Rich Lemon Bars
Rich Lemon Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with a tangy lemon filling. Perfect for lemon lovers, they offer a balance of sweet and tart flavors, with a tender crumbly texture. Ideal for parties, potlucks, or a bright finish to any meal.
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 until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine eggs, granulated sugar, baking powder, ReaLemon juice, and remaining 3 tablespoons of flour.
- Mix well until smooth.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and cool.
- Cut into bars.
- Sprinkle with additional confectioners sugar before serving.
- Store covered in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh lemon juice instead of ReaLemon juice. If you're out of margarine, unsalted butter is a great substitute. To enhance the texture, you can add a pinch of salt to the crust. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better mixing. If you prefer a thicker lemon layer, increase the egg quantity to five.
Serving Suggestions
Serve lemon bars chilled or at room temperature, dusted with additional confectioners sugar for a touch of sweetness. They pair beautifully with a scoop of Orange-Pineapple Sherbet for a refreshing dessert combination. Enjoy alongside a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat, or serve them at gatherings for a delightful dessert option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To maintain freshness, separate layers with parchment paper. If you want to enjoy them warm, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat as this can change the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rich Lemon Bars contains roughly 331 calories, with 3g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% 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 flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or almond flour for a different texture. However, keep in mind that the flavor may slightly vary, and you might need to adjust the liquid ingredients to achieve the right consistency.
How do I know when the lemon bars are done baking?
The lemon bars are done when the edges are lightly browned and the center is set but slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent overbaking.
Can I freeze lemon bars for later use?
Absolutely! To freeze lemon bars, allow them to cool completely, then cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
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).