Introduction
Lemon bars are a classic dessert that offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. With their buttery graham cracker crust, rich lemon filling, and a hint of zest, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion. This recipe adds an extra touch of sophistication with the option of candied lemon zest as a topping. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or simply to satisfy a craving, these lemon bars are sure to impress. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the process, ensuring your lemon bars turn out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1½ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
Lemon Filling
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 5 egg yolks
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
Topping (Optional)
- Candied lemon zest (recipe below)
- Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons key lime and/or lemon zest (if not using candied zest)
Candied Lemon Zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven will be at the right temperature when you are ready to bake the crust.
Prepare the Pan: Spray an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan once they are baked and cooled.
Make the Crust: In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand. This mixture will form the base of your lemon bars.
Press the Crust: Pour the graham cracker crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat-bottomed glass to press the crumbs firmly into the bottom of the pan. Make sure the crust is evenly distributed and packed tightly.
Bake the Crust: Bake the graham cracker crust in the preheated oven for 7 minutes. This will help set the crust and give it a nice, firm texture. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the crust cool while you prepare the lemon filling.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
Preheat the Oven: While the crust is cooling, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). This lower temperature is ideal for baking the lemon filling.
Mix the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, and lemon zest. The sweetened condensed milk adds a rich, creamy texture to the filling, while the lemon juice and zest provide a bright, tangy flavor. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Pour Over the Crust: Once the crust has cooled, pour the lemon filling over the top. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly, ensuring it reaches all the edges of the pan.
Bake the Lemon Bars: Bake the lemon bars in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center. The edges should be slightly golden. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Chill the Bars
Chill Time: After the bars have cooled to room temperature, place the pan in the refrigerator and let the bars chill for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the filling set completely, making it easier to cut the bars into neat squares.
Optional Topping: Candied Lemon Zest
Prepare the Zest: While the lemon bars are chilling, you can prepare the candied lemon zest. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest and granulated sugar. Toss gently to ensure the zest is evenly coated with the sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes. This process will create a sweet, crunchy topping that adds a burst of flavor and texture to your lemon bars.
Add the Topping: Once the lemon bars have chilled, sprinkle the candied lemon zest over the top. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can also dust the bars with powdered sugar. If you prefer a simpler topping, fresh lemon or lime zest can also be used.
Cutting and Serving the Lemon Bars
Cut into Bars: Carefully lift the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan. Place the bars on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. For clean cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between each cut.
Serve: Serve the lemon bars chilled. They are perfect on their own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee. The combination of the buttery graham cracker crust, creamy lemon filling, and sweet candied zest makes for a delightful treat that is sure to be a hit.
Storage
Refrigerate: Store any leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. The chilled bars make for a refreshing and tangy treat anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Conclusion
These lemon bars with a graham cracker crust are a delightful dessert that combines a variety of textures and flavors. The buttery, slightly crunchy crust perfectly complements the smooth, tangy lemon filling, while the optional candied lemon zest adds a touch of sweetness and texture. This recipe is straightforward and yields a delicious result that is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these lemon bars are a fantastic choice for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a slice of this classic, zesty dessert. Happy baking!