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Refreshing lemon cream bars topped with lemon zest and whipped cream

Refreshing Lemon Cream Bars

A delightful dessert that's easy to make, these lemon cream bars offer a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, topped with a creamy filling on a buttery crust.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 9 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour For the base of the dessert.
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar Adds sweetness to the crust.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened For a rich buttery flavor.
For the lemon filling
  • 2 large eggs Bind the filling together.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Main sweetener for the filling.
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice About 2 lemons.
  • 1 unit zest from 1 lemon For extra lemon flavor.
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Thickens the filling.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Acts as a leavening agent.
  • a pinch salt Enhances flavor.
Optional for serving
  • to taste additional powdered sugar for dusting Optional decorative touch.

Method
 

Prepare the Crust
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Stir in softened butter until the mixture resembles a crumbly texture.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Make the Filling
  1. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly thickened.
  2. Add in lemon juice, zest, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, mixing until just combined.
  3. Once the crust is done baking, pour the lemon filling over the hot crust.
Bake and Cool
  1. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the filling is firm but slightly jiggly in the center.
  2. Allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Dust with powdered sugar, slice into bars, and serve.

Notes

Juicing lemons: Roll on the countertop before cutting for maximum juice. For clean slices, use a hot knife dipped in water.