The Pioneer Woman’s Lemon Bars
When you want a dessert that will really brighten your day, a lemon bar is the only place to turn. And The Pioneer Woman’s Lemon Bars, with their extra thick layer of cookie crust and tart but sweet flavor, are the best lemon bar out there as far as I can tell. They’re simple to make and thanks to their gooey zing of lemon, just one bite will make any day seem sunny. (Not that you’ll be stopping at one bite – that’s nearly impossible with these!)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of lemony desserts that strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, then you will adore these lemon bars. The combination of a crumbly cookie crust and a smooth, zesty lemon filling makes it an irresistible treat. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up and perfect for sharing at any gathering.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish (9×13-inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter
- Whisk
- Grater (for zesting lemons)
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, cubed
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- Zest and juice of 4 lemons
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- To make the crust, mix 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a medium bowl.
- Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter to mix until the texture resembles fine crumbs.
- Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20 minutes.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling: In a clean bowl, combine the sugar and flour.
- Add the eggs and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then whisk until everything is well combined.
- Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and return to the oven. Bake until the filling is set, about 20 minutes.
- Chill the bars in the fridge until firm, at least 2 hours. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into squares and serving.
Tips for Success
- To ensure the crust holds together, make sure to press it firmly into the baking dish.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor in the filling.
- Allow the bars to chill completely before slicing; this will help them hold their shape.
Additional Tips and Variations
For a fun twist, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling for a hint of warmth. If you prefer a slightly less tart flavor, reduce the lemon juice by half and replace it with water.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use unsalted butter for the crust?
A: Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch more salt to balance the flavors.
Q: How long will these lemon bars keep?
A: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze lemon bars?
A: Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
These Pioneer Woman’s Lemon Bars are a delightful way to add a burst of sunshine to your day. I hope you enjoy making and tasting these as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your results with me in the comments below – I’d love to hear how they turned out for you!