Lemon Pie Bars Sunshine on a Crumb
Lemon Pie Bars: Sunshine on a Crumb
Ever have one of those days? You know, the kind where you just need a little pick-me-up? Well, these lemon pie bars recipes are your answer.
They are the perfect solution, honestly! They are tangy and sweet, and oh-so-satisfying!
A Tangy Treat with a Classy Heritage
These bars are basically a portable version of Grandma's Lemon Icebox Pie . Think of it as a sunshine in a square! This simple recipe is easy to whip up.
You'll only need about 1 hour 25 minutes from start to finish, including chilling. This recipe makes about 16 delicious bars, perfect for sharing.
Lemon Dessert Recipes: Why These Bars are Special
These bars are bursting with lemon . They're packed with vitamin C, which is just what you need. Perfect for afternoon tea.
These tangy lemon bar recipe offers a delightful treat. I bet that will make you smile. What makes them so special? They combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a creamy filling.
It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Let's Grab Our Kit and Begin
Ready to bring some sunshine into your kitchen? Let's get started. Grab your ingredients and a small baking dish . I think you're going to love this lemon shortbread bars recipe!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Bake On!
Alright, gather 'round, bakers! We're diving into these Lemon Pie Bars. These aren't just any bars; they're like sunshine on a crumb , seriously.
No fancy pants stuff here, just proper, tasty goodness. Let's see what we need.
Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Deliciousness
Okay, listen up. Getting your amounts spot-on is key. These measurements are important. If you want to know the recipes with lemon pie filling, this will not dissapoint!
Shortbread Crust:
- All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups (190g) .
- Unsalted butter (cold, cubed): ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) . Cold butter is vital!
- Granulated sugar: ⅓ cup (67g) .
- Salt: ⅛ teaspoon .
- Ice water: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Keep it chilled, mate!
Lemon Pie Filling:
- Large eggs: 4 .
- Granulated sugar: 1 ½ cups (300g) .
- All-purpose flour: ⅓ cup (40g) .
- Fresh lemon juice: ½ cup (118ml) (about 3-4 lemons). Fresh is always better.
- Unsalted butter (melted): ¼ cup (57g) .
- Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon .
- Pinch of salt.
- Powdered sugar (optional).
If I were to describe it with a descriptive subheadings, I'd go for "Lemon Pie Bars Recipe Easy".
For the butter, you want the real deal, not margarine. Real butter makes a difference in the crust's texture and flavor.
I always use a good quality butter. Makes a real difference. And for lemon juice? Freshly squeezed is the only way to go.
That bottled stuff just doesn’t have the same zing! These are almost the perfect Lemon Dessert Recipes.
Seasoning Notes: Zing It Up!
Lemon and sugar are the stars here, obviously. Lemon zest adds a punch of aroma. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
If you want a Tangy lemon bar recipe, don't skimp on the lemon juice! These can also be called Homemade lemon filling bars.
I've tried a drop of vanilla extract, and it wasn't bad, either. A great way to elevate our Breakfast Sweets.
You can use lime instead of lemon for a twist. Or add some blueberries on top for extra colour. You could even add another recipe and call the Lemon shortbread bars! And now some Lemon dessert squares.
My nan would have love the Grandma's Lemon Icebox Pie
Equipment Needed: No Faffing About
Keep it simple. These are essentials, you know?
- 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Parchment paper. Stops the bars from sticking.
- Mixing bowls.
- Pastry blender or food processor (for the crust). A fork works in a pinch.
- Citrus zester.
- Citrus juicer.
- Whisk.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Don’t have a fancy Small Baking Dish? Any similar size will do. Honestly, you don't need all the gadgets. A bowl, a fork, and your hands will do just fine sometimes.
And here a little extra info, you can prepare a Quick Lemon iced Yellow Cake with the same ingredients!.
Lemon Pie Bars: Sunshine on a Crumb
Oh my gosh, have I got a treat for you! These lemon pie bars recipe easy will blow your socks off.
Seriously. They're like a slice of sunshine, but in bar form. Perfect for a tangy lemon bar recipe , afternoon tea, or when you just need a bit of a pick-me-up.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
Right, let's get our ducks in a row. First, essential mise en place . Measure out all your ingredients. Chop that butter! Zest those lemons.
Get everything ready before you start. Honestly, it makes the whole process so much smoother.
Time saving tip: Use a food processor for the crust. Pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs. Boom. Done. Safety reminder: Mind your fingers when zesting.
No one wants a side of knuckle with their lemon dessert squares .
step-by-step: Bar-Making Brilliance
Here's how to nail these homemade lemon filling bars :
- Crust Time: Whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter. Drizzle in ice water. Press into a small baking dish .
- Chill Out: Pop the crust in the fridge for 30 minutes . Don't skip this!
- Par-Bake: Preheat oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Bake crust for 18- 20 minutes . Golden brown is the goal.
- Filling Frenzy: Whisk eggs, sugar, and flour. Add lemon juice, melted butter, zest, and salt.
