Description
Lemon Dream Bars are a luscious and tangy dessert featuring a buttery, soft crust topped with a smooth, vibrant lemon filling. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, these bars make a refreshing treat ideal for summer or any occasion when you crave a citrusy delight. Easy to prepare and bake, they offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that brighten up any dessert table.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Filling
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Mix until a soft dough forms, then press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the crust layer.
- Bake the crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. This initial bake sets the base and prepares it for the filling.
- Mix the filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest in a large bowl until smooth and fully combined. This mixture forms the tangy lemon topping.
- Add filling and bake: Once the crust comes out of the oven, immediately pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top has a light golden hue.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After cooling, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the filling fully firm up, making slicing easier.
- Serve: Just before serving, dust the top generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish and extra sweetness. Cut into 16 bars and enjoy this refreshing citrus dessert.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest and most authentic lemon flavor.
- For a stronger lemon taste, increase the lemon zest to 2 tablespoons.
- These bars are best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slicing.
- Ensure the filling is fully set before cutting to avoid runny bars.
