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My Lemon Bars bring pure sunshine into the kitchen. Every time I make these the sweet tangy aroma takes me back to baking with my grandmother. The buttery shortbread crust topped with creamy lemon filling dusted with powdered sugar creates pure magic. I've made these countless times and they never fail to make people smile.
Simple Citrus Magic
Making these bars fills me with joy. The way that tangy filling meets buttery crust creates something truly special. My family requests these for every gathering and they disappear faster than I can slice them. Sometimes the simplest recipes bring the most happiness.
From My Kitchen to Yours
- Fresh Flour: 1½ cups sifted with care makes perfect crust.
- Powdered Sugar: ½ cup for crust plus extra for dusting.
- Real Butter: ¾ cup cold cubed creates flaky magic.
- Pure Sugar: 1½ cups balances the tartness.
- Farm Eggs: 4 large room temperature.
- Fresh Lemons: ½ cup juice squeezed by hand.
- Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon fresh bright yellow.
- Sea Salt: Just a pinch makes flavors sing.
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Creating Sweet Sunshine
- Crust Love
- Heat oven to 350°F line pan with care mix flour sugar salt cut butter until crumbly press gently bake until golden edges appear.
- Lemon Magic
- Whisk sugar eggs fresh lemon juice zest salt until silky smooth no bubbles gentle now.
- Baking Dreams
- Pour lemon mixture over warm crust watch it transform into sunshine 20 minutes of patience.
- Sweet Finish
- Let cool completely then chill dust with sugar snow cut into perfect squares.
Kitchen Wisdom
Parchment paper makes everything easier. Take your time with the filling gentle whisking creates smooth tops. Patience while chilling brings clean slices. Fresh lemons only never bottled juice the difference shows in every bite.
Sweet Kitchen Dreams
Sometimes I add fresh lime juice for extra zing. Fresh berries pressed into filling create beautiful pops of color. My sister loves coconut sprinkled on top before baking makes everything tropical.
Sweet Questions Answered
- Paper Magic: Parchment helps bars lift out whole and perfect.
- Chill Time: Cold bars slice clean and pretty.
- Perfect Timing: When filling stops jiggling sunshine ready.
- Early Bird: Make ahead chill overnight dust sugar before serving.
Pure Lemon Love
These Lemon Bars bring happiness to every gathering. Perfect alongside fresh berries or afternoon tea they create moments of pure joy. Simple ingredients careful attention lots of love making sunshine sweet one bar at time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why did my filling crack?
Cracks happen from cooling too quickly. Let bars cool at room temp first, then chill slowly in fridge.
- → How do I get clean cuts?
Chill bars completely and use a warm knife. Wipe blade clean between each cut for neat squares.
- → Can I freeze lemon bars?
Freeze cut bars in single layer up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight and dust with sugar before serving.
- → Why dock the crust?
Poking holes prevents the crust from bubbling up. This helps the filling stay even when poured over.
- → How long do they keep?
Store covered in fridge up to 5 days. The crust may soften slightly but still tastes great.
Conclusion
Classic lemon bars featuring a rich shortbread crust topped with creamy lemon filling. Easy to make ahead and perfect for any occasion.