Lemon Chess Bars

Learn how to master baking luscious lemon chess squares. This sweet and tart dessert features a cake crust, a crunchy top, and an ooey-gooey center. Believe me, everyone will come back and beg for more.

Everyone Loves Chess Squares

Chess Squares, also known as chess cake squares, are a delicious dessert that found their roots in chess pie and are always a hit on dessert tables in the South. People in the South absolutely love them because of their creamy, gooey center and crunchy top.

But now they’ve made their way across the country because they are nothing short of amazing and decadent. I’ve taken them to a church potluck on more than one occasion, and I consistently have people asking for the recipe.

Whoever made chess squares should have called them crack squares because they are so addictive and almost impossible to put down.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Lemon Chess Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, with a texture that’s both gooey and crunchy. They’re easy to make and sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Food processor
• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Aluminum foil
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Wire rack

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into chunks
• 1 ¼ cups flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3-5 tablespoons ice water

Filling:

• 4 whole eggs
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange the rack to the lowest level. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray.
2. In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and butter, and pulse until the mixture forms pea-sized chunks. Slowly add the ice water in 1 tablespoon increments, pulsing until the dough comes together.
3. Place the dough in the lined baking dish and press it evenly to the sides.
4. For the filling, whisk the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, and salt) together in a bowl. Stir until combined.
5. Whisk in the egg yolks, whole eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Slowly add the melted butter and continue whisking until the mixture is creamy.
6. Pour the batter into the baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a golden crust forms on top.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
8. Optional: Lightly dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Make sure your butter is chilled before mixing the crust to achieve the perfect flaky texture.
• Room temperature ingredients help the filling mix more smoothly and bake evenly.
• Don’t rush the cooling process. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.

Additional Tips and Variations

You can experiment with adding different citrus zests or juices for a unique flavor twist. Try orange or lime for a refreshing change.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each serving of Lemon Chess Bars provides a delightful balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with a burst of vitamin C from the lemon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of 1 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making these Lemon Chess Bars as much as I do. They’re a hit at any gathering and are sure to leave everyone asking for more. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below!