Zesty Lemon Butter Bars
Today, we're diving into the heavenly world of Lemon Butter Bars - a treat that combines the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy lemon zing.🍋
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Get your taste buds for a punch of lemony delight with these delectable Lemon Butter Bars! They’re a mouthwatering treat that combines a buttery crust with a zesty lemon filling, creating a perfect harmony of sweet and tangy flavors. Perfect for lemon lovers and guaranteed to brighten any day!
3 Reasons Why You'll Love this Recipe:
Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together effortlessly, with simple steps that make baking these bars a breeze. Perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
Versatile Delight: Lemon Butter Bars are a versatile dessert suitable for various occasions, from family gatherings to potlucks. Share the joy with friends or keep them all to yourself – the choice is yours!
Irresistible Flavor Combo: The combination of buttery goodness and the refreshing kick of lemon creates a flavor explosion that's impossible to resist. A true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
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How to Zest a Lemon
We’re using freshly zested lemon in recipe, baby! It's the key to infusing your Lemon Butter Bars with that extra burst of citrusy essence. Here are a few tips to master the art of zesting:
Choose the Right Tool: Invest in a good-quality zester or microplane. These tools make it easy to extract the flavorful outer layer of the lemon without digging into the bitter white pith.
Wash the Lemon: Rinse the lemon thoroughly under cool water to remove any wax or residues. Pat it dry with a paper towel before zesting.
Go Light: Apply gentle pressure when zesting to avoid getting the bitter white pith. The goal is to capture the fragrant, colorful outer layer.
Rotate the Lemon: Turn the lemon as you zest to ensure you get zest from the entire surface. This helps maintain a balanced and consistent lemon flavor throughout your bars.
Zest First, Juice Later: Zest the lemon before juicing. It's easier to handle a whole lemon, and you won't miss out on any of the aromatic oils.
Use Immediately: Freshly zested lemon is more potent. Use the zest immediately in your recipe to capture the vibrant flavors at their peak.
Store Extra Zest: If you have extra zest, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. It can be a handy addition to future recipes, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
By incorporating these tips, you'll become a zest maestro, enhancing your Lemon Butter Bars with the tantalizing essence of fresh lemon. Get ready to elevate your baking game and delight your taste buds!
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How to Make Lemon Butter Bars
Equipment Needed:
Before we get to the good stuff, make sure you have these essentials in your kitchen:
Pastry cutter of fork
Instructions:
Preparing the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly), 1 cup powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.
Cut in the softened butter with a fork and add 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Use a fork or a pastry cutter to mix until it forms a crumbly dough.
Press the dough into a butter-lined 9x13 baking dish.
Bake for 20 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Making the Lemon Filling:
Whisk the 4 large eggs in a bowl.
Add 2 cups granulated sugar and 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour to the eggs, mixing until well combined.
Incorporate 6 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice and the zest of one small lemon. Stir to combine.
Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
Allow the bars to cool completely.
Final Touch:
Once cooled, use a fine mesh strainer to dust the bars with powdered sugar.
Cut into bite-sized bars and savor the burst of flavors!
Yield:
This recipe yields approximately 24 delightful Lemon Butter Bars.
Storage:
Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Substitutions & Variations:
Feel free to experiment with lime juice for a citrusy twist, try a gluten-free flour substitute, or use the graham cracker crust from my Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars recipe! Get creative and make this recipe your own!
FAQs:
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet version?
A: Absolutely! Adjust the sugar according to your taste preferences.
Q: Can I use a box grater to zest the lemon?
A: Yes! You can use the finest, smallest holes on a box grater if you don’t have a zester on hand.
Tips & Tricks:
For an extra layer of decadence, add a thin layer of lemon curd before pouring in the filling. This elevates the bars to a whole new level of indulgence.
I hope you enjoy baking and indulging in these Lemon Butter Bars as much as I did. Don't forget to share your experience in the comments below, subscribe to my newsletter for more mouthwatering recipes, and spread the love on social media! Happy baking, and may your days be filled with sweetness and joy!
— Xoxo Chyna B🍋
More BUTTERY FAVS you’ll enjoy:
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