Lilco Lemon Bars
Lemon bars with a buttery crust and tangy lemon filling offer a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus, ideal for dessert lovers and citrus enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour and 1/2 cup confectioners sugar.
- Cut in margarine or butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press the mixture onto the bottom of a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of concentrate. If you're out of confectioners sugar, you can blend granulated sugar until fine. Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the overall taste. To prevent the crust from being too crumbly, ensure the margarine or butter is softened before mixing. For a twist, try adding a bit of zest from the lemon for extra brightness.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon bars are delightful on their own, but they can be enhanced with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. They pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a refreshing drink, consider serving them alongside iced tea or lemonade. They make a perfect dessert for picnics or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but serve chilled for the best flavor. If freezing, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lilco Lemon Bars contains roughly 1000 calories, with 4g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1229mg per serving (53% 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 a different type of sugar for the crust?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar for confectioners sugar in the crust, but the texture may be slightly different. Confectioners sugar provides a finer texture and helps the crust hold together better. If using granulated sugar, consider adding a little cornstarch to mimic the properties of confectioners sugar.
How can I tell when the lemon bars are done baking?
The lemon bars are done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. They will continue to firm up as they cool. A good test is to insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as they can become tough.
Can I make these lemon bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These lemon bars can be made a day in advance. In fact, they often taste better the next day as the flavors meld. Just ensure they are properly cooled and stored in the refrigerator. Before serving, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
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).