Introducing the delightful Zesty Lemon Bars recipe, a tantalizing treat that’s bound to make your taste buds dance with delight! These bars are a perfect balance of tangy lemon flavor, buttery goodness, and just the right touch of sweetness, making them an irresistible indulgence for any occasion. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a total baking time of 35 minutes, you’ll have these mouthwatering bars ready to enjoy in under an hour!
🍋 Zesty Lemon Bars Recipe 🍋
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: Approximately 30 bars
Calories per Serving: 167
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups oatmeal
- Zest of 3 lemons
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
Instructions:
-
Cream Butter and Sugar:
Start by creaming together the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. -
Add Flour and Oatmeal:
Gradually add the flour and oatmeal to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until a crumbly dough forms. Set the dough aside for later use. -
Prepare Lemon/Milk Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the zest of lemons and oranges with the sweetened condensed milk, stirring until well incorporated. Set aside. -
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter or spray a 9 by 13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. -
Press Dough into Pan:
Press two-thirds to three-quarters of the dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a firm crust layer. -
Spread Lemon/Milk Mixture:
Next, spread the prepared lemon/milk mixture evenly over the top of the dough in the baking pan, ensuring full coverage. -
Add Remaining Dough:
Sprinkle the remaining dough mixture over the top of the lemon/milk layer, creating a crumbly topping. -
Bake:
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and set. -
Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the lemon bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to slice the bars into 1-inch squares. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these irresistible Zesty Lemon Bars as a delightful dessert or snack option. Feel free to cut them into larger squares if desired, but beware – it’s hard to stop at just one!
These Zesty Lemon Bars are bursting with citrusy flavor and are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, packing a lunch, or simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are the perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy the bright and refreshing taste of lemon in every bite!
