Prepare to embark on a citrusy adventure that will make your taste buds dance with pure joy! These Trader Joe's Super Lemony Lemon Bars are not just a dessert – they're a tangy, sweet sensation that will transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary culinary experience. With the perfect balance of buttery crust and intensely zesty filling, these bars are about to become your new obsession, guaranteed to impress everyone from casual friends to serious dessert connoisseurs.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Add softened unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and can be pressed together.
- Transfer the crust mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press firmly and evenly across the bottom of the pan, creating a compact base.
- Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust, ensuring even distribution.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 even squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar just before serving. For best flavor and texture, serve at room temperature.
Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor – bottled juice just won't compare!
- Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted, for the ideal crust texture.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares.
- For an extra-smooth filling, strain the lemon mixture before pouring over the crust.
- Store bars in the refrigerator, but serve at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
- Use a sharp, clean knife and wipe the blade between cuts for picture-perfect presentation.
- Don't overbake! The filling should be just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
