Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar Recipe

Powdered Sugar Lemon Bars Recipe

Lemon bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the tartness of fresh lemons with a sweet, buttery crust. The aroma of citrus fills your kitchen as you bake, enticing everyone nearby to gather around. If you’re looking for a treat that offers a burst of flavor and a delightful texture that melts in your mouth, then you’ll absolutely love these Powdered Sugar Lemon Bars. With a smooth lemon filling dusted with powdered sugar on top, they make for the perfect ending to any meal or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For Garnish:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows your lemon bars to bake evenly.

2. Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.

3. Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in the flour and salt. Mix until combined – the dough may be crumbly, but that’s perfectly fine.

5. Press into Pan: Evenly press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, ensuring it covers the entire base. Use your fingers or the bottom of a glass to create a smooth, even layer.

6. Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden and set.

7. Prepare the Lemon Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and lemon zest in a bowl until well combined.

8. Add Flour and Lemon Juice: Gradually whisk in the flour, followed by the lemon juice and baking powder. The mixture should be smooth and vibrant.

9. Add Lemon Mixture to Crust: Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust.

10. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and has a slight jiggle in the center.

11. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature in the pan. For best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting.

12. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled and set, take the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) and dust the top generously with powdered sugar.

13. Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use Fresh Lemons: The flavor truly shines when using freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. Store-bought lemon juice won’t deliver the same punch.

2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps in achieving the perfect creamy texture.

3. Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the flour into your filling, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.

4. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the fridge before slicing. This helps them to firm up and makes cutting easier.

5. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of granulated sugar based on your preference for sweetness.

Variations and Substitutions

• Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
• Alternative Sweeteners: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute to make a healthier version, though this may alter the flavor slightly.
• Herbs: Add a teaspoon of fresh mint or basil to the filling for a unique twist.
• Different Citrus: Try substituting lime or orange juice and zest for a flavorful alternative.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store your powdered sugar lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you prefer, you can freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These lemon bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just keep them stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor and aroma.

3. How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

4. Can I add more lemon zest?
Yes! Feel free to adjust the lemon zest to your taste preference. More zest will enhance the citrus aroma.

5. What should I do if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?
If you don’t have this size, you can use an 8×8-inch square pan but keep in mind that the baking time may need to be extended. Just check for doneness.

Nutrition Estimate

Each serving of these Powdered Sugar Lemon Bars contains approximately 200 calories, 2g of protein, 30g of carbohydrates, and 9g of fat. These bars provide a delightful treat without overwhelming your daily nutritional intake.

With its perfect blend of tart and sweet, this Powdered Sugar Lemon Bars recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or indulging on a quiet afternoon, these bars will bring a splash of sunshine to your day. Enjoy your baking, and savor every delicious bite!

Powdered Sugar Lemon Bars

These Powdered Sugar Lemon Bars combine a sweet, buttery crust with a tart lemon filling, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 bars

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Crust

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Filling

• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons) Use fresh lemons for best flavor.
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For Garnish

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar For dusting

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy for about 2-3 minutes.
• Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
• Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
• Bake the crust for about 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden and set.

Make the Lemon Filling

• In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until well combined.
• Gradually whisk in the flour, followed by the lemon juice and baking powder until smooth.

Assembly and Baking

• Pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust.
• Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set with a slight jiggle in the center.
• Allow to cool to room temperature in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting.

Serving

• Dust the top with powdered sugar, then cut into squares or bars.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lemon juice and zest. Cool completely before slicing for easier cutting.

Keyword Baking Recipe, Citrus Treat, Dessert Recipe, Lemon Bars, sweet treats