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Easy Quick 20-Minute Lemonade Bars Recipe with 3 Refreshing Variations

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Bright and tangy lemonade bars with a buttery crust, ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick, refreshing dessert with versatile variations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • Powdered sugar (optional for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
  4. While the crust bakes, whisk together 2 large eggs and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth and slightly thickened. Add 1/4 cup flour and mix until combined. Stir in 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon lemon zest.
  5. Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the filling sets but still jiggles slightly in the center.
  6. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 30-40 minutes). Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into 12 squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

If crust edges brown too fast, cover with foil halfway through baking. Zest lemons before juicing to retain oils. Use room temperature eggs for smooth filling. Avoid over-beating filling to prevent cracks. Cool bars completely before cutting for neat squares. Variations include adding berries, coconut, or lavender. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour for crust. For dairy-free, use coconut oil and chill crust longer before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemonade bars, lemon dessert, quick dessert, easy lemon bars, summer dessert, citrus bars, buttery crust, refreshing dessert

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/easy-quick-20-minute-lemonade-bars-recipe-with-3-refreshing-variations/