A delicious recipe from Ina Garten is this Lemon Bars, made with unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and fresh lemons. This delightful Lemon Bars recipe is a dessert that takes about 1 hour to prepare and can serve up to 24 people.
Ina Garten Lemon Bars Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1/2 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
For the filling:
- 6 extra-large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 4 to 6 lemons)
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup flour
For dusting:
- Confectioners’ sugar
How To Make Ina Garten Lemon Bars
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the crust.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Prepare the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, then mix until the dough is just combined.
- Press and Chill the Dough: Press this dough into a 9×13-inch baking pan, making sure to form a 1/2-inch edge around the sides, and then place the pan in the refrigerator to chill.
- Bake the Crust: Remove the chilled crust from the refrigerator and bake it in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust turns a light golden brown.
- Cool the Crust: Once the crust is baked, let it cool on a wire rack, but keep the oven on for the next baking step.
- Prepare the Filling: In another mixing bowl, whisk together the extra-large eggs, granulated sugar, lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly to the edges, and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the lemon bars to cool down to room temperature, then cut the cooled lemon bars into triangles or squares, and dust the tops generously with confectioners’ sugar before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade lemon bars!
Recipe Tips
- Use Parchment Paper: Line the baking pan with parchment paper to make removing the bars easier and prevent sticking.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled juice won’t give the same brightness.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the eggs and butter are at room temperature to ensure a smoother batter and better texture.
- Zest Carefully: Only zest the yellow part of the lemon skin; the white pith is bitter and can affect the taste.
What To Serve With Lemon Bars
Serve your refreshing Lemon Bars with a mixed berry compote, a side of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream with mint, a drizzle of raspberry coulis, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
You can also pair them with lemon-infused iced tea, freshly brewed espresso, or a glass of chilled Moscato for a delightful treat.
How To Store Lemon Bars
To Refrigerate: Store your lemon bars in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can last up to a week in the refrigerator, maintaining their fresh taste.
To Freeze: Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months, retaining their flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sugar in the filling?
You can use different types of sugar, but granulated sugar is recommended for the best texture and flavor. Substituting with brown sugar or other types may alter the taste and consistency. Stick to granulated sugar for classic, bright lemon bars.
How can I make the lemon bars less sweet?
To make the lemon bars less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling by up to one-third. This will maintain the tart lemon flavor without being overly sweet. Adjusting sugar won’t affect the texture significantly but will enhance the lemon’s natural tang.
Ina Garten Lemon Bars Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 210kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Potassium: 50mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
Check out More Recipes From Ina Garten:
Ina Garten Lemon Bars
Description
A delicious recipe from Ina Garten is this Lemon Bars, made with unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and fresh lemons. This delightful Lemon Bars recipe is a dessert that takes about 1 hour to prepare and can serve up to 24 people.
Ina Garten Lemon Bars Ingredients
For the crust:
For the filling:
For dusting:
How To Make Ina Garten Lemon Bars
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the crust.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Prepare the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, then mix until the dough is just combined.
- Press and Chill the Dough: Press this dough into a 9×13-inch baking pan, making sure to form a 1/2-inch edge around the sides, and then place the pan in the refrigerator to chill.
- Bake the Crust: Remove the chilled crust from the refrigerator and bake it in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust turns a light golden brown.
- Cool the Crust: Once the crust is baked, let it cool on a wire rack, but keep the oven on for the next baking step.
- Prepare the Filling: In another mixing bowl, whisk together the extra-large eggs, granulated sugar, lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly to the edges, and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the lemon bars to cool down to room temperature, then cut the cooled lemon bars into triangles or squares, and dust the tops generously with confectioners’ sugar before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade lemon bars!