Desserts > Bars > Lemon Bars

Gustavus Adolphus Lemon Bars Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Electric mixer

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Cut the butter into cubes and add to the flour mixture. Using an electric mixer, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt.
6. Pour the mixture over the baked crust and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 12 bars

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- For the butter, you can use margarine or coconut oil.
- For the eggs, you can use a flax egg or an egg substitute.
- For the lemon juice, you can use lime juice.

Variations:
- For a different flavor, you can substitute the lemon juice and zest for orange juice and zest.
- For a different texture, you can add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or coconut flakes to the crust mixture.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is cold when adding it to the flour mixture.
- Make sure the crust is lightly golden before adding the lemon mixture.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into them.

Storage Instructions:
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the bars in the microwave for 30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the bars on a platter with fresh lemon slices.
- Sprinkle the bars with confectioners’ sugar for a decorative touch.

Garnishes:
- Fresh lemon slices
- Confectioners’ sugar

Pairings:
- Tea
- Coffee

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Green salad

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the crust is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of cold water to the mixture.
- If the bars are too soft, bake them for an additional 5 minutes.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Refrigerate the bars after they have cooled.

Food History:
The origin of lemon bars is unknown, but they have been a popular dessert for many years.

Flavor Profiles:
The flavor of these lemon bars is tart and sweet with a hint of buttery goodness.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the bars as a dessert after a meal.
- Serve the bars as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

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Taste: Tangy, Sweet, Citrusy, Zesty