These highly seductive Lusciously Lemon Bars are the perfect mouth watering treat for the lemon lovers in your life. They are buttery, rich, refreshing and simple to make.

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Lemon Lovers Unite

We all have that one food that we just love regardless of how it is prepared. You know the one, the one that you will have dreams about and makes you go weak in the knees. That when you see pictures of your mouth starts watering and you instantly have cravings for. Well lemons are that food for me. Yes, I admit it, I am a full on, hard core lemon lover. So you can imagine my delight when after a family get together they gave me a bunch of fresh lemons. Talk about hitting the jackpot!!! I was in heaven. Interestingly, because of my love of this heavenly fruit, my family has started to become lemon lovers also.

My brother jumped on the opportunity and immediately worked on the recipe for these Lusciously Lemon Bars, much to my delight. While he was working away on these beauties, I was busy making homemade Limoncello that should be on the blog in about a month.

If you have read some of my previous posts over the last couple of months than you know that I chose to do an elimination diet. I eliminated some of the top allergen foods for 3 weeks which is phase 1. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to slowly introduce them back in the way I should have for phase 2 and because of this I will be repeating phase 1 again soon. After going through the 3 weeks and seeing my reaction after eating some of the eliminated foods, my suspicion is that I have a sensitivity to gluten. I will share more in future blog posts, but in the meantime, I really wanted to enjoy these Lusciously Lemon Bars. Changing from all-purpose flour to Trader Joes Gluten Free All-Purpose flour is a quick and easy way to make this recipe gluten free and it still tastes phenomenal.

Moving forward, my plan is to have as many of my recipes as possible with gluten free alternatives. This way both the gluten eating crowd and the gluten free crowd can enjoy recipes like this Lusciously Lemon Bars.

Variations of the Recipe

Lime Bars- Substitute lime juice and zest for a tangy lime twist.
Berry Infusion- Add a layer of fresh berries on top of the crust before pouring the filling for a fruity variation.
Nutty Crust- Mix finely chopped nuts into the crust for added crunch and flavor.
Jam Sensation- Add a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam on top of the baked filling before dusting with powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Whipped Cream- Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a luscious contrast.
Fresh Berries- Garnish with fresh berries—strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries—for a burst of color and additional freshness.
Tea or Coffee- Enjoy lemon bars with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

How to Store Lemon Bars

Room Temperature- Store lemon bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration- If storing for a more extended period, refrigerate the bars. Bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing- Freeze lemon bars in an airtight container with layers separated by wax paper. Thaw in the refrigerator before bringing to room temperature.

Tips and Hints

Room Temperature Ingredients- Bring butter and eggs to room temperature for a smoother texture in both the crust and filling.
Zest First- Zest the lemons before juicing them—it’s easier to zest before cutting.
Even Crust Thickness- Use the back of a spoon or a measuring cup to press the crust evenly into the pan, ensuring consistent thickness.
Testing Doneness- The crust is done when it’s firm and slightly golden. The filling should set but still have a slight jiggle when the pan is gently shaken.
Best Edges- Run your knife under hot water and wipe dry before cutting for super sharp edges.
Dust with powdered sugar just 5 minutes after removing from the oven for the prettiest presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter for the crust?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but consider reducing or omitting additional salt in the recipe to control the overall saltiness.

Can I use margarine instead of butter in the crust?

Yes, you can substitute margarine or shortening for the butter. Just avoid spreadable sticks as they have a higher water content.

Is it possible to use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute if fresh lemons are not available.

Can I make these lemon bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

How do I prevent the crust from sticking to the pan?

Ensure the pan is well-greased or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Allow the bars to cool before cutting for cleaner slices.

Can I freeze lemon bars?

Yes, you can freeze lemon bars. Cut them into squares, place wax paper between layers, and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.

What kind of lemons work best?

I recommend using conventional lemons. Meyer lemons are sweeter and floral and don’t provide enough tartness.