Meyer Lemon Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings sunshine to any occasion, you’ve found it in this Meyer Lemon Bars Recipe! These bars are not just delicious; they’re bursting with bright flavors and a delightful balance of sweet and tart. Perfect for family gatherings, a simple weeknight treat, or even as a refreshing finish to a dinner party, these lemon bars have become a cherished favorite in my home.

What makes these Meyer Lemon Bars special is their use of Meyer lemons, which are sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons. This gives them a unique flavor that is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to make and loved by both kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these bars in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the tangy sweetness of lemon bars, making them a hit with kids and adults.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can bake them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for the perfect dessert on busy days.
• Versatile: These bars are delightful for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Meyer Lemon Bars Recipe is simple! You probably have most of them already. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful treats:

For the Crust

• 2 sticks unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt

For the Filling

• 6 eggs (extra large, at room temperature)
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 Tbsp lemon zest
• 1 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice (may substitute fresh regular lemon juice)
• 1 cup flour

For Dusting

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Variations

This Meyer Lemon Bars Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you might want to try:

• Add some berries: Toss in fresh blueberries or raspberries into the filling for a fruity twist.
• Herbal infusion: Try adding finely chopped mint or basil to the filling for a refreshing herbal note.
• Change up the citrus: Use a mix of citrus juices like lime or orange alongside the Meyer lemon juice for an interesting flavor profile.

How to Make Meyer Lemon Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by taking your butter and eggs out of the refrigerator at least an hour ahead of time. This allows them to come to room temperature, which helps create that light and fluffy texture we love. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F while you’re at it so it’s ready when you need it!

Step 2: Mix the Crust Ingredients

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into your crust, giving it that lovely texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now, combine your flour and salt in another bowl. With your mixer on low speed, gradually add this flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture until everything comes together nicely. Don’t worry if it looks crumbly; that’s perfectly normal!

Step 4: Form the Crust

Next, turn out the dough into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Use your hands or the bottom of a glass to compress and flatten it evenly across the bottom. It’s important that it’s packed well so it bakes uniformly. After that, pop it into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake the Crust

Once chilled, remove from the fridge and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Letting it cool on a wire rack allows it to set perfectly before adding that zesty filling.

Step 6: Prepare the Filling

While your crust cools down, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour in a large bowl until well combined. This mixture is where all those bright flavors come from!

Step 7: Combine Everything

Pour this luscious lemon filling over your cooled crust carefully. Bake again at 350 degrees F for about 30-35 minutes until set. The aroma will fill your kitchen – trust me; it’s heavenly!

Step 8: Cool Down & Dust

Once baked, let your delicious bars cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. Finish off by dusting generously with confectioners’ sugar – this adds a touch of sweetness and looks beautiful!

Step 9: Storage Tips

If there are any leftovers (which I doubt!), store them covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. They taste great chilled!

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Meyer Lemon Bars! They truly embody sunshine on a plate!

Pro Tips for Making Meyer Lemon Bars Recipe

Making the perfect Meyer lemon bars can be a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you’ll ensure they turn out wonderfully every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing butter and eggs to reach room temperature helps them blend more easily, creating a smoother batter that bakes evenly.
• Don’t skip chilling the crust: Chilling the dough before baking allows it to firm up, which prevents shrinking and ensures a perfectly shaped crust that holds the filling well.
• Bake until just set: Overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven; it will continue to firm up as it cools.
• Dust with confectioners’ sugar just before serving: Waiting to dust your bars until right before serving keeps the sugar from dissolving into the filling and maintains a beautiful presentation.
• Experiment with different citrus: If you can’t find Meyer lemons, regular lemons work just fine! You can also try mixing in other citrus like lime or orange for a fun twist on flavor.

How to Serve Meyer Lemon Bars Recipe

These Meyer lemon bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully for any occasion!

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the tartness of the lemon bars.
• Zest sprinkle: Add extra lemon or lime zest on top for an inviting look and an additional zing of flavor.
• Berries: A handful of fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, alongside each bar creates a lovely contrast and enhances the dessert’s appeal.

Side Dishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: This dairy-free alternative provides a light and airy topping that balances the tartness of the lemon bars beautifully.
• Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and is an excellent complement to the rich, tangy flavors of the lemon bars.
• Vanilla Sorbet: The coolness and creaminess of vanilla sorbet serve as a delightful contrast to the warm, zesty lemon bars, making for an enjoyable dessert experience.
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: Offering chilled beverages like herbal iced tea or classic lemonade enhances your dessert table while keeping guests refreshed.

Bring these suggestions together for an inviting presentation that showcases your Meyer lemon bars as the star of your dessert spread! Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Meyer Lemon Bars are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent treat to have on hand for busy days or special occasions. You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, allowing the vibrant flavors to brighten your week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow lemon bars to cool completely before storing.
• Place the bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Refrigerate for up to three days for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• Cut the cooled lemon bars into squares before freezing.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• If desired, you can gently reheat lemon bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for about 10 minutes.
• Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delightful recipe:

Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons in this Meyer Lemon Bars Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute regular lemons if Meyer lemons are unavailable. However, the flavor will be slightly more tart.

How do I make sure my Meyer Lemon Bars turn out perfectly?

To ensure success with this Meyer Lemon Bars Recipe, be sure to measure ingredients accurately and allow your butter and eggs to reach room temperature. Also, avoid overbaking; the filling should be set but still slightly jiggly when you take it out of the oven.

Can I add other flavors to my Meyer Lemon Bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding flavors like vanilla extract or a hint of fresh herbs like basil or mint for a unique twist.

How long will these Meyer Lemon Bars last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these lemon bars will last up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these sunny Meyer Lemon Bars! They’re not just a dessert; they’re a sweet little reminder of sunshine and warmth. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying a quiet moment alone with your favorite cup of tea, I know you’ll love how refreshing they taste. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!