When it comes to dessert, good looks do play a part in making it presentable and delicious even before the first bite. And it’s especially true for today’s new lemon bars recipe!
The first thing you will notice about lemon bars or tarts is their refined and artistic appearance. The golden, buttery shortbread crust on the bottom layer provides a sturdy base for the creamy lemon filling above. With a glossy and sunny-yellow color on the outside, the zesty lemon layer shines brightly and gives a subtle invitation to take a second look along with the second bite!
To finish off the perfect look, a light dusting of powdered sugar is given on top of the lemon layer. The sugary dust tones down the tart’s vibrant color by a slight notch and gives a mysterious vibe to the dessert’s overall appearance.
As mysterious as this lemon tart seems, the taste is no secret- it’s absolutely delicious. The rich buttery flavor finds the perfect balance with the zestiness of the lemon flavor and makes a sweet deal to leave a lasting impression on you! To experience this lemony delight, follow today’s recipe for a refreshing treat that brightens your mood just like its vibrant, sunny appearance.
Creative Ways To Customize Your Best Lemon Bars
No matter how good a dessert is, adding a personal touch always makes it even better. You can customize the taste, texture, and visual of this lemon bar by adding fruits, nuts, spices, or even as simple as a drizzle of chocolate syrup! To help make the dessert uniquely yours, here are some ideas you can use:
Fruit
The lemon bar is a tangy dessert with a citrusy flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the natural sweetness of various fruits. Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, mango, pineapple, peaches, apricots and cherries are just a few fruits that complement the lemon tart recipe and introduce a refreshing, juicy addition to the overall flavor profile.
You can add these fruits in both pureed and whole forms to your dessert. For whole fruits, consider adding them on top or serving them on the side as a garnishing element. Pureed fruits can be swirled on top or blended into the lemon filling for a burst of fruity flavor and vibrant color.
If you want a more intense flavor with less moisture, try adding dried fruits instead of fresh ones. Dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, cherries and raisins pair well with the bright flavor of the lemon tart. To add dried fruits to your dessert, chop them into small pieces before mixing with the filling. You can also sprinkle them over the crust before the tart goes inside the oven for baking.
Coconut
Coconut is a tropical fruit that adds a distinct flavor and texture to the dessert. The sweetness of the coconut helps create the perfect balance with the tanginess of lemon bars. It’s a versatile element that can be added to the crust, mixed into the filling, or sprinkled over the top as a garnish!
To give your shortbread crust a tropical twist, simply mix the coconut into the crust mixture before pouring it into the pan. As it bakes, the coconut blends with the buttery crust and introduces a subtle sweetness and a slightly chewy texture to the shortbread.
To use coconut in the lemon filling, add shredded or desiccated coconut to the mixture and stir it thoroughly to combine. You can also use sweetened or slightly toasted coconut as a garnish by sprinkling it on top of the cooled lemon tart.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a wonderful addition to any dessert, and this lemon tart is no exception!
The rich and bold flavor of the chocolate compliments the tartness of the lemon. My suggestion would be to use dark chocolate as it creates a bittersweet contrast to the tangy lemon flavor of the dessert. You can drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the bar as a decorative touch or blend the dark chocolate directly into the lemon filling for a rich and velvety experience.
Nuts
To enjoy a delightful crunch in every bite, you can add nuts to your lemon bar. Nuts like almonds, pecans or walnuts bring buttery flavor to the dessert and create a delightful contrast with the creamy, smooth lemon filling.
There are 3 ways to include nuts in this delicious dessert: in the crust, in the lemon filling or as a crunchy topping! For a nutty crust, finely chop the nuts of your choice and add them to the shortbread crust before baking. You can also toast the nuts before adding to intensify their flavors.
If you prefer to use nuts in the filling instead, fold the chopped nuts into the lemon mixture before pouring it on top of the shortbread crust. You can also use them as topping by sprinkling some pecans, almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts on top of your lemon bar before serving.
Perfect Lemon Bars | Easy Lemon Bars Recipe By Spice Bangla
Ingredients
For The Shortbread Crust
- ½ cup / 115 g Salted butter (Room temperature)
- 1 cup / 125 g All-purpose flour
- ¼ cup / 30 g Icing sugar
- ½ tsp / 3 ml Vanilla essence
For The Lemon Curd Filling
- 3 Large Eggs
- 1 cup / 200 g Sugar
- 3 tbsp / 23 g All-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp / 60 ml Lemon juice (Fresh)
- 2 tsp / 4 g Lemon peel (Grated)
Equipments
Instructions
Prepare Baking Pan
- First, preheat your oven to 170℃ (325℉).
- Then grease a 7*7 inch baking dish with softened butter/oil and line with parchment paper, set aside.
Make The Crust
- Now, to make the shortbread base, take 1/2 cup room-temperature butter, icing sugar, flour, and vanilla essence in a bowl.
- Then combine everything using a spoon or simply just using your hand. Bring the mixture together with your hand until the dough forms a ball.
- Now pat the shortbread dough into your lined prepared pan, ensuring it’s nicely leveled and the sides are closed properly.
Bake Crust
- Then prick the crust all over with a fork so it doesn’t rise up while baking.
- Bake the shortbread crust in your 170℃ preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until it’s slightly golden brown on the edges.
- And prepare your lemon curd filling in the meantime while the crust is baking.
Lemon Filling
- In another bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, flour, and lemon zest, then whisk together until well combined.
- Then add the fresh lemon juice and mix again.
- Take out the crust from the oven and pour the filling with the lemon filling you just prepared on the crust.
Bake Lemon Bars
- Bake again for 25 -30 minutes or until set. Once it’s baked perfectly, there should be no jiggling on top, and a thin crackle crust will form on the top.
- Allow it to completely cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or overnight before serving.
Serve, and Enjoy!
- Cut it into 16 small squares (or you can cut it into 9 squares if you like bigger slices); dip your knife into hot water after each cut if you like to get a clean cut every time.
- Dust with some icing sugar before serving and enjoy!
Video
The lemon bars recipe, otherwise known as the lemon tart, is a classic dessert that strikes the perfect balance between a light, refreshing look and effortlessly elegant. Made from simple ingredients, this dessert knows how to transform itself into a delicious treat, stealing the spotlight on any dessert table at first glance!
To truly appreciate this classic beauty, I invite you to try it today and share your experience with this delicious classic lemon bars recipe!
Recipe FAQs
How To Fix A Runny Lemon Filling?
If your lemon filling seems runny that means it’s probably undercooked. Put the pan back in the oven and bake until the filling doesn’t jiggle in the center when shaken gently.
Can I Make The Lemon Bar Without Eggs?
Yes, absolutely! Eggs are added to this recipe for thickening purposes. You can use cornstarch or agar agar instead and get the same result, though the flavor will be less creamy.
Why Does My Lemon Filling Foamy?
Your lemon filling may seem foamy due to over-mixing. When you whisk the filling mixture, mix gently and avoid air bubbles by letting it sit for a few minutes after whisking.
How to Store Leftover Lemon Bars?
You can store these easy lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 4-5 days.
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