- Pour & Bake: Pour filling over the crust. Bake for 30- 35 minutes . Slight jiggle is good!
- Cool Completely: Let them cool completely before refrigerating.
- Chill & Slice: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours . Cut into squares.
- Dust & Devour: Dust with powdered sugar if you're feeling fancy.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Lemon Game
Want to make these bars extra special? Here's the lowdown. Cold butter is non-negotiable for a flaky crust. Don't overbake! Jiggly filling is your friend.
A common mistake is not chilling the bars enough. Be patient! They need that time to set properly. For make-ahead, bake the bars a day in advance.
Store in the fridge. They'll be even better the next day.
These lemon shortbread bars are definitely worth making. I used my grandma's lemon icebox pie recipe for the filling and they turned out amazing.
If you want to make breakfast sweets , serve with coffee. They make a great quick lemon iced yellow cake too if you want to try something different.
I reckon, go on and make some sunshine today and share with the family. Enjoy!
Right then, let's chat about these glorious Lemon Pie Bars . Before you dive into baking, a few notes to make sure yours are absolutely spot-on.
Honestly, even I've had a few "learning experiences" (read: kitchen disasters) along the way, so let's avoid those, shall we?
Pro Tips for Lemon Bar Nirvana
Plating Like a Pro (Almost)
These lemon dessert squares are pretty darn delicious as is. But presentation? It can make all the difference. Try dusting them with powdered sugar for a snow kissed look.
A few fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint add a lovely pop of color. For drinks, I reckon an iced tea or a sparkling lemonade will cut through the richness perfectly.
If you are doing a breakfast or a brunch, they are awesome served with hot tea or coffee, making it a top pick among breakfast sweets .
Storage Sorted
If, by some miracle, you don't gobble these all up straight away, here's how to store them. Keep these homemade lemon filling bars in the fridge to keep everything fresh.
They will happily chill for up to 4 days in an airtight container. I'm not sure they'll last that long, mind you! Freezing? Yep, you can! Wrap them individually or in small batches.
Then pop in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before devouring and you can reheat them briefly in a low oven ( about 275° F/ 135° C ) if you fancy a warm treat.
Remix Time: Lemon Bar Variations
Fancy mixing things up a bit? Go wild! For a tangy lemon bar recipe , swap half the lemons for limes! Instant lime bars boom.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free small baking dish flour blend for the crust. dairy-free? Sub in your favorite plant based butter.
Honestly, these are so forgiving, they can handle a bit of experimentation. My Grandma's Lemon Icebox Pie recipes were all based off of mixing and matching, give it a go!
Nutrition Lowdown
Alright, the serious bit. Each bar is roughly around 250 calories , with a bit of protein, fat, and carbs.
But let's be honest, you're eating these for joy, not macros, right? The key health benefit ? They are a massive mood booster.
Like sunshine in a bar! And you get some vitamin C from the lemons. Remember, all that is an estimated, your own results will vary!
These lemon shortbread bars are simple to make and are the perfect quick lemon iced yellow cake alternative! Don't be scared to give them a go and most importantly, have fun! You can make a lovely lemon pie bars recipe easy following this method!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made lemon pie filling in these recipes with lemon pie filling, or is it best to make my own?
While you could use pre-made lemon pie filling in some "recipes with lemon pie filling," like these Lemon Pie Bars, freshly made is generally better. It gives you control over the sweetness and tartness.
However, in a pinch, a high-quality store-bought filling can work; just be sure to adjust the sugar in the overall recipe accordingly, so it's not overly sweet, yeah?
My lemon pie bars are too tart! How can I fix that?
If your lemon pie bars are a bit too puckery for your liking, don't fret! You can easily balance the tartness by adding a touch more sugar to the filling before baking. Start with a tablespoon or two and taste as you go.
A dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar when serving can also mellow out the tartness after baking.
How do I store lemon pie bars to keep them fresh?
To keep your lemon pie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll stay good for about 3-4 days. This helps prevent the filling from becoming too soft and keeps the crust from getting soggy.
If you are planning to freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer safe container.
The filling in my lemon pie bars cracked while baking. What did I do wrong?
Cracked filling usually means the bars were overbaked. Next time, check for doneness a few minutes earlier you want the filling to be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. Cooling them slowly can also help prevent cracks; avoid drastic temperature changes.
Can I make these lemon pie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Lemon pie bars are perfect for making ahead. In fact, they often taste even better after they've had a chance to chill in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
You could even prep the crust a day before, too.
I'm trying to watch my sugar intake. Are there any ways to make these lemon pie bars healthier?
You can definitely make some tweaks to lighten these bars up a bit. Consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol in both the crust and filling (though be mindful of the taste as some substitutes can have a distinct aftertaste).
You can also reduce the amount of sugar by about 25% without significantly affecting the texture. Serve smaller portions and load up on fresh berries for added sweetness and nutrients!
Lemon Pie Bars Sunshine On A Crumb
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 13g |
| Fiber | 1g |
