Description
Lemon Dream Bars are a delightful, tangy dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with a smooth and zesty lemon filling. Perfectly baked to a golden finish and dusted with powdered sugar, these bars offer a refreshing citrus flavor balanced with sweetness, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Lemon Filling
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the crust.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into the butter mixture, mixing until a crumbly dough forms, which will become the crust.
- Press and Bake the Crust: Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color, indicating that the crust is set.
- Prepare the Lemon Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking powder, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk until everything is fully incorporated, creating a smooth lemon custard.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust in the pan. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 22-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are slightly golden.
- Cool and Finish: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to ensure the filling sets properly. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Make sure the crust is warm before pouring the filling to help it bake evenly.
- Allow bars to cool thoroughly before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can line the pan with parchment paper with overhang for easy removal.
