Servings: Approximately 12 bars
Awaken your taste buds with these Zesty Lemon Bars that offer a tantalizing combination of a buttery base and a vibrant lemony top, perfect for those who love a tangy twist.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Base:
- 200 grams of unsalted butter
- 200 grams of caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 200 grams of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- A pinch of fine sea salt
- The juice and zest of 1 large, organic lemon
For the Tangy Lemon Glaze:
- 100 grams of icing sugar
- The juice and zest of another organic lemon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a moderate 180°C (356°F). Line a 20x30 cm baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hug the corners and sides.
- Gently melt the butter over low heat and allow it to cool just a tad.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is pale and has a ribbon-like consistency.
- Drizzle the slightly cooled butter into the egg mixture, stirring continuously to marry the ingredients.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt together. Fold this dry blend into the wet ingredients to create a smooth, unified batter.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest, which will perfume the batter with the essence of citrus.
- Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top to create an even layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the surface is golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan, setting it aside with patience.
For the Glaze:
- While the lemon base is cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing the icing sugar with lemon juice and zest until it's smooth and lusciously thick.
- Once the lemon base is completely cool, pour the glaze over the top, using a spatula to spread it to the edges.
- Wait until the glaze sets firmly, then slice the lemon-infused treat into neat bars.
Serve these Zesty Lemon Bars as a sunny addition to afternoon tea, a picnic, or as a sweet finale to a meal. Their bright flavor and simple elegance are sure to be a hit with all who try a bite.
