Lemon Bars. Sweet and Tangy Dessert Bars
If you're craving something sweet with a tangy twist, these Lemon Bars will hit the spot! A buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust topped with a smooth, zesty lemon filling. They're the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them ideal for a light dessert or afternoon treat. This simple recipe can be whipped up in under an hour and is guaranteed to brighten your day with a burst of citrus flavor.
Ingredients
-
For the crust
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
-
For the lemon filling
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup (180ml) fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Prepare the crust. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly add in the flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Make the lemon filling. While the crust is baking, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour in a bowl. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and whisk until smooth and fully combined.
Bake the bars. Once the crust is ready, pour the lemon filling over the hot crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
Cool and serve. Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into 16 squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Recipe tips
Use fresh lemons for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice won’t give the same fresh, tangy taste. Don’t overmix the lemon filling. Whisk just until combined, as too much air can cause the filling to crack while baking. Chill before cutting for cleaner slices. Refrigerating the bars for about 30 minutes after cooling will make them easier to slice evenly. Add a touch of vanilla to the crust for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
This moist and delicious Banana Nut Bread is perfect for using up overripe bananas. The soft texture, combined with crunchy nuts, creates a comforting treat that's perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. It’s easy to make, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is heavenly. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this classic homemade bread that’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a decadent dessert featuring a moist date cake topped with rich toffee sauce, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The caramelized sauce soaks into the cake, creating a gooey, sticky delight that melts in your mouth. This classic British dessert is ideal for special occasions, cold evenings, or whenever you need a cozy, indulgent treat.
There’s nothing quite like a warm, buttery croissant straight out of the oven. This classic French pastry is known for its flaky, delicate layers, rich taste, and soft, buttery interior. Although croissant-making takes time and patience, the process is rewarding. Once you learn the method, you’ll have the satisfaction of enjoying a truly homemade treat. Perfect for breakfast or a light snack, these croissants are a labor of love that will impress your family and friends.
These tender and buttery Vanilla Bean Scones are perfect for breakfast or a snack with tea. The rich, creamy flavor of real vanilla bean pairs wonderfully with the light sweetness of the glaze. With their crumbly yet soft texture, these scones are easy to make and irresistible to enjoy fresh out of the oven.
These Coffee Cake Muffins are the perfect blend of a moist, tender cake and a sweet, crumbly topping. They're ideal for a quick breakfast treat, snack, or even a dessert with a cup of coffee or tea. The brown sugar and cinnamon streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, making these muffins a comforting and flavorful indulgence.
Snickerdoodles are a classic, soft, and chewy cookie coated in cinnamon sugar. The cookies have a slightly tangy flavor, thanks to a touch of cream of tartar, and their cinnamon coating gives them a warm, comforting taste that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you're making these for a holiday party, an after-school snack, or just craving something sweet, this easy-to-follow recipe will give you delicious homemade snickerdoodles in no time.
A Chocolate Soufflé is a decadent and elegant dessert that’s light, airy, and full of rich chocolate flavor. It's the perfect way to impress guests or treat yourself to a fancy dessert at home. The soufflé rises beautifully in the oven, creating a tender crust on top with a soft, molten center. With just a few ingredients and careful preparation, you can master this classic French dessert.
Warm, gooey, and packed with rich pecan flavor, these Pecan Sticky Buns are the perfect indulgence for a special breakfast or brunch. The soft, buttery dough swirled with cinnamon and sugar, then topped with a luscious caramel-pecan sauce, creates a treat that melts in your mouth. Whether you're hosting a holiday breakfast or simply treating yourself, these sticky buns will quickly become a favorite!
Deliciously buttery, flaky, and packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness, these Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists are easy to make and absolutely irresistible. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a treat perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. This recipe is beginner-friendly and ready in under an hour, making it a delightful option for anyone craving a quick pastry without all the fuss!
There's nothing quite like the warm, gooey goodness of a classic chocolate chip cookie. These cookies are crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and loaded with rich, melted chocolate chips. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just craving a homemade treat, this recipe is sure to become your go-to. Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make these cookies perfect for bakers of all levels.
These delightful Peach Hand Pies are the perfect treat for a sweet snack or dessert. Made with a buttery, flaky pie crust and filled with juicy, spiced peaches, they are easy to make and perfect for any time of year, especially summer. You can serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy them as a grab-and-go snack. The individual servings also make them ideal for picnics or parties.
Almond croissants are a decadent French pastry, perfect for breakfast or a luxurious snack. These flaky, buttery croissants are filled with a sweet almond paste and topped with toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. Whether you’re using day-old croissants or making them from scratch, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a bakery-worthy treat. Serve them warm with coffee or tea, and you’ll feel like you’re in a Parisian café.
Indulge in the rich, decadent pleasure of Chocolate Lava Cake—a treat that combines a gooey molten center with a soft, spongy outer layer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen. Perfect for dinner parties or when you're craving something chocolatey and indulgent. This cake is best served warm, with the molten chocolate flowing out at the first bite!
Red Velvet Cupcakes are a decadent treat, known for their moist, fluffy texture and striking red color, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. The subtle cocoa flavor paired with a tangy buttermilk base makes these cupcakes a delightful indulgence, perfect for parties or as an everyday treat. If you love a hint of chocolate with a vibrant twist, these cupcakes will be a hit. This recipe is simple to follow and yields bakery-quality results.
