Meyer Lemon Bars are a delightful citrus dessert that offers a burst of tangy and sweet flavors in every bite. These luscious treats start with a buttery shortbread crust that provides a crumbly and rich foundation. The filling is made from Meyer lemons, a sweeter and more fragrant variety, resulting in a refreshing and aromatic custard-like layer. The bars are baked to perfection, developing a golden hue on top while maintaining a smooth and creamy texture underneath. The vibrant yellow color of the lemon filling adds an enticing visual appeal, making them an inviting treat for any occasion. Meyer lemon bars are best enjoyed chilled, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. With their zesty and velvety profile, these bars are a delightful indulgence for lemon lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients for Meyer Lemon Bars
⦁ – 8 ounces (1 cup) softened unsalted butter
⦁ – 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting
⦁ – 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
⦁ – 4 large eggs
⦁ – 2 cups granulated sugar
⦁ – 1 teaspoon grated Meyer lemon zest
⦁ – 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
⦁ – 1 teaspoon baking powder
Steps to make Meyer Lemon Bars
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3
Gradually add 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition, until a crumbly dough forms.
Step 4
Press the dough evenly into the greased baking dish to create the crust. Bake it in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 5
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, grated Meyer lemon zest, freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice, and baking powder until well combined.
Step 6
Gradually add the remaining 1 2/3 cups of all-purpose flour to the egg mixture, stirring until smooth.
Step 7
Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake the bars for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
Step 9
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 10
Once cooled, dust the top of the bars with confectioners’ sugar. Cut into squares or bars and serve. Enjoy the tangy and sweet Meyer lemon bars.
Nutrition Facts
⦁ – Calories: 225
⦁ – Total Fat: 10g
⦁ – Saturated Fat: 6g
⦁ – Trans Fat: 0g
⦁ – Cholesterol: 65mg
⦁ – Sodium: 40mg
⦁ – Total Carbohydrate: 32g
⦁ – Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
⦁ – Sugars: 21g
⦁ – Protein: 2g
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Steps to avoid while preparing Meyer Lemon Bars recipe
1. Using cold butter: Softened butter is essential for creating a smooth and well-incorporated crust. Avoid using cold butter, as it can result in lumpy and uneven dough.
2. Overmixing the crust: When combining the butter, confectioners’ sugar, and flour for the crust, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough and dense crust. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
3. Skipping the lemon zest: Meyer lemon zest adds a delightful aroma and flavor to the bars. Don’t skip this step as it enhances the citrus profile. Use a fine grater to zest the lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith.
4. Using insufficient lemon juice: Ensure you have enough freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice for the filling. Insufficient juice can result in a less tangy and flavorful filling. Squeeze enough lemons to obtain the required amount of juice.
5. Not allowing the crust to cool: Before pouring the lemon filling over the crust, make sure the crust has cooled completely. Pouring the filling onto a hot crust can lead to a soggy bottom and affect the overall texture.
6. Overbaking the bars: Keep a close eye on the bars while they are baking. Overbaking can result in a dry and overcooked filling. The filling should be set with a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken.
7. Cutting the bars while warm: Give the bars enough time to cool completely before cutting into them. Cutting them while warm can cause them to crumble and lose their shape. It’s best to refrigerate the bars for a few hours or overnight before slicing.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be on your way to creating perfectly delicious Meyer lemon bars. Enjoy!
FAQ
Q1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in the recipe?
A1. Yes, you can use salted butter, but it may slightly affect the overall taste and saltiness of the bars.
Q2. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with another type of flour?
A2. While it’s best to use all-purpose flour for this recipe, you can experiment with alternative flours like almond flour or gluten-free flour blends, but the texture and results may vary.
Q3. How many lemons do I need to get 6 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice?
A3. It usually takes about 2-3 medium-sized lemons to obtain 6 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Q4. Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?
A4. Yes, regular lemons can be used as a substitute for Meyer lemons, but the flavor may differ slightly.
Q5. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?
A5. Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar, but it may impact the sweetness and texture of the lemon bars.
Q6. How long do Meyer Lemon Bars stay fresh?
A6. When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Meyer Lemon Bars can stay fresh for up to 5-7 days.
Q7. Can I freeze Meyer Lemon Bars?
A7. Yes, you can freeze Meyer Lemon Bars. Ensure they are properly wrapped or stored in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Q8. Are Meyer Lemon Bars gluten-free?
A8. No, Meyer Lemon Bars are not gluten-free as they contain all-purpose flour. To make them gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead.
Q9. Can I add other flavors or toppings to the lemon bars?
A9. Yes, you can add additional flavors like vanilla extract or experiment with toppings like powdered sugar, lemon zest, or a lemon glaze for extra flavor and decoration.
Q10. Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of lemons?
A10. Yes, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like oranges or limes, but it will alter the taste and characteristics of the bars.