Hamdi Saidani Lemon Pie Bars recipe made of a buttery shortbread crust and tangy lemon filling, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors these delightful bars serve 16 and take about 45 minutes to prepare making them ideal for any occasion.
Try More Lemon Desserts Recipes:
💛 Why You’ll Love This Lemon Pie Bars Recipe:
- Bright and Tangy: The fresh lemon juice and zest give these bars a bright, tangy flavor that’s perfect for any lemon lover.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of a buttery, crisp crust and a smooth, custard-like lemon filling creates a delightful contrast in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any special equipment or skills.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The balance of sweet and tart flavors makes these bars a hit with both kids and adults. They’re a refreshing change from heavier desserts.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them a convenient dessert option for busy schedules.
âť“ What Is Lemon Pie Bars Recipe?
Lemon Pie Bars are a delicious dessert featuring a crisp, buttery shortbread crust topped with a smooth, tangy lemon filling. These bars are the perfect combination of sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for lemon lovers.
🍋 Lemon Pie Bars Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
🥮 How To Make Lemon Pie Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Use your hands or the back of a measuring cup to press it down firmly.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled 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 no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
- Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to fully set the filling. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, and cut into squares or bars. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
đź’ Recipe Tips:
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best flavor for these bars. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, which can taste flat or artificial.
- Zest Before Juicing: Zest the lemons before juicing them, as it’s much easier to do so while the lemons are whole.
- Cool the Crust Slightly: Let the crust cool for a few minutes before pouring the lemon filling on top. This helps prevent the filling from soaking into the crust, ensuring a crisp base.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while they bake. The filling should be set but still soft, and it will continue to firm up as it cools.
- Chill Thoroughly: For the best texture, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing. This makes them easier to cut and enhances the flavor.
- Use a Sharp Knife: To get clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between each slice. This prevents the filling from sticking and tearing the bars.
🥂 What To Serve With Lemon Pie Bars?
Lemon Pie Bars pair wonderfully with a dollop of Lemon Frosting or a scoop of Lemon Curd serve them with a cup of coffee or tea, or alongside fresh berries for a light, refreshing dessert experience.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Lemon Pie Bars?
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers Lemon Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps the filling set and the crust crisp.
- Freezer: For longer storage freeze leftovers Lemon Pie Bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftovers Lemon Pie Bars?
- In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) place leftovers Lemon Pie Bars on a baking sheet cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out heat for about 2-4 minutes.
- In The Microwave: Place leftovers Lemon Pie Bars on a microwave-safe plate microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
FAQ’S
Can I use bottled lemon juice for Lemon Pie Bars?
While you can use bottled lemon juice, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Bottled juice often lacks the brightness and depth of flavor that fresh juice provides.
How do I prevent Lemon Pie Bars from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust for Lemon Pie Bars, make sure to bake it until lightly golden before adding the lemon filling. This pre-baking step creates a barrier that helps keep the crust crisp.
Can I make Lemon Pie Bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can make Lemon Pie Bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and filling. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
What’s the best way to cut Lemon Pie Bars?
For clean cuts, chill the bars thoroughly before slicing use a sharp knife, and wipe the blade clean between each cut to prevent sticking and tearing.
Can I make Lemon Pie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, Lemon Pie Bars can be made a day in advance store them in the refrigerator, and they’ll be ready to serve when you need them.
How do I know when Lemon Pie Bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the lemon filling is set and no longer jiggles when the pan is gently shaken. The edges may be slightly golden, but the center should still look soft.
Try More Lemon Desserts Recipes:
Lemon Pie Bars Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 185
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin C: 10%
- Calcium: 2%
- Iron: 4%
Lemon Pie Bars
Description
Lemon Pie Bars recipe made of a buttery shortbread crust and tangy lemon filling, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors these delightful bars serve 16 and take about 45 minutes to prepare making them ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
For the Lemon Filling:
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Use your hands or the back of a measuring cup to press it down firmly.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled 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 no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
- Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to fully set the filling. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, and cut into squares or bars. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best flavor for these bars. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, which can taste flat or artificial.
Zest Before Juicing: Zest the lemons before juicing them, as it’s much easier to do so while the lemons are whole.
Cool the Crust Slightly: Let the crust cool for a few minutes before pouring the lemon filling on top. This helps prevent the filling from soaking into the crust, ensuring a crisp base.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while they bake. The filling should be set but still soft, and it will continue to firm up as it cools.
Chill Thoroughly: For the best texture, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing. This makes them easier to cut and enhances the flavor.
Use a Sharp Knife: To get clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between each slice. This prevents the filling from sticking and tearing the bars.
