If you’re a fan of citrusy sweets, these Lemon Chess Bars will quickly become your new favorite treat. With their buttery crust and rich, tangy lemon filling, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into chunks
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Filling:
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions:
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Make the Crust: In a food processor, blend the chilled butter, flour, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Form the Crust: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a crust.
Bake the Crust: Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Prepare the Lemon Filling:
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and flour until smooth and well combined.
Add Flavor: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Then, fold in the melted butter until the mixture is smooth.
Pour Over Crust: Spread the lemon filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
Bake:
Bake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
Cool: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Serve:
Cut and Dust: Once cooled, cut the bars into squares. For a touch of sweetness, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Enjoy: Serve and savor these delightful Lemon Chess Bars as a perfect dessert or snack.
Serving Tips:
Cooling: Allow the Lemon Chess Bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. This ensures the filling sets properly and makes cutting easier.
Cutting: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife between slices.
Dusting: For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a nice visual appeal and enhances the flavor.
Serving Options: Serve the bars as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the bars within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the bars in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container.
Freezing: To extend the shelf life, freeze the Lemon Chess Bars. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Avoiding Moisture: Ensure the bars are completely cooled before covering or storing. Excess moisture can make the crust soggy.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of citrus for this recipe?
Yes! While lemon is the traditional choice for Lemon Chess Bars, you can substitute with other citrus fruits like lime or orange. Just ensure you adjust the amount of juice and zest accordingly to maintain the balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I make Lemon Chess Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Lemon Chess Bars can be made a few days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing.
Why did my Lemon Chess Bars crack on top?
Cracking on top is a common issue and can occur if the filling is overcooked or if the oven temperature is too high. To prevent this, bake the bars at the recommended temperature and keep a close eye on them as they approach the end of the baking time. A slightly jiggly center is okay as it will firm up as it cools.
Can I use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in the crust. Make sure to use a blend that is designed for baking and includes xanthan gum or guar gum, which helps with texture and binding. The texture of the crust may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious!
Conclusion:
These Lemon Chess Bars are more than just a treat—they’re a taste of summer with their bright, citrusy punch and buttery, crumbly crust. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these bars are sure to be a hit. With an easy-to-follow recipe and simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweetness and tartness in every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Lemon Chess Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Chess Bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a rich, tangy lemon filling. Perfect for citrus lovers, these bars offer a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into chunks
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Filling:
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a food processor, combine the chilled butter, flour, sugar, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the Lemon Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and flour until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, followed by the melted butter. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Serve:
- Once cooled, cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
For a different citrus flavor, you can substitute lemon with lime or orange.
Ensure the bars are completely cooled before cutting for clean slices.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
