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### How to Make Luscious Lemon Cream Bars
Making **Luscious Lemon Cream Bars** is simple and requires only a few steps, though it does take a little time to allow the bars to set. Below is the step-by-step guide to creating these tangy and sweet treats from scratch.
#### Step 1: Prepare the Crust
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Begin by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. This ensures that your oven is hot and ready for the crust.
2. **Mix the Crust Ingredients**: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the **flour**, **sugar**, and **salt**. Stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
3. **Cut in the Butter**: Add the **cold, cubed butter** to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be evenly distributed throughout.
4. **Press the Crust Into the Pan**: Press the crumbly mixture into the bottom of a **9×9-inch baking dish** lined with parchment paper. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press the mixture into an even layer.
5. **Bake the Crust**: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for **10-12 minutes**, or until it turns a light golden brown around the edges. Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the lemon cream filling.
#### Step 2: Make the Lemon Cream Filling
1. **Whisk the Wet Ingredients**: In a large bowl, whisk together the **sweetened condensed milk**, **egg**, **egg yolks**, **freshly squeezed lemon juice**, and **lemon zest** until smooth and well combined.
2. **Add the Dry Ingredients**: To the wet ingredients, sift in the **flour**, and add the **vanilla extract** and a **pinch of salt**. Whisk again until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps of flour.
3. **Pour the Filling Over the Crust**: Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the lemon cream filling over the baked crust, smoothing it out with a spatula to ensure even coverage.
#### Step 3: Bake the Lemon Cream Bars
1. **Bake the Bars**: Return the pan to the oven and bake the bars for an additional **18-20 minutes**, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken. The filling should have a slight golden hue around the edges and should be firm to the touch.
2. **Cool the Bars**: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool at room temperature for about **30 minutes**. Afterward, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill the lemon cream bars for at least **2 hours**, or until they are fully set.
#### Step 4: Garnish and Serve
1. **Dust with Powdered Sugar**: Once the bars are chilled and set, dust the top with **powdered sugar** for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. This is optional but adds an extra level of elegance to your dessert.
2. **Cut into Bars**: Carefully slice the lemon cream bars into squares or rectangles. The bars should be firm and hold their shape when cut.
3. **Serve and Enjoy**: Serve your luscious lemon cream bars chilled for the perfect refreshing treat. Enjoy the balance of sweet and tangy in every bite!
### Tips for Perfect Lemon Cream Bars
To ensure your **Luscious Lemon Cream Bars** turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
– **Use Fresh Lemons**: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to achieving that bright, tangy flavor. Pre-bottled lemon juice doesn’t offer the same level of freshness and might affect the taste of the bars.
– **Don’t Overmix the Filling**: When preparing the lemon cream filling, be careful not to overmix the ingredients. Overmixing can cause the filling to become too runny, affecting the texture of the final product.
– **Chill the Bars Properly**: Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting. This ensures that the lemon filling has fully set and the bars hold together when you slice them.
– **Cut with a Sharp Knife**: Use a sharp knife when cutting the bars to ensure clean edges. If the bars are too sticky, dip the knife in warm water between cuts to help with slicing.
– **Customize the Crust**: If you prefer a more flavorful crust, you can add a bit of cinnamon, almond extract, or even finely crushed nuts to the crust mixture. This adds a new layer of flavor to your lemon cream bars.
– **Serve with Whipped Cream or Berries**: For an extra indulgence, serve your lemon cream bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a handful of fresh berries. The creaminess of the whipped topping pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon.
### Why You’ll Love These Luscious Lemon Cream Bars
These **Luscious Lemon Cream Bars** are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, offering a refreshing twist on a classic dessert. The buttery, crumbly crust provides the ideal base for the silky, creamy lemon filling, and the addition of lemon zest elevates the flavor, making it bold and bright. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these bars will quickly become a favorite.
The texture is key—crispy on the outside with a smooth, creamy interior. Each bite of these luscious lemon cream bars is a harmonious blend of flavor and texture, making them a crowd-pleaser. They’re also incredibly easy to make, with simple ingredients that come together effortlessly.
### Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of citrus desserts or just looking for a refreshing and sweet treat, these **Luscious Lemon Cream Bars** are the perfect recipe for you. With their tangy lemon filling, buttery crust, and delicate sweetness, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Plus, they’re much more affordable and accessible than many store-bought lemon desserts, without compromising on flavor.
So, the next time you find yourself craving something sweet, give this recipe a try. The result will be a tray of lemon cream bars that will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
