Lemon Drop Bars Recipe

Tip: These Lemon Drop Bars are the perfect treat for anyone who loves a bold, tangy lemon flavor. With a creamy, smooth texture and a zesty finish, they make an excellent choice for a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal or as a bright addition to any gathering. The addition of candied lemon zest on top enhances the citrus flavor, making each bite a burst of sunshine!

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• For the Lemon Filling:

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)

  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (plus extra for candied zest)

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 tsp baking powder

  • Pinch of salt

• For the Candied Lemon Zest:

  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced for zest

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the crust:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulse together the flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the vanilla extract and pulse again until the dough begins to come together. Press the dough into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the lemon filling:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, baking powder, and salt, and whisk until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened. Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust.

3. Bake the lemon bars:
   Bake the bars in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer wobbles when gently shaken. The top should be slightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

4. Prepare the candied lemon zest:
   While the bars are cooling, prepare the candied lemon zest. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the lemon zest and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until the zest becomes tender and translucent. Remove the zest from the syrup and let it cool on a sheet of parchment paper.

5. Serve:
   Once the bars have cooled, cut them into squares and top each piece with a piece of candied lemon zest. For extra lemon flavor, you can also sprinkle a bit of extra fresh zest over the top.

Calories per Serving:
Each square of these Lemon Drop Bars contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size of the bars and the amount of sugar used in the recipe. This is a delicious treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet and citrus cravings without being too indulgent.

Energy-efficient tip:
To save energy, use a food processor to make the crust, as it’s faster and more efficient than mixing by hand. When making the candied lemon zest, consider using a small saucepan over low heat, which uses less energy than boiling it at high temperatures. You can also bake the bars in a convection oven if available, which reduces cooking time and energy use.

Who can benefit:
These Lemon Drop Bars are perfect for anyone who loves the vibrant taste of lemons. The citrusy flavor provides a refreshing and light dessert option, making it great for those watching their calorie intake but still wanting to enjoy a sweet treat. The combination of eggs and flour makes this dessert a good source of protein and fiber.

Who should avoid:
Individuals with a citrus allergy should avoid this recipe due to the fresh lemon juice and zest. Additionally, people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Those watching their sugar intake might want to enjoy these bars in moderation as they are relatively sweet.