lemon cake bars recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best lemon cake bars recipe

Ive always been a fan of lemon desserts, and these lemon cake bars are at the top of my list. They are bright, tangy, and perfectly sweet, making them a hit with my family and friends. My kids especially love them because they are easy to eat and have just the right amount of lemon flavor without being too overpowering. These bars are a perfect balance of a moist cake and a tangy lemon topping.

I love making them for family gatherings or even just for a quick snack during the week. The best part is that they are easy to make and dont require any fancy ingredients. The lemon cake bars are a refreshing treat, especially during the warmer months. They are light and not overly sweet, which makes them a healthier option compared to other desserts.

Plus, they are packed with vitamin C from the lemons, making them a slightly healthier indulgence. The combination of the soft cake and the zesty lemon glaze is simply irresistible. Its a great way to enjoy a sweet treat while still getting some nutritional benefits. Ive been making these lemon cake bars for years, and they never fail to impress.

They are always a crowd-pleaser, and I often get requests for the recipe. I love how versatile they are; you can serve them at a fancy dinner party or enjoy them as a simple snack at home. They are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holiday gatherings. Ive also experimented with different variations, like adding blueberries or raspberries to the batter, which gives them an extra burst of flavor and color.

I love how they come out every time. The recipe is straightforward and doesnt require any special techniques, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Its a great recipe to teach your kids how to bake too. I love how they taste and how they make everyone happy.

The lemon cake bars are a staple in my kitchen, and I know they will be in yours too.

Lemon Cake Bars

4.9 from 599 votes

Lemon Cake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines a moist lemon cake with a tangy lemon glaze. These bars are perfect for any occasion and are easy to make with simple ingredients.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 16Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest

For the Lemon Glaze

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish and set it aside.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4Set this dry mixture aside.
5In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
6Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
7Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
8Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
9The mixture will look light and fluffy and have a faint yellow color from the lemon zest.
10Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
11Be careful not to overmix.
12The batter should be smooth and thick, but still pourable.
13Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
14Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
15The edges should be lightly golden and the center should spring back when lightly touched.
16Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
17This will take approximately 1 hour.
18While the cake is cooling, prepare the lemon glaze.
19In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
20The glaze should be pourable but not too runny.
21If it is too thick, add a bit more lemon juice.
22If it is too thin, add more powdered sugar.
23Once the cake is completely cool, pour the lemon glaze over the top.
24Spread the glaze evenly with a spatula, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
25Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before slicing.
26Cut the cake into bars and serve.
27Enjoy your homemade Lemon Cake Bars

🔧Equipment

9×9 inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Whisk
Spatula
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. You can also add blueberries or raspberries to the batter for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Watch Video Of How Lemon Cake Bars Works

Lemon Cake Bars are a delicious and refreshing treat that you can enjoy any time of the year. They are easy to make and always a hit with family and friends. I love how versatile they are; you can serve them at a fancy dinner party or enjoy them as a simple snack at home.

They are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holiday gatherings. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

When ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and enjoy. I love this recipe and I know you will too. They are always a good idea for any occasion and works well for family gatherings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Cake Bars

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While fresh lemon juice is always best for flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just make sure to use a good quality brand for the best results.

Can I make these lemon cake bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these bars a day ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The lemon glaze will soften the top slightly, but the bars will still taste great.

Can I freeze lemon cake bars?

Yes, you can freeze lemon cake bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I use a different type of citrus for the glaze?

Yes, you can experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or orange. Just adjust the amount of sugar in the glaze to balance the tartness.

Why did my lemon cake bars turn out dry?

If your lemon cake bars turned out dry, it could be due to overbaking. Make sure to check the cake with a toothpick and remove it from the oven as soon as it comes out clean. Additionally, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately to ensure the correct ratio of wet to dry ingredients.

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