Lemon Apricot Bars Recipe: A Delightful Citrus Treat
Prepare yourself for a mouthwatering adventure with these Lemon Apricot Bars, a scrumptious dessert that combines the tangy brightness of lemon with the sweet, fruity richness of apricot. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to be a hit at brunch, as a sweet snack, or even as a delightful dessert after a hearty meal. This recipe from Love With Recipes promises a delightful treat that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious. Let’s dive into the detailed steps to create these citrus-infused bars that will leave everyone asking for more!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
For the Filling:
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 4 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Garnish:
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- Begin by preparing the crust. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar. Mix well to combine.
- Cut in 1 cup of cold unsalted butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving that crumbly, buttery texture in your crust.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Evenly press the crumbly mixture over the bottom of the prepared baking pan, making sure to pack it down firmly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the crust is golden and set.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the filling.
Prepare the Filling
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the bars.
- Spread 1 cup of apricot preserves evenly over the cooled crust, making sure to cover it completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 large eggs until well blended. Add 1 3/4 cups of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the zest of 1 lemon. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Sift 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt together. Gradually add this dry mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the apricot preserves on the crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake and Finish
- Bake in the preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for about 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting.
- Once cooled, dust the top with confectioners’ sugar to taste. Cut into 24 bars and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
These Lemon Apricot Bars are delicious on their own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They make an excellent addition to brunch spreads or can be packed in lunch boxes for a refreshing sweet treat.
Enjoy your baking adventure with Love With Recipes and savor the tangy sweetness of these delightful bars! 🌟🍋🍑
