ingredients into the dry gradually. Also, keep an eye on the baking time.
A slight wobble in the center is what you're aiming for, not a fully set, cracked surface.
Can I make these lemon sunshine bars gluten-free or vegan?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust and crumb topping. For a vegan version, use vegan butter substitute for the crust and topping, and a flax egg replacement for the eggs in the filling. You'll have everyone saying "That's a proper bake!" in no time.
Are there any clever variations I can try to spice up these lemon desserts?
Oh, you fancy a bit of a twist, do you? You could try swapping out the lemon for lime to make lime bars. Or, for a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the lemon filling. A little sprinkle of poppy seeds on top adds a nice visual and textural element too.
Get creative channel your inner Prue Leith!
Lemon Sunshine Bars A Zesty Classic With A Crumb
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
