Lemon bars are a delicious dessert that can brighten up any day with their tangy and sweet flavor. They are easy to make with only five ingredients and a few simple steps. In this article, you will learn how to make lemon bars from scratch, the history behind this popular treat, and some suggestions for what to serve with them.
What are lemon bars?
Lemon bars are a type of bar cookie that consists of a shortbread crust and a lemon custard filling. They are usually dusted with powdered sugar and cut into squares or rectangles. Lemon bars are typically served cold or at room temperature, and they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Lemon bars are a great dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a picnic, a potluck, or a tea party. They are also perfect for using up leftover lemons or lemon juice. The contrast between the buttery crust and the tart filling makes them irresistible to anyone who loves citrus flavors.
How to make
To make, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (225 g) of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) of granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250 g) of all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30 g) of all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup (160 ml) of fresh lemon juice
- Powdered sugar for dusting
The steps to make are as follows:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1/2 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 2 cups of flour and mix well until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1/4 cup of flour, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust and return to the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until set.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into pieces.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving or storing.
The history of lemon bars
The origin of lemon bars is not very clear, but some sources suggest that they were invented in the United States in the early 20th century. According to one theory, they were inspired by lemon curd, a traditional British spread made with lemons, eggs, butter, and sugar. Lemon curd was often used as a filling for pies, tarts, and cakes, and it may have been adapted into a bar cookie by American home cooks.
Another theory is that lemon bars were created by using lemon meringue pie as a model. Lemon meringue pie is a classic dessert that consists of a pastry crust, a lemon custard filling, and a fluffy meringue topping. It is believed that lemon meringue pie originated in France in the 19th century, but it became popular in America after the invention of condensed milk in the late 1800s. Some people may have simplified the recipe by omitting the meringue layer and baking the crust and filling together in a rectangular pan.
Regardless of their exact origin, lemon bars have become a staple in many American kitchens and bakeries. They are also enjoyed in other countries, such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Lemon bars are versatile and can be customized with different ingredients, such as nuts, coconut, berries, cream cheese, or chocolate.
What to serve with lemon bars
Lemon bars are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with other foods and drinks to create a more satisfying dessert. Here are some ideas for what to serve with lemon bars:
- Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream can add some creaminess and sweetness to balance out the tartness of the lemon filling.
- Fresh berries: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries can complement the flavor and color of the lemon bars. You can also make a berry sauce by cooking some berries with sugar and water until thickened.
- Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla, lemon, or coconut ice cream can make the lemon bars more refreshing and decadent. You can also drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Tea: A cup of tea can be a perfect accompaniment to lemon bars, especially if you are serving them for an afternoon snack or a tea party. You can choose a tea that matches the flavor of the lemon bars, such as lemon, chamomile, or Earl Grey, or a tea that contrasts with it, such as mint, ginger, or black.
- Coffee: A cup of coffee can also go well with lemon bars, especially if you are serving them for breakfast or brunch. You can choose a coffee that enhances the flavor of the lemon bars, such as espresso, cappuccino, or latte, or a coffee that offsets it, such as mocha, hazelnut, or caramel.
Conclusion
Lemon bars are a simple and delicious dessert that can be made with only five ingredients and a few easy steps. They have a rich history and a wide appeal across different cultures and tastes. They can also be served with various accompaniments to make them more enjoyable and satisfying. If you love lemon bars, try making them at home and share your experience and feedback with us. We would love to hear from you!
