| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 335 | 14g | 8g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 33g | 1g | 5g | 0.1g |
One of the recipes I keep coming back to time and again is Lemon Bars. Not only are these sweet and tantalizing treats an absolute joy to make, but the burst of citrusy freshness in every bite is a trip to sunny heaven on a gloomy day – or any day for that matter.
A Taste of Home and Something More
Growing up in Seattle, I fell in love with the diverse food culture that merged the old with the new, the east with the west. This affection translated into my recipes, even for something as classic and universally loved as Lemon Bars. While at their heart, these are completely American, I have learnt to infuse these with a lightly aromatic note of Yuzu from Japan, where I spend a lot of my time. A similar citrus, Yuzu lends an Asian touch to the dish, creating a beautiful fusion of east and west – much like my life. Simply replace the lemon zest in the recipe with Yuzu zest if you wish to try.
A Zesty Health Treat
But the Lemon Bars aren’t just about tickling your taste buds. You’ll find that there are several health benefits associated as well. The lemons bring in the goodness of vitamin C, offering a boost to your immunity and skincare. Moreover, by choosing all-purpose flour made from whole grain, you can add some fibre to your diet, promoting good digestion. Adding a touch of natural sweetness using honey or agave instead of granulated sugar can also make this a more wholesome recipe.
For more information on the health benefits of citrus fruits, visit here.
Pairing Possibilities
The versatility of Lemon Bars is one of the reasons why it is such a well-loved recipe. Their sweet-tart taste works wonders as a refreshing end to a hearty meal. In particular, I often pair them with a savory ramen bowl or a hot pot of Sukiyaki, giving a playful counterbalance to these traditional Japanese dishes. The bright citrusy note works brilliantly in cutting through the richness of the main course.
To find similar recipes or inspiring pairings, check out this article on Bon Appetit.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Method
Step One
To start with, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside.
Step Two
In a medium bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cups flour and 1/3 cup sugar. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut in the softened butter until the mixture is crumbly. Press this into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step Three
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from oven, but leave the oven on.
Step Four
While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
Step Five
Pour this lemon mixture over the baked crust and return the baking dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the bars are set.
Step Six
Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the bars to fully cool in the dish on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