This Spinach and Strawberry Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines tender baby spinach, sweet strawberries, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a versatile option for lunch, dinner, or even as a side for a summer gathering. The crunchy nuts and creamy cheese add texture, while the light dressing ties everything together.
Baked Brie is a deliciously gooey and elegant appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. With its soft, melty center encased in a golden, flaky puff pastry (or simply baked on its own), it pairs wonderfully with crackers, fresh fruits, and nuts. Whether you're entertaining guests or looking for a quick, indulgent snack, this warm, creamy cheese will definitely impress.
Chicken and waffles is the perfect blend of savory and sweet—a Southern classic that’s irresistible! Crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy golden waffles and drizzled with maple syrup, this dish brings comfort food to a whole new level. Whether for brunch or dinner, it's a meal that feels indulgent but is easy enough to make at home.
This classic Tomato Basil Bruschetta is the perfect light and fresh appetizer for any occasion. It's easy to make and packed with vibrant flavors. Juicy tomatoes are mixed with fragrant basil and garlic, topped on crispy toasted baguette slices, and finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s a delightful way to start your meal or serve as a snack. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients.
This homemade Thanksgiving gravy is the perfect finishing touch to your holiday feast. Made with turkey drippings, broth, and a few simple ingredients, it’s rich, flavorful, and smooth—perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey. This recipe is simple to make, with just a few steps, and can easily be adapted for different flavor preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this gravy will elevate your Thanksgiving dinner.
This Roasted Red Pepper Soup is a rich, vibrant dish packed with smoky-sweet flavors of roasted red peppers, garlic, and onions. It’s creamy, healthy, and comforting, perfect for cool days when you crave something warm and nourishing. With a blend of spices and a hint of creaminess, this soup is simple to make yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a light starter.
Caprese Skewers are a delightful and fresh appetizer that brings together the classic Italian flavors of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze. These skewers are easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining or a light snack. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or looking for a quick and healthy treat, Caprese Skewers are a go-to option that will impress your guests and please your palate.
This rich and creamy chocolate mousse is a classic dessert that’s both indulgent and surprisingly simple to make. The smooth, airy texture and deep chocolate flavor make it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself. With only a few ingredients, you can whip up a luxurious mousse that tastes as if it came straight from a patisserie!
The classic Gin and Tonic is a refreshing and zesty cocktail perfect for unwinding or adding a touch of sophistication to any gathering. With just a few ingredients, it’s simple to make, yet bursting with bright citrus and botanicals. This recipe highlights the balance between the gin’s aromatic profile and the quinine in tonic water, complemented by a fresh lime wedge for extra zest. It’s a versatile drink, ideal for warm-weather sipping or as a go-to party drink year-round.
Jalapeño poppers are a classic snack with a delightful combination of spicy, creamy, and crispy textures. These bite-sized treats are made by stuffing fresh jalapeños with a rich mixture of cream cheese and cheddar, then wrapping them in smoky bacon. The jalapeños are baked until the bacon is crisp and the cheese is melted to perfection. This recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun appetizer at home.
Delicate, nutty, and perfectly sweet, these pistachio macarons are a delightful treat for anyone with a love for light, crispy shells and creamy, smooth fillings. Made with ground pistachios and a touch of almond flour, these macarons offer a unique flavor that elevates the classic macaron. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply looking to treat yourself, pistachio macarons are a showstopper that’ll impress with every bite.
These Fish Tacos are a simple yet flavorful meal, perfect for a fresh and light dish. With crispy, seasoned fish topped with vibrant slaw, creamy sauce, and zesty lime, these tacos will bring the taste of the coast straight to your kitchen. Ideal for a casual lunch or dinner, these tacos are easy to make and customizable with your favorite toppings. Serve them with warm tortillas and watch them disappear!
Tzatziki is a refreshing Greek yogurt dip that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, pita, or fresh vegetables. It's creamy, tangy, and bursting with the flavor of fresh cucumber and garlic. Tzatziki is quick to make and is a must-have for Mediterranean meals or as a healthy, cooling snack. Its simple ingredients and vibrant flavors make it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round.
Who doesn't love a warm, gooey cheese dip? This recipe is your go-to for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dip that's creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, this cheese dip will be the star of the show.
Beef Stroganoff is a classic Russian dish that's comforting, creamy, and packed with savory flavors. Tender strips of beef are simmered in a rich, tangy sour cream sauce, served over a bed of noodles or rice. It’s a perfect meal for dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. If you’re looking to make a warm, hearty dish with minimal effort, this recipe is for you.
Enjoy the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu with this easy and satisfying recipe. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with savory ham and creamy Swiss cheese, breaded to crispy perfection, then baked until golden brown. This delightful dish will impress with its layers of flavor and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
There's nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. This homemade version is simple, flavorful, and perfect for anyone looking to whip up a delicious meal in no time. Forget the boxed stuff; this rich and creamy mac and cheese will quickly become your go-to recipe. Whether you're preparing it for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch, this dish hits all the right notes.
These crispy homemade onion rings are a delightfully crunchy snack or side dish that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re serving them with a burger, enjoying them as a snack, or sharing them at a gathering, these onion rings are sure to be a hit. With a light, golden batter coating each ring, they have the perfect crunch on the outside and a sweet, tender onion on the inside. They’re simple enough for a quick treat but tasty enough to impress your guests.