Ingredients and Kitchen Equipment
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of both the crumbly crust and topping.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the crust and filling.
- Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender, crumbly texture.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Adds a concentrated lemon flavor.
- Eggs: Helps to set the lemon filling.
- Baking Powder: Helps the filling rise slightly and become fluffy.
- Powdered Sugar: For a light dusting on top, adding a touch of sweetness.
Kitchen Equipment
- 9×9-Inch Baking Pan: For baking the bars.
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing the crust and filling.
- Whisk: For mixing the filling ingredients.
- Spatula: For spreading the crust and filling evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
- Zester or Grater: For the lemon zest.
- Cooling Rack: For cooling the bars after baking.
Recipe Directions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
- Cut in 1/2 cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers for this.
- Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the Crust:
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Lemon Filling:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Add 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of lemon zest, and 2 large eggs. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are slightly golden.
- Cool and Cut:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and cut into squares.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the bars chilled or at room temperature. They make a great addition to any dessert table or a sweet treat for afternoon tea.
Notes and Tips
- Lemon Juice: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled. It’s more vibrant and aromatic.
- Cooling: Make sure the bars are completely cooled before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
- Variations: Try adding a layer of fresh berries or a swirl of fruit preserves to the lemon filling for a different flavor twist.
Food and Drink Pairings
Lemon Crumb Bars pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They’re also a refreshing complement to a light, summery meal like grilled chicken or a fresh salad.