Meyer Lemon Bars: Best, Easy Recipe With 5 Ingredients

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction: Sunshine in Every Bite!
• 2. Why This Meyer Lemon Bars Recipe is the Best
• 3. Simple Ingredients for Perfect Lemon Bars
• 3.1. Ingredient List
• 4. How to Make Meyer Lemon Bars: Step-by-Step
• 4.1. Step 1: Prepare the Crust
• 4.2. Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
• 4.3. Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
• 5. Expert Tips for the Best Lemon Bars
• 6. Serving Suggestions and Variations
• 7. Storing Your Delicious Lemon Bars
• F.A.Q

If you’re looking for the absolute best way to enjoy sunshine in dessert form, look no further than this Meyer Lemon Bars: Best, Easy Recipe With 5 Ingredients! These bright and tangy treats are incredibly simple to make, yet deliver a sophisticated flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Get ready to impress with minimal effort.

Unlike traditional lemons, Meyer lemons are a hybrid fruit, believed to be a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange. This gives them a slightly sweeter, less acidic flavor with a distinctive floral aroma, making them ideal for these exquisite lemon bars. You’ll love their delicate balance!

1. Introduction: Sunshine in Every Bite!

Imagine a dessert that’s bursting with bright, citrusy flavor, perfectly balanced with a sweet, buttery crust. That’s exactly what you get with these incredible Meyer lemon bars. They are truly a ray of sunshine on a plate, bringing joy with every bite.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed for success. It’s straightforward, uses common ingredients, and yields consistently delicious results. Prepare to fall in love with these easy dessert bars!

2. Why This Meyer Lemon Bars Recipe is the Best

There are countless lemon bar recipes out there, but what makes these Meyer lemon bars stand out? It’s their remarkable simplicity combined with an unforgettable flavor profile. This recipe cuts down on unnecessary steps without compromising on taste or texture.

With just five core ingredients, you get a shortbread crust that melts in your mouth and a tangy, smooth lemon filling that sings. The unique sweetness of Meyer lemons truly shines, elevating these from good to absolutely glorious. You won’t find an easier or tastier baking recipe for lemon bars!

3. Simple Ingredients for Perfect Lemon Bars

One of the true beauties of this recipe is its reliance on simple, everyday ingredients. You likely have most of these staples in your pantry already! The key is using fresh Meyer lemons for that signature sweet-tart flavor.

This 5 ingredient recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of fancy items to create something truly spectacular. Quality ingredients are what make these lemon bars so special.

3.1. Ingredient List

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the crust)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (for the filling)
• 1/2 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

4. How to Make Meyer Lemon Bars: Step-by-Step

Making these lemon bars is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful citrus dessert ready in no time. Precision is key, but don’t worry, it’s an easy process!

4.1. Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. It will be crumbly but should come together when pressed.
4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the filling.

4.2. Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling

1. While the crust is baking or cooling slightly, prepare the lemon filling.
2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until well combined and slightly foamy.
3. Gradually whisk in the 1/2 cup of fresh Meyer lemon juice. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.

4.3. Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Pour the lemon filling evenly over the warm, pre-baked shortbread crust.
2. Carefully place the pan back into the preheated oven.
3. Bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The edges should appear firm and lightly golden.
4. Remove the pan from the oven and let the lemon bars cool completely at room temperature. This is crucial for the filling to fully set.
5. Once cool, refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving, if desired.

5. Expert Tips for the Best Lemon Bars

Achieving perfect lemon bars is easy with a few tricks up your sleeve. First, always use fresh Meyer lemon juice; bottled juice simply won’t give you the same vibrant flavor. Zest some of the lemons into the filling for an even more intense citrus burst.

Don’t overbake the filling! It should still have a slight jiggle in the center when you pull it out of the oven, as it will continue to set as it cools. For a neat cut, chill the bars thoroughly before slicing with a hot, clean knife. Read our in-depth guide here.

6. Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Meyer lemon bars are delightful on their own, but a dusting of powdered sugar makes them even more appealing. For an extra treat, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries. They’re perfect for picnics, potlucks, or an afternoon tea.

Feeling adventurous? You can experiment with adding a teaspoon of poppy seeds to the filling for a lovely texture contrast, or even a hint of vanilla extract to the crust for added depth. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can also beautifully enhance the lemon flavor.

7. Storing Your Delicious Lemon Bars

Once cooled and cut, your Meyer lemon bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen beautifully after a day or two!

For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 2-3 months. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Enjoy your delightful citrus dessert anytime!

F.A.Q

What makes Meyer lemons different from regular lemons?

Meyer lemons are a hybrid of lemons and mandarin oranges, giving them a sweeter, less acidic taste and a distinctive floral aroma compared to the tartness of regular lemons. This makes them ideal for desserts where a milder citrus flavor is desired.

Can I use regular lemons if I can’t find Meyer lemons?

Yes, you can substitute regular lemon juice, but you might want to slightly reduce the amount of lemon juice or increase the sugar in the filling to balance the extra tartness. The flavor profile will be more intensely tart, but still delicious.

How do I know when the Meyer lemon bars are fully baked?

The lemon bars are done when the edges of the filling are set and lightly golden, but the very center still has a slight jiggle to it when gently shaken. It will continue to set as it cools, so don’t overbake, or it might become tough.