Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust
Lately, I have been obsessed with everything lemon flavored. This led me to a complete fascination with lemon bars. After several recipes tests, I have created the perfect recipe for delicious lemon bars featuring a graham cracker crust. Bursting with citrusy goodness, these bars strike the perfect balance between tangy and sweet, making them a must-have for any dessert lover.
Since you have a taste for something sweet, be sure to checkout this Mixed Berry Cheesecake and these Strawberry Bundt Cake!
Lemon bars have become one of my absolute favorites in the dessert world and adding a buttery graham cracker crust just takes it to the next level! Try this recipe and sink your teeth into a buttery graham cracker crust, and be greeted by a silky smooth lemon filling that dances on your taste buds. My Lemon Bars are truly indulgent, offering a combo of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Why you will love these lemon bars
Zesty Citrus Burst: These lemon bars are packed with fresh lemon juice and zest, delivering a burst of tangy citrus flavor in every bite. They’re like a sunshine-infused treat that brightens up your day.
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The combination of tangy lemon filling and buttery graham cracker crust strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and tartness. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors that tantalizes your taste buds without being overly sugary.
Irresistible Texture: Picture a crisp, golden-brown crust giving way to a creamy, luscious lemon filling. The contrast in textures is simply irresistible, offering a delightful experience with every mouthful.
In conclusion, these lemon bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a culinary experience that tantalizes the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Give them a try, and discover why they’re bound to become your new favorite treat!
Ingredients for zesty lemon bars
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provide a crunchy, buttery base for the bars, adding depth of flavor and texture.
- Granulated Sugar/Brown Sugar: Sweetens both the crust and filling, balancing out the tartness of the lemon.
- Unsalted Butter: Binds the graham cracker crumbs together, creating a sturdy crust with a rich, buttery flavor.
- Eggs: Act as a binding agent in the filling, giving it structure and a creamy texture.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Infuses the filling with vibrant citrus flavor, delivering that unmistakable tanginess.
- Lemon Zest: Adds an extra punch of lemon essence, intensifying the citrus aroma and taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the filling, ensuring it sets properly during baking.
- Powdered Sugar (Optional): Provides a delicate dusting of sweetness and a beautiful finish to the bars.
How to Make Lemon bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter for the crust. Press firmly into the baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- Combine granulated sugar and lemon zest until the lemon zest is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. Add flour to the lemon sugar mixture and whisk together until there are no lumps.
- Pour in the lemon juice, egg, and egg yolks into the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Pour filling over the crust and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely, slice at room temperature or refrigerate for 1 hour and then slice.
Recipe Tips
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest to the filling.
- Ensure the crust is firmly pressed into the baking dish to prevent crumbling.
- Refrigerate the bars before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a more smooth consistency with you filling, run it through a fine mesh strainer before pouring over graham cracker crust.
How to add an extra lemon zest to your lemon bars
Adding extra lemon flavor to your lemon bars is a fantastic way to intensify the citrusy goodness and make your bars even more irresistible. Here are a few simple ways to boost the lemon flavor:
- Increase Lemon Zest: The zest of the lemon contains essential oils that pack a punch of lemon flavor. Adding extra lemon zest to the filling will enhance the citrus aroma and taste without altering the texture of the bars. Consider using the zest of an additional lemon or two for a more pronounced lemon flavor.
- Adjust Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice from one or two additional lemons and add it to the filling mixture. Keep in mind that adding more lemon juice may slightly affect the consistency of the filling, so you might need to adjust the amount of flour accordingly.
- Lemon Extract or Oil:Iincorporate lemon extract or lemon oil into the filling. These concentrated flavorings are potent and can add a bold lemony taste to your bars. Start by adding a small amount, such as 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of lemon extract or a few drops of lemon oil, and adjust to taste.
- Lemon Glaze or Drizzle: Top lemon bars with a thin lemon glaze or drizzle for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Simply mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency, then drizzle it over the cooled bars. This not only adds more lemon flavor but also adds a decorative touch to your bars.
- Candied Lemon Peel: Garnish your lemon bars with thin slices or curls of candied lemon peel for an elegant touch and an extra pop of lemon flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can I use store-bought lemon juice instead of fresh?
A: fresh lemon juice is recommended for optimal flavor, you can use store-bought lemon juice as a substitute if needed. Just be sure to check for any added preservatives or flavors.
Q: How do I store leftover lemon bars?
A: Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from drying out. If you need to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months.
Q: Can I make these lemon bars gluten-free?
A: Yes! You can easily make gluten-free lemon bars by using gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and substituting gluten-free all-purpose flour for the filling. Just be sure to check that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.
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Lemon Bars
Equipment
- 1 8×8 baking dish 9×9 will also work
- Mixing Bowls
- whisk
- Food processor or rolling pin for crushing graham crackers
- Citrus juicer or handheld juice
- Zester or fine grater
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs about 16 whole crackers
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- pinch salt
- 1/2 cup butter melted
Lemon Filling
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar 200g
- zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup flour 60g
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbs are evenly coated. add to the prepared baking dish and press the mixture firmly into the bottom using a offset spatula or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl combine sugar, lemon zest an salt. Using your fingers, rub the lemon zest into the sugar, applying gentle pressure as you rub. Continue rubbing until the lemon zest is evenly distributed throughout the sugar and the sugar becomes fragrant with lemon aroma.
- Add flour to the lemon sugar mixture and whisk together until there are no lumps.
- Pour in the lemon juice, egg, and egg yolks into the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center should jiggle a little but not liquid.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish. Room temperature should be good!
- Once cooled, slowly remove lemon bars by pulling up the sides of the parchment paper and place on a cutting board. Cut into 9 equal squares, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.
Video
Notes
- Ensure the crust is firmly pressed into the baking dish to prevent it from crumbling when slicing the bars.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest to the filling.
- These lemon bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
