Lemon Chess Bars

Discover the perfect balance of tangy lemon zest and creamy texture with our irresistible Lemon Chess Bars recipe! This easy-to-follow recipe combines a buttery crust with a luscious lemon filling, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these bars are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into chunks
• 1 ¼ cups flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3-5 tablespoons ice water

Filling:

• 4 whole eggs
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½ teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the rack to the lowest level. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a food processor, combine flour, salt, and chilled butter. Pulse the mixture until it forms pea-sized chunks. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough comes together.
3. Press the Crust: Transfer the dough into the lined baking dish and press it evenly out to the sides, ensuring a smooth and uniform crust.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, and salt). Add in the egg yolks, whole eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Slowly pour in the melted butter while continuing to whisk until the mixture is creamy and well-combined.
5. Bake: Pour the filling mixture over the prepared crust in the baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a golden crust forms on top and the center is set.
6. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the Lemon Chess Bars from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. For an extra touch, you can lightly dust them with powdered sugar just before serving.

Enjoy the Delightful Taste of Lemon Chess Bars

Lemon Chess Bars are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on various occasions. Their zesty flavor and creamy texture make them a crowd-pleaser, whether served at a party, enjoyed as a midday snack, or savored alongside a cup of tea. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, these bars are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these irresistible Lemon Chess Bars today?

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

• While buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and moisture to the bars, you can substitute it with an equal amount of regular milk if needed. However, the texture and taste may vary slightly.

2. How should I store Lemon Chess Bars?

• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness. You can also freeze them for longer storage, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

3. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

• Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute if fresh lemons are not available. Just be sure to use pure lemon juice without any added sugar or preservatives.

4. Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch?

• Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch of Lemon Chess Bars. Simply adjust the baking time accordingly and use a larger baking dish to accommodate the increased quantity.

5. Can I add other citrus flavors to the bars?

• Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different citrus flavors such as lime or orange to create unique variations of these bars. Just adjust the quantities accordingly to maintain the balance of flavors.