Description
Lemon Delight Bars are a zesty and refreshing dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a smooth, tangy lemon filling. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, these bars are easy to make and ideal for any occasion when you crave a bright citrus treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
For the lemon layer:
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
For topping:
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 15–18 minutes, or until it becomes lightly golden. This will create a firm base for the lemon filling.
- Prepare the lemon filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
- Add the filling: As soon as the crust is ready, pour the lemon mixture evenly over the hot crust in the pan.
- Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the lemon filling has set firmly and does not jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let them firm up for easier slicing.
- Serve: Dust the top with extra powdered sugar just before slicing into 16 bars. Use a serrated knife for clean, neat slices.
Notes
- For an extra punch of lemon, increase the lemon zest by a few teaspoons.
- Chilling the bars is essential for clean slices and enhanced flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the bars cleanly without crumbling.
