Lemon curd bars bring the tangy sweetness of lemon curd, enveloped in a buttery shortbread crust. These bars deserve a permanent spot on your dessert platter. Made with minimal ingredients and easily adaptable, these are the perfect bars!
Ingredients
Lemon curd bars are a testament to the ease of using simple, minimal ingredients. The shortbread crust is made of flour, butter, and sugar.
The lemon curd is a luscious blend of lemon juice, eggs, butter, and sugar. The acidity of the lemon juice is balanced by the sweetness of the sugar, while the eggs and butter add richness and creaminess.
For the crust of the bars you will need:
- butter
- flour
- sugar
For the topping to the bars you will need:
- jar of lemon curd
And don't forget the glaze. This part is optional but you will want:
- powdered sugar
- lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Preparing the Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and allow the shortbread crust to cool.
- Heat the lemon curd then pour over the cooled shortbread crust. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set. Mix together the glaze ingredients and pour over the bars. Allow to set.
- Cut into bars and serve chilled.
Tips and Tricks for Making Your Lemon Curd Bars
- For a richer lemon flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest.
- To prevent the lemon curd from curdling, whisk constantly over low heat.
- If you prefer a smoother lemon curd, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking.
- To add a touch of elegance, top the lemon curd bars with whipped cream or a sprinkle of fresh berries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lemon curd is a cooked custard made with lemon juice, eggs, butter, and sugar. It has a thick, creamy texture and a tangy flavor. Lemon filling, on the other hand, is typically a mixture of lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch, and it is cooked until thickened. Lemon filling has a looser consistency than lemon curd.
Yes, you can use store-bought lemon curd, but making your own lemon curd recipe is always preferable for a more intense lemon flavor and fresher taste.
Yes! Just substitute gluten free flour.
Absolutely just substitute dairy free butter.
Lemon Curd Bars
Equipment
- 9x13 inch pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cut into small pieces
- 2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 10 oz jar lemon curd
- ⅔ cup coconut optional
- For the glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the butter, flour and sugar. Mix until coarse crumbs form.
- Press the crumb mixture into the baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Spread warmed lemon curd evenly over the crust.
- Place the bars in the refrigerator and allow to cool for a couple of hours.
- Stir the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl. Drizzle over the tops of the bars and spread. Sprinkle the coconut over the top of the glaze if desired. Allow bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
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