Luscious Lemon Bars – A Sweet and Tangy Treat.

Luscious Lemon Bars – A Sweet and Tangy Treat

Lemon bars are one of those timeless desserts that perfectly balance sweetness with a refreshing tang. With their buttery shortbread crust and a silky lemon filling, they are both simple and indulgent. The golden topping dusted with powdered sugar makes them as elegant as they are delicious. Whether enjoyed with tea, served at a party, or made as a weekend treat, luscious lemon bars are guaranteed to brighten any occasion.

Ingredients

For about 12–16 squares, you will need:

For the crust:

• 200 g (1 ½ cups) plain flour

• 60 g (½ cup) icing sugar

• 115 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

• A pinch of salt

For the filling:

• 3 large eggs

• 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons plain flour

• Juice of 2 large lemons (about 120 ml)

• Zest of 1 lemon

• A pinch of salt

For topping:

• Icing sugar, for dusting

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a square baking tin (about 20 cm) with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, icing sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Press the mixture firmly into the base of the prepared tin, creating an even layer. Bake for 15–20 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling

While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth. The flour helps the filling set, while the zest intensifies the lemon flavor.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust. Return the tin to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly soft in the center. The edges should be firm, and the top may look slightly golden.

Step 4: Cool and Finish

Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the tin. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to firm up. Dust generously with icing sugar, cut into neat squares or rectangles, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of lemon bars lies in their contrast:

• Buttery shortbread crust provides a firm, crumbly base.

• Tangy lemon filling adds a refreshing burst of flavor.

• Icing sugar topping balances the sharp citrus with sweetness.

Together, these layers create a dessert that is light, refreshing, and satisfying without being overly heavy.

Variations

• Extra tangy: Add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice or zest for a sharper flavor.

• Orange twist: Replace part of the lemon juice with orange juice for a softer citrus taste.

• Nutty crust: Mix in ground almonds or crushed pistachios with the flour for added texture.

• Gluten-free: Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend for both crust and filling.

• Berry topping: Garnish with fresh raspberries or blueberries for a colorful touch.

Serving Suggestions

Luscious lemon bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Serve them as a tea-time treat with a cup of green tea or coffee.

• Arrange on a dessert platter for parties and celebrations.

• Pack in lunchboxes for a refreshing sweet surprise.

• Serve chilled on hot summer days for a cooling citrus delight.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh lemons rather than bottled juice for the best flavor.

• Make sure the crust is still hot when you pour the filling over it—this helps the layers bond.

• Chill before cutting to get clean, sharp edges.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; they also freeze well for longer storage.