Luscious Lemon Bars | Made by Meaghan Moineau
# Zesty Bliss: Mastering the Art of Luscious Lemon Bars
**Description:** Dive into the tangy world of Luscious Lemon Bars—a delightful dessert that captures the essence of sunny afternoons and cherished family traditions. With a perfect balance of tart lemon and sweet sugar, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a zesty twist to their dessert repertoire. Follow our step-by-step guide and discover the nostalgic tale behind this refreshing treat.
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### Introduction
There’s something undeniably charming about a dessert that can transport you back in time. For me, Luscious Lemon Bars do just that. Every bite is reminiscent of warm summer days spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the sweet aroma of lemon would fill the air. These bars, with their vibrant citrus flavor, have become a family staple, cherished across generations. Today, I’m thrilled to share not only the recipe but also a slice of my family’s history with you.
### Ingredients
- **Crust:**
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- **Filling:**
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 2-3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- **Topping:**
- Powdered sugar for dusting
### Instructions
1. **Preheat and Prepare:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch rectangular cake pan to prevent sticking.
2. **Create the Crust:**
- In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, 2 cups of flour, and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
- Mix until crumbly, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using your fingertips.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
3. **Prepare the Filling:**
- While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, white sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and baking powder in a medium bowl.
- Add the lemon juice and zest, whisking until well combined.
4. **Combine and Bake:**
- Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon filling over the hot crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 23-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the top to prevent overbrowning.
5. **Cool and Serve:**
- Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack, allowing it to cool for about 30 minutes.
- To remove from the pan, cut the bars in half and use a large flexible spatula to lift each half out. Then, cut into squares.
- Dust the bars with sifted icing sugar before serving.
### A Slice of Nostalgia
Growing up, my grandmother’s kitchen was the heart of our family gatherings. Every Sunday, after a hearty meal, she would unveil her famous Luscious Lemon Bars. I vividly remember the joy of helping her zest lemons, the anticipation building as the bars baked, and the satisfaction of that first tangy bite. These bars were more than just a dessert; they were a symbol of love and togetherness, connecting us through shared moments and cherished memories.
### Conclusion
Luscious Lemon Bars are more than a sweet treat—they’re a journey back to simpler times, filled with love and laughter. With a difficulty rating of 4/10, this dessert is accessible for bakers of all skill levels, making it a delightful addition to any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with loved ones, these lemon bars are sure to bring a smile to your face.
For more recipes and photos, visit my blog at [Lemon Drops Foodie](http://lemondropsfoodie.blogspot.com/2011/02/luscious-lemon-bars.html).
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Rediscover the joy of baking and the power of family traditions with this refreshing and timeless dessert. Happy baking!