Description
These Lemon Delight Bars feature a buttery, tender crust topped with a bright and tangy lemon filling. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, they’re a refreshing dessert that’s easy to make for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
For the lemon layer:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the topping (optional):
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crust turns lightly golden.
- Prepare the lemon layer: While the crust is baking, whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 large eggs until the mixture is well blended. Add 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest. Whisk the mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the lemon mixture evenly over the hot crust immediately after it comes out of the oven. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar if desired, or serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Cut into 9 equal bars and enjoy.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best authentic flavor.
- For extra tartness, increase the lemon juice slightly or reduce the sugar by a few tablespoons.
- Be sure to cool the bars completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
