Bright, tangy, and sweet, these Easter Lemon Dessert Bars are a perfect addition to your spring celebration. With a buttery crust and creamy lemon topping, they are a refreshing dessert for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, beat together softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar until creamy. Mix in 2 cups flour and 1/4 tsp salt until just combined.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until lightly golden on the edges. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the lemon filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and 1 1/2 cups sugar until smooth. Add 1/4 cup flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1/4 tsp salt; whisk until fully combined.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the pre-baked crust. Return to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until filling is set and lightly golden on top.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. For best results, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the dessert out of the pan and cut into squares or rectangles. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice can make the filling less vibrant.
- Do not overbake the lemon filling—it should be slightly firm but still creamy in the center.
- Line the pan with parchment paper to make removing and slicing bars easier and cleaner.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or a thin lemon glaze for extra presentation flair.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Easter Lemon Dessert Bars as a refreshing dessert after a hearty Easter meal, alongside tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Conclusion
These Easter Lemon Dessert Bars are a simple yet elegant dessert that brings bright, citrusy flavors to your spring celebrations. With a buttery crust and creamy lemon topping, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your holiday table. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, they are a refreshing and festive treat that embodies the spirit of Easter.