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 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- 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.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure a smooth top.
- 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.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will take approximately 30-40 minutes.
- Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, or carefully invert the pan onto a cutting board.
- Cut into 16 equal squares using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices.
- Optional: Dust the bars with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for extra sweetness and decoration.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Zest Like a Pro: Use a microplane or fine grater for the lemon zest to get maximum flavor without the bitter white pith.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to keep your bars light and tender.
- Check for Doneness: A toothpick should come out clean, but don't overbake - this can dry out your bars.
- Cooling is Key: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares.
- Storage Tip: These bars stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
- 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
