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Easy Lemon Bars Recipe

Lemon bars have long been a beloved dessert, striking the perfect balance between tart and sweet. Their delightful zesty flavour and buttery shortbread crust make them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer garden party or looking to indulge your sweet tooth on a quiet afternoon, these easy lemon bars from The Carefree Kitchen will not disappoint.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt
• Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, softened butter, and salt. Use your fingers, a pastry cutter, or a fork to mix everything together until crumbly and well blended. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Filling

In another bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until well combined. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, and a pinch of salt, whisking until smooth and homogenous.

Step 5: Bake Again

Once the crust is golden, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the filling has set and no longer wobbles in the centre.

Step 6: Cool Down

Once baked, take the bars out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. After they have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to the fridge for at least one hour to achieve a firmer texture.

Step 7: Serve

Once cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. If desired, dust the top with icing sugar for an elegant touch. Serve the lemon bars chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Bars

• Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavour, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated lemon zest.
• Cool Completely: Allow the lemon bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Storage: Store your lemon bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week—if they last that long!

Conclusion

These easy lemon bars are a delightful treat that epitomises the bright flavours of summer. With their luscious filling and crumbly crust, they are sure to become a favourite in your dessert repertoire. Whether served as a refreshing snack or a tantalising dessert, these lemon bars are sure to impress. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or share them with friends—either way, you won’t be disappointed!