Easy Lemon Bars

Alright folks, gather ‘round, because I’m about to spill the beans on my ultimate kitchen secret for those days when the sweet tooth monsters come out in droves. We’re talking about Easy Lemon Bars! Think sunshine on a plate — seriously. They’re that perfect blend of zing and sweetness wrapped in a buttery crust. If your taste buds could throw a party, this is what they’d celebrate. Trust me, once you’ve had a whiff of these delightful bars, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

So, picture this: My husband, bless his heart, has this tendency to swipe one (or three) bars fresh out of the oven, all while trying to act like he did nothing. It’s become quite the family inside joke — I walk into the kitchen, see the missing bars, and find him sheepishly grinning with crumbs on his shirt. I must have whipped up these bars a thousand times, and every time, the same happy chaos ensues. At this point, they’re as much a part of our family as our dog, Rufus.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lemon Bars

First, they’re basically happiness you can eat. No joke. The subtle lemon zing is like a mini-vacation, vibe-wise. Second, they’re foolproof — trust me, if I can make them, anyone can. Third, these bad boys have magical disappearing properties: your family, friends, and even that sneaky neighbor will make them vanish in no time. Lastly, the smell… man, it should be bottled and sold as “house that’s got it together” scent.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. First up, embrace the glorious mess that is baking. Toss some flour and powdered sugar into a bowl cause that’s your base. Butter joins the party next — cold, chopped, and ready to mingle. Channel your inner DJ and blend this until you’re staring at some crumbly goodness.

Into the pan it goes, and hey, don’t worry if it looks a bit funky. Now, pop it in the oven and let it transform, like a caterpillar into a buttery crust butterfly.

While that’s getting cozy in the oven, grab some eggs, lemon juice, and sugar – the holy trinity. Mix ’em like there’s no tomorrow. Don’t worry if you get some on the counter (or the floor), it’s part of the job.

Pour this magic over your not-as-hot crust and send it back into the oven. Once the edges are slightly golden and the center won’t jiggle like jelly, you’re golden.

Ingredient Notes

– **Flour**: Think of it as the glue that keeps this whole dream together. Too much and it’s a brick; too little and it’s a crumble mess.
– **Lemon Juice**: This is the star! Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled is a-okay if you’re in a pinch. My first go, I forgot to take out seeds… crunchy surprise alert!
– **Butter**: You want it cold and cut in chunks. It’s like the diva ingredient. Keeps everything rich and happy.

Recipe Steps:
1. Mix flour and powdered sugar; cut in butter until crumbly.
2. Press into baking pan; bake until just golden.
3. Whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice until frothy.
4. Pour lemony mix over crust; bake until set.
5. Cool, cut, and watch them vanish.

What to Serve It With

Tips & Mistakes

– Tip: Let them cool before cutting. Let’s not pretend I always do this, but it helps.
– Mistake: Forgetting the parchment paper — oh boy, good luck getting them out in one piece!

Storage Tips

Okay, leftovers… it’s fantasy-land at my house, but if you happen to live there, toss them in an airtight container. Fridge-chilled bars have this refreshing taste the next day. Also, yep, I’ve had them for breakfast — no shame.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap lemon for lime for a twist, or add some fruit zest if you’re fancy. Once, I tried subbing half the sugar with honey, and hey, it wasn’t bad! But don’t skip the butter; it’s like the life of the lemon bar party. I’ve tried it with margarine — spoiler: never again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Lemon Bars

Deliciously tangy and sweet lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust; perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 0.5 cup powdered sugar
• ▢ 0.75 cup unsalted butter cold and cut into pieces
• ▢ 1 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 3 large eggs
• ▢ 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
• ▢ 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
• ▢ 0.25 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
• In a medium bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Cut in cold butter pieces until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden.
• In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
• Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set.
• Let cool completely before slicing into bars. Dust with extra powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Store lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.