Lemon Curd Blondie Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of spring and summer, you’ve come to the right place! Lemon Curd Blondie Bars are soft, gooey, and bursting with bright lemon flavor. They make my heart sing every time I take a bite. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want to treat yourself after a busy week.

What I love most about these blondies is how simple they are to whip up. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re great for sharing or enjoying solo with a cup of tea!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With only five minutes of prep time, you’ll have these bars in the oven before you know it.
• Bursting with flavor: The combination of lemon zest and lemon curd gives these blondies an irresistible tangy sweetness.
• Family-friendly: Everyone will love the chewy texture and bright taste—perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Make-ahead friendly: These blondies store well, so you can make them ahead of time for parties or snacks throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple and wholesome items that you may already have in your pantry. No need for fancy ingredients here; it’s all about enjoying delicious flavors.

For the Blondie Bars

• 3/4 C unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 C granulated sugar
• 1/4 C light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 C Lemon curd
• 1 1/4 C all purpose flour

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and customize your Lemon Curd Blondie Bars to suit your taste.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Mix in berries: Fresh blueberries or raspberries can add an extra burst of flavor and color.
• Try different citrus: Swap out lemon curd for lime or orange curd if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Drizzle with icing: A light glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice can add even more sweetness on top.

How to Make Lemon Curd Blondie Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your blondies bake evenly. While the oven warms up, line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on all sides. This will help you lift the bars out easily once they’ve cooled!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together the softened butter along with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, making your blondies soft and tender. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl as needed!

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Lemon Flavor

Next, mix in the salt and baking powder followed by the fresh lemon zest. The zest adds such a vibrant aroma! Gradually incorporate the lemon curd by adding one tablespoon at a time until just combined. Lastly, fold in the flour until there are no streaks left—this ensures your bars have that wonderful chewy texture.

Step 4: Bake Your Blondies

Press the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer. If it sticks to your hands, lightly grease them! Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them—overbaking will result in dry blondies!

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Once baked, let your bars cool in the pan on a wire rack. When cool enough to handle, lift them out using the parchment overhang method! Use a sharp knife to cut them into nine equal pieces. Store any leftovers in an airtight container—but I doubt they’ll last long!

Enjoy every delicious bite of these Lemon Curd Blondie Bars—they’re sure to be a hit wherever they go!

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Curd Blondie Bars

Making these Lemon Curd Blondie Bars is a breeze, and with a few simple tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Allowing your butter and eggs to reach room temperature helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, resulting in a fluffier texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to denser bars, so watch that mixing time!
• Check for doneness – Ovens can vary, so start checking your blondies a few minutes before the recommended baking time. They should be just set and lightly golden at the edges for that perfect gooey center.
• Cool completely before cutting – Letting your blondies cool fully in the pan will help them set properly, making it easier to cut clean squares without crumbling.
• Experiment with flavors – While lemon is delightful, feel free to swap in different citrus zests or even add in some white chocolate chips for a unique twist!

How to Serve Lemon Curd Blondie Bars

These Lemon Curd Blondie Bars are not only delicious but also beautiful! Here are some ideas on how to present them for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a hint of sweetness that complements the tartness of the lemon curd.
• Fresh berries – Serve with a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries on the side for a pop of color and added freshness.
• Mint leaves – A sprig of mint can brighten up your presentation while adding a refreshing aroma.

Side Dishes

• Coconut whipped cream – This dairy-free option is light and fluffy, providing a luscious contrast to the rich blondies. It’s simple to make by whipping coconut cream with a bit of vanilla and sweetener.
• Fruit salad – A bowl of mixed seasonal fruits will balance out the sweetness of the bars while adding brightness and texture to your dessert spread.
• Herbed yogurt dip – A tangy yogurt dip flavored with herbs like basil or mint can serve as a delightful complement, offering a creamy counterpoint to the chewy bars.
• Lemon sorbet – For those warmer days, this refreshing frozen treat pairs beautifully with lemon blondies while echoing their zesty flavor profile.

Enjoy serving these delightful Lemon Curd Blondie Bars at your next gathering or simply as a sweet treat at home!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Lemon Curd Blondie Bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat throughout the week. They stay fresh and delicious, making them ideal for lunchboxes, afternoon snacks, or dessert after dinner.

Storing Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator where they can last up to a week.
• To maintain their freshness, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or heat.

Freezing

• Allow the blondies to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

• To reheat, place the blondies in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals of about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Alternatively, you can warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this recipe, here are some frequently asked questions!

Can I use store-bought lemon curd for Lemon Curd Blondie Bars?

Absolutely! Store-bought lemon curd works perfectly if you’re looking for convenience. Just make sure it’s a quality product that you enjoy eating on its own.

How do I know when my Lemon Curd Blondie Bars are done baking?

The edges should be just golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary!

Can I adjust the sweetness in Lemon Curd Blondie Bars?

Yes! You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness. Just ensure that you maintain the balance of wet and dry ingredients for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Curd Blondie Bars truly bring sunshine into your home with their bright flavor and gooey texture. I hope you find joy in making these delightful treats as much as I do! Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your creations—I’d love to hear how they turned out!