Lemon Poppy Seed Bars

Lemon Poppy Seed Bars

Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of a bright, zesty morning and transforms it into a delectable treat that melts in your mouth. These Lemon Poppy Seed Bars are not just a recipe; they're a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your baking skills and delight your senses. With a perfect balance of tangy lemon, nutty poppy seeds, and a tender, moist texture, these bars are about to become your new obsession!

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup sugar
  3. 1/4 cup butter, softened
  4. 1/4 cup poppy seeds
  5. 2 eggs
  6. 1/4 cup lemon juice
  7. 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  8. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  9. 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or whisk. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the lemon juice and lemon zest until fully incorporated.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure a smooth top.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will take approximately 30-40 minutes.
  9. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, or carefully invert the pan onto a cutting board.
  10. Cut into 16 equal squares using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices.
  11. Optional: Dust the bars with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for extra sweetness and decoration.

Tips

  1. Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
  2. Zest Like a Pro: Use a microplane or fine grater for the lemon zest to get maximum flavor without the bitter white pith.
  3. Don't Overmix: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to keep your bars light and tender.
  4. Check for Doneness: A toothpick should come out clean, but don't overbake - this can dry out your bars.
  5. Cooling is Key: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares.
  6. Storage Tip: These bars stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
  7. Serving Suggestion: A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze can take these bars from great to extraordinary!

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 120kcal

Carbohydrates: 15g

Protein: 2g

Fat: 7g

Saturated Fat: g

Cholesterol: 35mg

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