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A close-up of Zesty Lemon Dream Bars arranged on a white plate, showcasing their bright yellow citrus glaze and fudgy texture topped with lemon zest.

Zesty Lemon Dream Bars: Bright & Fudgy Citrus Bliss

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Discover how to make zesty lemon dream bars, a citrus-based lemon dessert that’s bright, fudgy, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for lemon brownies lovers! These bars feature a crisp crust, tangy lemon filling, and a glossy glaze for a delightful treat that brightens any occasion.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze, optional)
  • Fresh lemon slices and mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine 1 ½ cups flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir in melted butter until coarse crumbs form. Press into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes.
  2. Whisk together eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar until smooth. Pour over baked crust. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set and slightly bubbling.
  3. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Optional: dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon slices and mint. Prepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice and drizzle over cooled bars.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container.
  • Add extra citrus zest or different citrus fruits for variation.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (about 70g)
  • Calories: 220 Kcal
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg