Lemon Spice Bars
Lemon Spice Bars are zesty, sweet treats with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect for lemon lovers and ideal for snack or dessert occasions.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon shredded lemon peel ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream shortening, brown sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, lemon peel, and lemon juice; beat well.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg; add to the creamed mixture.
- Stir in rolled oats and chopped walnuts.
- Spread in a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your shortening is well-creamed with the brown sugar before adding eggs. If you don't have walnuts, try pecans or almonds as a substitute. You can also enhance the lemon flavor by using lemon extract instead of lemon juice. For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon spice bars pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. They also make a great snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast, or enjoy them as a sweet treat after a hearty meal like Mushroom Macaroni.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lemon spice bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you prefer them warm, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Spice Bars contains roughly 382 calories, with 5g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value) and calcium (13% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter as a substitute for shortening in this recipe. It will add a richer flavor to the bars. Just ensure the butter is softened at room temperature before creaming it with the brown sugar.
How can I make these bars more tangy?
To enhance the tanginess of your lemon spice bars, consider adding an extra tablespoon of lemon juice or incorporating lemon zest. This will amplify the citrus flavor without compromising the texture of the bars.
Can I freeze the lemon spice bars?
Absolutely! Allow the bars to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving, or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a chilled treat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).