This recipe features a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust as the foundation.
The process begins by thoroughly beating room-temperature unsalted butter with confectioners’ sugar and a hint of salt until the mixture achieves a light and fluffy consistency.
All-purpose flour is gently mixed in, ensuring a tender crumb.
The dough is then pressed into a parchment-lined baking pan, pricked with a fork to prevent bubbling, and baked until it reaches a delicate golden hue.
The creamy filling, a symphony of rich, condensed milk and freshly squeezed lemon juice, is whisked together with egg yolks to create a smooth, custard-like mixture.
This lemony concoction is then poured over the hot, pre-baked crust, ensuring a seamless melding of layers.
The pan goes back into the oven until the filling sets into a velvety texture, after which it requires a cooling period in the pan, followed by a refrigeration stage to firm up.
The final touch is a generous dusting of confectioners’ sugar before serving these creamy squares, which offer a luxurious, tangy bite.
Lemon cheesecake squares merge the creamy richness of cheesecake with the zesty brightness of lemon bars.
The crust is a simple yet flavorful base made from crushed graham crackers mixed with sugar and melted butter, pressed into a pan, and baked to a gentle brown. This crust sets the stage for the creamy filling.
The filling, a smooth and rich blend of cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and the zest and juice of a lemon, is whipped to perfection.
It’s important to ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth texture. This lemon-infused cheesecake mixture is then poured over the hot crust and returned to the oven.
Once baked and set, the cheesecake needs to be cooled completely and then chilled in the refrigerator.
When ready to serve, it’s lifted from the pan using the foil overhang, cut into squares, and possibly garnished with additional lemon zest or a dusting of sugar.
These squares offer a luxurious take on the lemon bar, perfect for those who love the classic tang of lemon coupled with the decadent texture of cheesecake.
For a show-stopping dessert, these Lemon Meringue Bars are an excellent choice.
The recipe starts with a buttery crust flecked with lemon zest, baked to a golden hue.
The lemon filling, a simple yet delicious combination of eggs, sugar, and lemon juice, is poured over the crust and baked until firm.
The crowning glory of these bars is the meringue topping, whipped to stiff peaks and then spread over the filling.
The bars are returned to the oven until the meringue is lightly browned, creating a beautiful contrast in colors and textures.
The combination of the smooth lemon filling and the fluffy meringue atop a buttery crust makes these bars a delightful treat for both the eyes and the palate.
Martha Stewart’s Lemon Bars With A Twist
But wait, there’s more. These lemon bar recipes from Martha Stewart each have a unique twist that will really satisfy your senses.
These Citrus Bars offer a refreshing variation on the classic by incorporating a blend of grapefruit, orange, and lemon.
The crust, made from all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and unsalted butter, is rolled, baked, and then filled with a mixture of citrus zests and juices, granulated sugar, and eggs.
This combination of different citrus fruits creates a complex and nuanced flavor profile, distinguishing these bars from the traditional lemon-only versions.
Once baked and cooled, they are dusted with confectioners’ sugar and cut into squares, offering a bright and invigorating dessert option that’s perfect for those who appreciate a variety of citrus flavors.
Cranberry-Lemon Squares are a delightful fusion of tart cranberries and zesty lemons.
The recipe starts with a unique base of cooked cranberries, which are then chopped and spread over a baked crust made from confectioners’ sugar, flour, and butter.
The lemon mixture, a blend of eggs, granulated sugar, and lemon juice, is poured over the cranberry layer and baked until set.
The combination of tart cranberries and tangy lemon creates a harmonious balance of flavors, making these bars a great choice for those who enjoy a twist on the classic lemon bar.
After cooling and chilling, they are cut into squares and dusted with confectioners’ sugar, offering a visually appealing and deliciously unique dessert.
Martha Stewart’s lemon bar recipes showcase the versatility and appeal of this classic dessert.
Whether you prefer the traditional tart and sweet combination or are looking for a unique twist, there is a recipe in this collection to satisfy every preference.
Each version brings its own charm and flavor profile, making lemon bars a versatile and beloved dessert choice.
A film on lemon bars can form due to condensation, which occurs when they are covered and refrigerated while still warm. To prevent this, allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before covering and refrigerating.
What is lemon bar filling made of?
Lemon bar filling typically consists of fresh lemon juice, sugar, and eggs. Some recipes may include flour or cornstarch as a thickener. Variations might incorporate ingredients like cream cheese or condensed milk, depending on the desired texture and richness.
Can I use foil instead of parchment paper for lemon bars?
Yes, you can use aluminum foil as an alternative to parchment paper when baking lemon bars. It’s advisable to lightly grease the foil to prevent sticking. However, parchment paper is often preferred for its non-stick properties and ease of lifting the bars out of the pan.
Should I refrigerate my lemon bars?
Yes, it is recommended to refrigerate lemon bars. This helps to set the filling properly and maintains the texture and freshness of the bars. Lemon bars are typically served chilled or at room temperature, and refrigeration ensures they stay firm and flavorful.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
