Lemon Heaven Bars
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
25 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
24 bars
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Calories
199 kcal
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Course
Baked Goods
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Cuisine
American
Lemon Heaven Bars
Description
Lemon Heaven Bars start with a base made from flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and fresh lemon zest, combined with melted butter, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The fresh zest is carefully mixed to evenly distribute its flavor. The batter is baked in a parchment-lined pan to facilitate clean cutting once cooled.
Once baked and cooled, the bars are topped with a lemon glaze made of powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest, enhancing the citrus flavor and adding a glossy finish. The texture is firm yet tender, with a spring-back quality when lightly pressed, indicating doneness.
The bars provide a balanced sweetness with pronounced lemon notes, suitable for dessert or snack. The method ensures a moist but set texture that holds well for slicing and serving.
The recipe is adapted from reputable sources and emphasizes fresh lemons for zest and juice for the best flavor impact.
Ingredients
for the lemon bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- lemon fresh zest from 2 large lemons
- 1 cup butter melted and cooled, unsalted
- 4 egg large
- ⅓ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
for the lemon glaze:
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- lemon fresh zest from 1 large lemon
Instructions
For the lemon bars:
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9" x 13" pan with parchment paper so that two opposite sides have an overhang. This will allow you to lift the bars out once they are cooled, to make clean cuts. If ultra clean cuts are not a big thing for you, simply spray the pan lightly with a non-stick spray. Set pan aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add lemon zest (my favorite zester!) and whisk again to separate and coat all the little pieces of zest. Set bowl aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until combined. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The lemon bars should spring back lightly when gently pressed. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
For the lemon glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over top of cooled lemon bars and then use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread glaze evenly over the bars.
- Place pan in refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Run knife around the perimeter of the pan where there is no parchment paper and then lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhangs. Cut into squares. I think these bars are best enjoyed when chilled, but feel free to serve them at room temperature also.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the most vibrant flavor.
- Line the pan with parchment paper on two sides for easy lifting and clean cuts.
- Cool the bars completely before glazing and cutting to maintain shape.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 199 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 199kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Cholesterol | 51mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 49mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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