Lemon Heaven Bars

There’s something truly magical about the combination of zesty lemon and a buttery crust, especially when it comes to my favorite treat: Lemon Heaven Bars. I still remember the first time I tasted these delightful bars at a summer picnic, their bright and tangy flavor bursting through the sweetness. The moment I took a bite, I was transported to a sunny afternoon, lounging in a garden with the fragrance of blooming flowers all around me. These bars are a quintessential summer dessert, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying all by yourself while savoring the blissful taste of lemon. Whenever I’m in need of a pick-me-up or a refreshing dessert, I turn to the Lemon Heaven Bars. They’re simple to make and always leave everyone asking for more!

What You’ll Need for Lemon Heaven Bars

When it comes to making the perfect Lemon Heaven Bars, the choice of ingredients plays a crucial role. Each component contributes to the overall flavor and texture, creating a harmonious blend that is simply irresistible. The key players include fresh lemons for that vibrant zest and juice, along with a buttery crust that provides the ultimate base for this dessert.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the crust, giving it structure and a tender crumb.
• 1.5 cups sugar: Sweetness is essential for balancing the tartness of the lemons.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly, creating a light texture.
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Fresh lemon zest from 2 large lemons: This provides intense citrus flavor and aroma.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Adds richness and helps bind the crust.
• 4 large eggs: Essential for the filling’s structure and creaminess.
• ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: The star ingredient that gives the bars their zesty tang.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor profile.
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar: Used for the glaze, providing sweetness and a smooth finish.
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Enhances the glaze’s flavor.
• Fresh lemon zest from 1 large lemon: For garnishing the glaze and adding a pop of color.

The Method for Lemon Heaven Bars

Making Lemon Heaven Bars is an enjoyable process that brings together all those lovely flavors. Let’s dive into the steps to create these delightful treats! Follow along as I guide you through each step, ensuring your bars turn out perfect every time.

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F. This initial step is crucial as it ensures your bars bake evenly. While the oven heats, prepare your baking pan by lining a 9” x 13” pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out once cooled, enabling you to cut them cleanly. If you’re not too concerned about perfect cuts, a light spray of non-stick spray will work just fine. Set this pan aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1.5 cups of sugar, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined, as this will form the base of your crust. Once combined, add the zest of 2 large lemons and whisk again to ensure all the tiny pieces of zest are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of melted unsalted butter, 4 large eggs, ⅓ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to your bars, so whisk it well until fully combined.

4. Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. You want to avoid over-mixing, which can make the bars tough. Once fully combined, spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9” x 13” pan. Make sure it’s level to ensure even baking.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. The bars should also spring back lightly when gently pressed. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

6. While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1.5 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and additional zest of 1 large lemon until smooth. This glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish.

7. Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly over the surface, ensuring every corner is covered. Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 2 hours to allow the glaze to set and the flavors to meld.

8. After chilling, run a knife around the perimeter of the pan where there is no parchment paper. Lift the bars out using the parchment overhangs. Cut into squares for serving. I find these bars are best enjoyed when chilled, but feel free to serve them at room temperature.

Recipe Variations about Lemon Heaven Bars

If you’re in the mood to mix things up, there are plenty of creative variations for Lemon Heaven Bars that you can try. These tips will help you elevate your bars or put a unique spin on them!

• Change the Citrus: Experiment with other citrus fruits! Lime or orange can provide a different flavor profile while maintaining that refreshing zing.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
• Add a Berry Layer: Layer fresh berries such as blueberries or raspberries on top of the lemon filling before baking for a fruity twist.
• Top with Whipped Cream: For an extra treat, serve the bars with a dollop of homemade whipped cream on top.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: A drizzle of white or dark chocolate can add a lovely contrast to the tartness of the lemon.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in both the filling and glaze to balance the flavors.
• Infuse with Herbs: For a unique flavor, try infusing your lemon filling with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Pairing Suggestions for Lemon Heaven Bars

Serving Lemon Heaven Bars is an opportunity to get creative with your pairings. Here’s how you can enhance your experience:

• Perfect with Tea: These bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of herbal tea or iced tea, making for a refreshing afternoon treat.
• Great for Picnics: Pack these bars for outdoor gatherings. They hold up well and are easy to share among friends and family.
• Ideal for Summer Gatherings: Whether it’s a barbecue or a birthday party, Lemon Heaven Bars add a refreshing touch to any summer event.
• Accompany with Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries or sliced fruit to complement the citrus flavor of the bars.
• Pair with Light Snacks: These bars are great alongside light snacks like nuts or cheese for a balanced dessert spread.
• Perfect for Brunch: Consider serving these as part of a brunch spread, paired with mimosas or sparkling water for a delightful start to the day.

FAQ

Conclusion

Lemon Heaven Bars are the epitome of summer desserts, offering a perfect blend of sweet and tart that is sure to please everyone. Their refreshing flavor and easy preparation make them a staple for any gathering. I encourage you to try making these bars for yourself or to share with friends and family; you won’t regret it!

Lemon Heaven Bars

The refreshing zesty flavor of Lemon Heaven Bars is a must-try! These easy-to-make bars are perfect for any occasion and will leave you craving more. Enjoy the delightful balance of sweetness and tartness that makes them irresistible.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 24 bars

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large lemons fresh lemon zest
• 1 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
• 4 large eggs
• ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 large lemon fresh lemon zest

Equipment

• Citrus juicer
• 9" x 13" pan
• Grater/Zester

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a 9" x 13" pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1.5 cups of sugar, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Add the zest from 2 large lemons and whisk again.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of melted unsalted butter, 4 large eggs, ⅓ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Spread evenly in the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
6. For the glaze, whisk together 1.5 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the zest from 1 large lemon until smooth.
7. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and spread evenly. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
8. Run a knife around the perimeter and lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Tip 2: These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months - just wrap them tightly!
• Tip 3: Consider adding a fruit layer for variety.
• Tip 4: Serve with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!
• Tip 5: They are perfect for summer gatherings!

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Meet Isla Banks

We eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make every dish look as bountiful as it tastes. I work on every stage of the process, from sourcing the freshest ingredients to styling the final shot. I tested this recipe repeatedly to provide you with the visual inspiration and reliability you need to cook with confidence.