Zesty Lemon Bliss: Irresistible Walnut Bars Recipe

Lemon Walnut Bars 🍋🌰

Overview:

Delight your taste buds with these zesty Lemon Walnut Bars! A perfect balance of citrusy freshness and nutty crunch, these bars are a treat for any occasion. 🎉

Times:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup golden brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup walnut pieces
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• Icing sugar, for dusting
• 16 walnut halves for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center.
• In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, golden brown sugar, lemon zest, and salt.
• Add the butter and walnut pieces, then use your fingertips to cut them into the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.
• Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan.
• Bake the crust until it turns a beautiful golden-brown, for about 20 minutes.
• Let the crust cool while you prepare the filling. 🕒

2. Make the Filling:

• In another medium bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of sugar, the eggs, and the lemon peel until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
• Add in the lemon juice, all-purpose flour, and baking soda. Whisk until well combined.
• Pour this delightful filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
• Bake the bars until the filling is just set and the edges turn lightly browned, approximately 12 minutes.

3. Adding the Finishing Touches:

• Once baked, sprinkle the chopped walnuts generously over the top of the bars.
• Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting.
• When they are ready to be served, cut them into squares. For an extra touch of elegance, sift some icing sugar over the bars.
• Finally, top each square with a walnut half. 🌟

Tips:

• Freshness Matters: For the most vibrant lemon flavor, use fresh lemon zest and juice.
• Even Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to ensure a sturdy base for your bars.
• Perfect Texture: Watch the bars closely while baking the second time. You want them to be just set in the center for that perfect texture.
• Walnut Love: Feel free to adjust the amount of walnuts according to your preference. More nuts add more crunch!

Serving:

• These Lemon Walnut Bars are a delightful dessert for any occasion. Serve them at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. 🍽️

Storage:

• Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for longer storage. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Enjoy your tangy, nutty, and utterly delicious Lemon Walnut Bars! 😋🍋