This tangy Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars is prepared using flour, sugar, salt, butter, eggs, and lemons. This zesty Lemon Bars recipe yields a delightful dessert that takes about 1 hour to prepare and can serve up to 12 people.
Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, cut into small cubes
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 large eggs
- Zest and juice of 4 medium-sized lemons
- Powdered sugar for sifting
How To Make Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter. Alternatively, use an 8×10-inch pan for thicker bars if desired.
- Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Add the cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake until edges are lightly golden, about 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: Meanwhile, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of flour in another bowl. Crack in the eggs and whisk until smooth. Stir in the lemon zest and juice until well combined.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the prepared lemon filling evenly over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
- Cool and Finish: Remove from the oven and let the lemon bars cool completely at room temperature. For best results, chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Dust the top with powdered sugar, cut into squares, and serve.
Recipe Tips
- Add some Lemon Zest: Enhance the citrusy flavor by finely grating the outer yellow skin of the lemons. It adds a burst of freshness to every bite of your lemon bars.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: For a smoother filling, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend evenly with the sugar and flour without clumping.
- Sift the Powdered Sugar: Before dusting over the bars, sift powdered sugar through a fine mesh sieve. This creates a light, even layer that enhances both appearance and taste.
- Chill Thoroughly Before Serving: For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the lemon bars for at least 2 hours before cutting and serving. This allows them to set properly and intensifies the lemony goodness.
What To Serve With Lemon Bars
Serve your Lemon Bars with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a sprinkle of mint leaves, and a side of lemon sorbet for a refreshing contrast.
You can also pair them with a hot cup of tea or a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade for a delightful summer treat.
How To Store Lemon Bars
To Refrigerate: Store the lemon bars in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for best texture.
To Freeze: Lemon bars can be tricky to freeze due to their texture. The filling may become watery upon thawing, affecting the taste and consistency. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or refrigerated for optimal flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the lemon bars are done baking?
When baking, look for the edges of the crust to turn light golden and the filling to set. A slight jiggle in the center is normal; it should not be liquid. Inserting a toothpick near the edge should come out clean.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter for the crust?
Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter. Add a pinch of salt to the crust mixture if using unsalted butter to balance the flavors. This adjustment ensures the crust maintains its intended taste and texture.
Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 130mg
- Potassium: 70mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 26g
Check out More Recipes From Pioneer Woman:
- Pioneer Woman Blackberry Dumplings
- Pioneer Woman Strawberry Poke Cake
- Pioneer Woman Blueberry Buckle
Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars
Description
This tangy Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars is prepared using flour, sugar, salt, butter, eggs, and lemons. This zesty Lemon Bars recipe yields a delightful dessert that takes about 1 hour to prepare and can serve up to 12 people.
Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars Ingredients
For the Crust:
For the Filling:
How To Make Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter. Alternatively, use an 8×10-inch pan for thicker bars if desired.
- Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Add the cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake until edges are lightly golden, about 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: Meanwhile, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of flour in another bowl. Crack in the eggs and whisk until smooth. Stir in the lemon zest and juice until well combined.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the prepared lemon filling evenly over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
- Cool and Finish: Remove from the oven and let the lemon bars cool completely at room temperature. For best results, chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Dust the top with powdered sugar, cut into squares, and serve.