Simply Sunshine Lemon Bars
Brighten your day with my Simply Sunshine lemon bars recipe! Sweet, tart, and incredibly easy, these lemon crumb bars are a bake sale sensation. Get the secret now!
Right then, let's chat about my simply sunshine lemon bars recipe ! ever find yourself needing a bit of sunshine on a cloudy day? this recipe is your answer.
Seriously, these lemon treats are like a ray of sunshine in every bite.
Why You Need These Lemon Bars In Your Life
These aren't just any old bar desserts . think of them as tiny, tangy bursts of joy. the lemon filling is perfectly balanced, tart, and sweet, sitting on a buttery crumb bars base.
I nicked the recipe, loosely, from my nan's recipe box. she always made them for village fetes, and they disappeared faster than hot cakes on a winter's morning!
Simply Sunshine Lemon Bars Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
A Slice of History (and Sunshine)
Lemon bars have been around for yonks. these bars and squares are proper comfort food. this dessert bar recipe hails from the good ol' u.
S. of a, becoming popular around the mid-20th century. they’re perfect for afternoon tea, picnics, or, let's be honest, scoffing down straight from the fridge when no one's looking.
This lemon bars recipe is easy to follow, taking about 1 hour 25 minutes to make, with 20 minutes of prep and roughly 30- 35 minutes in the oven.
Makes about 16 bars.
More Than Just a Pretty Face
Aside from tasting heavenly, lemons are packed with vitamin c. so, technically, you're getting your vitamins while indulging in these lemon dessert recipes .
Perfect for a summer barbecue, a bake sale, or when you just fancy something a bit special. what makes these particular lemon crumb bars so special? well, besides the secret ingredient (a tiny pinch of love, of course!), it’s the buttery, crumbly base and the tangy lemon filling .
It's a balance of textures and flavors that just works . now, let’s get to the good stuff... the ingredients!
Alright, let's dive into the ingredients and equipment you'll need to whip up these simply sunshine lemon bars, also known as lemon crumb bars .
Honestly, it's easier than dealing with british weather! you know?
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!
These Bar Desserts are all about simple pleasures. We'll break it down to make sure you aren't lost.
Main Ingredients for the Lemon Bars Recipe
This Lemon Dessert Recipes starts with good ingredients. Quality matters!
- For the Shortbread Crust:
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (125g) . Plain flour, nothing fancy.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (113g) , cold as ice. That is KEY.
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) .
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon . Just a pinch.
- For the Lemon Filling:
- Granulated sugar: 1 1/2 cups (300g) .
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (30g) .
- Baking powder: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Large eggs: 4 . Free-range if you can!
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Fresh is best, yeah? Look for lemons that are heavy and smell amazing.
- Lemon zest: 2 tablespoons . It's like sunshine in a zest!
- Powdered sugar: For dusting. Go wild or keep it simple!
Seasoning Notes
Let's talk flavour, shall we?
- Essential Spice Combinations: Lemon zest and juice are the stars, no need to overcomplicate things.
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: You can add a tiny drop of vanilla extract to the lemon filling for a hint of warmth, but honestly, the lemon is pretty damn perfect on its own. These Lemon Treats really stand up on their own.
- Quick Substitution Options: No lemons? Lime juice works in a pinch, but it won't quite be the same. It's still tasty as Crumb Bars though.
Equipment Needed
Right, gear up! No need for a fancy KitchenAid. This Dessert Bar Recipe doesn't need a lot of stuff.
- Essential Tools Only:
- 8x8 inch baking pan. Or close to it.
- Parchment paper or foil. Makes life so much easier.
- Mixing bowls.
- Electric mixer. A whisk will do, but it's a workout.
- Lemon zester and juicer.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Common Household Alternatives: Don't have a zester? A grater works. No lemon juicer? Squeeze those lemons by hand. You got this. I have to tell you, making Lemon Bars Recipe is super gratifying and these Bars And Squares are always a win. They’re a really good way to show someone you care. Now, grab your stuff and let's get baking!
Simply Sunshine Lemon Bars: Bring on the Zest!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good lemon bars recipe ? these little squares of sunshine are like a happy pill in dessert form.
A perfect treat, especially when life gives you way too many lemons.
We're talking about the simply sunshine lemon bars . this lemon crumb bars recipe is all about nailing that balance between tangy and sweet.
Think buttery shortbread crust meeting a ridiculously smooth lemon filling. you know, the kind that makes you go "ooooh!" with every bite.
I swear, it's the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. let's dive in!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Essential Mise en Place
Okay, before we start, let's get organized. measure out all your ingredients. cold butter is a must for the crust! think of this like your baking show audition – the better you prep, the smoother it goes.
For the crust, grab 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup cold butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. the lemon filling? you'll need 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons lemon zest.
Also, don't forget to line your 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. it makes everything so much easier later.
Baking Bliss: Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get baking? Here’s the lowdown:
- Crank up the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Line that pan with parchment paper.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter. It should look like coarse crumbs.
- Press this mixture firmly into the pan.
