Description
Brighten up your dessert table with these delightful Lemon Bars! Featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a tangy lemon filling, and an adorable chick-inspired decoration, these bars are the perfect springtime treat. Perfect for Easter, picnics, or just a sweet citrus indulgence!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Yellow food coloring
- Orange food coloring
- Mini chocolate chips
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Building the Perfect Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar.
- Add softened butter and mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the lined pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Crafting the Lemon Magic:
- While the crust bakes, whisk eggs in a bowl. Add granulated sugar and whisk until slightly lightened in color.
- Add flour and whisk until smooth—no lumps allowed! Stir in lemon juice and zest.
- Divide the mixture into two portions. Leave one plain, and add yellow food coloring to the other until it reaches a bright, sunny hue.
- Bringing the Chicks to Life:
- When the crust is done, pour the plain filling over 2/3 of the crust.
- Pour the yellow filling in round “chick” shapes in the remaining space.
- Use a toothpick to add small dots of orange food coloring for beaks and mini chocolate chips for eyes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set—it should jiggle slightly but not wave like liquid.
- Finishing Touches:
- Let cool completely at room temperature for an hour, then refrigerate for at least another hour for clean slicing.
- Use the parchment paper to lift out the bars, cut them into squares, and dust the non-chick sections with powdered sugar.
Notes
- For a smoother filling, strain the lemon juice before adding it to the mixture.
- Use high-quality butter for the crust to enhance the flavor.
- Chilling before slicing ensures clean, sharp edges.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze undecorated bars for up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the fridge).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American