August 14, 2014

Mom's Lemon Bars


WARNING: These have been called "crack bars."

My mom often made lemon bars when my sisters and I were growing up.  There was a lemon tree at the house that produced these Goliath-size lemons that made for tangy and sweet lemon bars, which were the perfect after school treat.

Lemon bars aren't something that I crave (I'm a chocolate girl), but when they're right in front of you, it's hard to pass one down.  Maybe it's because of the lemon flavor which cleanses the palate, but lemon bars are more of a refreshing dessert.

Recently, one of my friends was having a housewarming BBQ, and I didn't want to come empty handed.  Unfortunately, I  didn't have much on hand to make dessert.  I kept looking through my cabinets, hoping to find an extra bag of chocolate chips but had no luck.  I opened up my fridge and saw a drawer full of lemons.  Perfect!  Lemon bars don't need a lot of fancy ingredients, and they are quick to make.  It's a good recipe to have in your repetoire for a last-minute dessert.

These lemon bars are everything that a good lemon bar should be: tender, buttery, and tart, with a thin shortbread crust for the base.  For a little extra tang, throw in some lemon zest to the batter.

Besides, since there is fruit in this dessert, it's technically a fruit serving.  Right? Right.

Mom's Lemon Bars
Yields 16 servings

Ingredients:
For the crust:
1 cup flour
1/4 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 cup butter

For the filling:
2 eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tbsp. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder

Confectioner's sugar for topping

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350ºF.  In a food processor, mix the flour, confectioner's sugar, and butter.  Remove, and pat this mixture into a lightly greased 8 x 8" pan, and bake for about ten minutes, or until lightly golden.  Remove from oven and allow to cool.

In a medium sized bowl, beat the eggs, and add the granulated sugar and lemon juice.  Beat until thick and smooth.  Add the remaining flour and baking powder, and blend until combined.  Pour over the baked layer, and bake for 20 minutes, or until set.

Remove from oven, and allow to cool.  Sift confectioner's sugar over top, and cut into squares and enjoy.

Source: My Mom :)

6 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh, I am just like you. I don't crave these (except for right now), but once I get started, I just can't stop. I will definitely be making these soon.

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    Replies
    1. When Meyer lemons are in season, I am going to try using those! :)

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  2. These lemon bars look utterly delicious, so love a traditional recipe! :D

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have a feeling you would make a very decadent lemon bar!

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  3. I'm in love with your mother. I really enjoy a good lemon bar. :)

    ReplyDelete

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