- Chill the crust for 30 minutes . Then, bake for 18- 20 minutes . Aim for light golden brown.
- Whisk together sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt for the filling.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, lemon juice, and zest.
- Pour the wet into the dry. Whisk until smooth .
- Pour over the warm crust. Bake for 20- 25 minutes . A slight jiggle is okay!
Lemon Dessert Recipes Pro-Tips for Bar Desserts
- Cold Butter is King: Use ice-cold butter for the crust. It makes a huge difference.
- Don't Overbake! This is crucial. Slight jiggle = perfect. Overbaked = tough. You've been warned!
- Chill Out: Let them cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours before cutting. Trust me on this one!
Look, these lemon treats are like a ray of sunshine. give this dessert bar recipe a shot, and i promise you'll be hooked.
They're just the thing to brighten up any day. enjoy baking these amazing crumb bars . they are just the perfect addition for your collection of bars and squares .
Right then, let's talk about making these sunshine-filled lemon bars recipe extra special. you know, those little things that elevate them from "nice" to "oh my gosh, these are amazing!".
I reckon it's all about the details, innit?
Recipe Notes: Nailing Those Lemon Treats
Honestly, mastering this lemon bars recipe is pretty straightforward. but let's dive into a few key things. these will help your bars be top notch.
We're going for perfect crumb bars , not just any bars and squares . i once rushed the chilling time. the result? a crumbly mess, not a perfect dessert bar recipe .
Never again! learn from my mistakes, eh?
Serving 'Em Up Right
Presentation matters. even for lemon dessert recipes , a bit of flair makes a difference. fancy yourself a bit of a mary berry? dust those lemon crumb bars generously with powdered sugar.
Makes 'em look like they're straight from the telly. for sides, i reckon a dollop of clotted cream or some fresh raspberries would do the trick.
And a nice cuppa earl grey, of course. you can’t go wrong!
Storing That Lemon Filling Goodness
Right, so you've made a batch. how do you keep 'em fresh? pop them in the fridge, in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 4 days. if you want to freeze them, cut them into squares first. place the squares in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Freeze 'em solid. then transfer them to a freezer bag. they'll be good for up to 2 months. to reheat, just let 'em thaw in the fridge.
Then, enjoy a cool lemon bars recipe .
Twists and Turns: Variations On Bars And Squares
Fancy a change? let's have a go at some new stuff. make them dairy-free. use a good vegan butter alternative.
(miyoko's kitchen is a winner.) or try gluten-free lemon bars recipe . use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. you can always add some lavender for a floral kick.
Just a teaspoon, mind.
Nutrition lowdown
Right, so nutrition isn't the main event here. we are talking desserts here, not about lemon water with 0 calorie.
But roughly, each bar packs about 220 calories. you'll find about 3g of protein, 10g of fat, and 30g of carbs.
With about 20g of sugar. so, they are lemon treats . enjoy in moderation, yeah?
Honestly, this lemon bars recipe is a winner. give it a go and you will nail these bar desserts . you'll be turning out perfect lemon crumb bars in no time.
And remember, even if they don’t look perfect, they'll still taste amazing. now, get baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my lemon bars recipe turning out soggy?
A soggy bottom on your lemon bars is often caused by the crust not being baked enough before adding the filling. Make sure to pre-bake the crust until it's lightly golden brown. Also, avoid over-pouring the filling, as too much liquid can also lead to sogginess. Think of it like a good episode of Bake Off - no one wants a soggy bottom!
How do I get the perfect tangy flavor in my lemon bars?
The key to a perfect lemon bar is the right balance of sweet and tart. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor – bottled juice just doesn’t compare! Don’t be shy with the lemon zest either, as that's where a lot of the aromatic oils reside. It gives the bars that extra "zing," like a good cup of Yorkshire Tea first thing in the morning.
Can I make lemon bars recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Lemon bars are actually better when made a day in advance, as the flavors meld together beautifully in the fridge. Just make sure to cool them completely, then cover tightly before refrigerating. This also makes them easier to cut cleanly. They'll be ready and waiting when you need a little slice of sunshine, like a pre-planned picnic on a bank holiday!
How do I store lemon bars to keep them fresh?
Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cool temperature helps to maintain the texture and prevent the filling from becoming too soft. You can also freeze them for longer storage (up to 2 months), but be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving – they'll taste almost as good as the day they were made, better than a soggy biscuit.
Can I use different types of citrus in this lemon bars recipe?
Definitely! While this recipe is for lemon bars, you can easily adapt it to lime bars by substituting lime juice and zest for lemon. You could also try using a mix of lemon and orange for a more complex flavor. Get creative and experiment – that's half the fun of baking, like jazzing up a Victoria Sponge with some seasonal fruit!
My lemon bar filling is cracking, what did I do wrong?
Cracking in your lemon bar filling usually means they were overbaked or baked at too high of a temperature. Try reducing the oven temperature by 25 degrees and check for doneness a few minutes earlier. The filling should be set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center. Remember, a little patience is key, even when you're craving that sweet and tangy taste - it's like waiting for the kettle to boil for a proper cuppa!
