Luscious Lemon Cream Bars are a delightful combination of a buttery shortbread crust and a rich, tangy lemon cream filling. These bars offer the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy zing, making them a refreshing treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a light dessert, or simply love the taste of lemon, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth with every bite. The creamy texture paired with the crumbly base creates an irresistible dessert that melts in your mouth. Easy to prepare and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- For the Lemon Cream Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Garnishing (Optional):
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon zest curls
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar.
- Mix until the ingredients come together to form a crumbly dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Lemon Cream Filling:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the lemon cream mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake Again:
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool at room temperature.
- Chill and Set:
- Transfer the baking dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) for the best texture.
- Slice and Serve:
- Once fully chilled, carefully lift the bars out using the parchment paper (if used) and place them on a cutting board.
- Cut into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon zest curls and mint leaves if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, citrusy goodness of these luscious lemon cream bars.