Delicious Recipe for Lemon Square Bars: A Tangy Treat for Every Occasion

Lemon square bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, making them a favorite among citrus lovers. Whether you’re hostin……

Lemon square bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, making them a favorite among citrus lovers. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving something refreshing, this recipe for lemon square bars is sure to impress your family and friends. Bursting with bright lemon flavor and topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, these bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying.

### Ingredients Needed for Your Lemon Square Bars

To create the perfect lemon square bars, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

**For the crust:**

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

**For the lemon filling:**

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 2 large eggs

- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)

- Zest of 1 lemon

- Powdered sugar for dusting

### Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Preheat the Oven:**

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your lemon square bars bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture.

**2. Prepare the Crust:**

In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Using a fork or your fingers, mix the ingredients until they resemble coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8x8-inch baking dish. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until it’s lightly golden.

**3. Make the Lemon Filling:**

While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 large eggs until well combined. Add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the zest of one lemon. Mix until the filling is smooth and well incorporated.

**4. Combine and Bake:**

Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are slightly golden.

**5. Cool and Serve:**

After baking, allow the lemon square bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Cut into squares and serve. These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep or last-minute gatherings.

### Tips for the Best Lemon Square Bars

- **Fresh Ingredients:** Always use fresh lemons for the juice and zest. The flavor is significantly better than using bottled lemon juice.

- **Chill Before Serving:** For an even more refreshing experience, chill the lemon square bars in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving.

- **Add a Twist:** For a unique flavor, consider adding a hint of vanilla extract to the filling or topping the bars with whipped cream.

### Conclusion

This recipe for lemon square bars is a simple yet elegant dessert that is sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. The combination of a buttery crust and a zesty lemon filling creates a perfect harmony of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying these bars at a summer gathering or indulging in a sweet treat at home, they are sure to become a go-to recipe in your dessert repertoire. So gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible lemon square bars!