Prepare to embark on a tantalizing culinary journey that combines the rich decadence of brownies with the bright, citrusy punch of lemon bars! These aren't just any ordinary dessert - they're a sensational fusion that will transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary taste adventure. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly balanced treat that offers the fudgy depth of brownies with a vibrant lemony twist that will make your guests beg for the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the batter, stirring gently to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will take approximately 1 hour.
- Once cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Cut into 12 equal squares, ensuring clean cuts with a sharp knife.
- Serve at room temperature and store any remaining bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep your bars tender.
- Zest Matters: Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor - avoid using pre-packaged zest.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to get clean, precise squares.
- Powdered Sugar Technique: Use a fine-mesh sieve for an even, elegant dusting of powdered sugar.
- Storage Hack: For maximum freshness, store in an airtight container and consume within 5 days.
- Serving Suggestion: These bars are delightful at room temperature, but can also be chilled for a firmer texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 110mg
