Best 2 Chef Johns Lemon Bars Recipes

Indulge your taste buds in a burst of citrusy delight with Chef John's Lemon Bars, a classic dessert that combines a luscious lemon filling atop a buttery shortbread crust. These delectable treats are a symphony of flavors and textures, offering a perfect balance between the tangy filling and the crumbly crust. Each bite offers a delightful burst of lemon zest, complemented by the richness of the shortbread. This recipe includes two variations: a classic lemon bar recipe and a gluten-free version for those with dietary restrictions. Both recipes are easy to follow and promise a heavenly dessert experience.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CHEF JOHN'S LEMON BARS

Chef John's Lemon Bars image

This is one of my favorite cookies of all time, although technically they're closer to a pie than a cookie. Nothing prepares you for that intense, awesome sweet-tart lemon flavor and custard, perfectly contrasted against that crisp, sweet buttery shortbread cookie.

Provided by Chef John

Categories Desserts Fruit Dessert Recipes Lemon Dessert Recipes

Time 1h40m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
¼ cup confectioners' sugar
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar, or to taste

Steps:

Place an oven rack into middle position in oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly oil an 8x8-inch baking dish.
Place 1 cup flour and butter in a mixing bowl and mash with the back of a spatula or wooden spoon until thoroughly combined. Mix in 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; mash mixture together until mixture looks like a slightly crumbly cookie dough.
Moisten your fingers with a little water and press dough into bottom of prepared baking dish. Use a fork to prick holes all over the crust.
Bake crust on center rack in the preheated oven until crust edges are barely golden brown, 22 minutes.
Beat eggs and egg yolks together in a bowl; whisk in white sugar and 2 tablespoons flour until smooth. Add lemon juice and lemon zest; whisk for 2 minutes. Pour lemon custard over crust.
Bake on center rack until custard is set and top has a thin white sugary crust, 25 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Dip knife into very hot water, run around the edge, and cut into 16 squares. Dust cookies with 1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 153 calories, Carbohydrate 21.8 g, Cholesterol 51.3 mg, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 1.9 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 46.6 mg, Sugar 14.8 g

THE BEST LEMON BARS

The Best Lemon Bars image

Tart, rich and perfection, all rolled into one! Wow your friends with this simple recipe. Hint: No Substitutions!

Provided by Patty Schenck

Categories Desserts Fruit Dessert Recipes Lemon Dessert Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
½ cup white sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 eggs
1 ½ cups white sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 lemons, juiced

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, blend together softened butter, 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup sugar. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 inch pan.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm and golden. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1/4 cup flour. Whisk in the eggs and lemon juice. Pour over the baked crust.
Bake for an additional 20 minutes in the preheated oven. The bars will firm up as they cool. For a festive tray, make another pan using limes instead of lemons and adding a drop of green food coloring to give a very pale green. After both pans have cooled, cut into uniform 2 inch squares and arrange in a checker board fashion.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 125.8 calories, Carbohydrate 17.8 g, Cholesterol 34.2 mg, Fat 5.8 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 1.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 44.4 mg, Sugar 11.2 g

Tips:

Use fresh lemons. Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor for these bars.
Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing will result in a tough crust.
Bake the bars until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool the bars completely before cutting them. This will help them to hold their shape.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Chef John's Lemon Bars are a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and always a hit with a crowd. The combination of sweet and tart is irresistible, and the buttery crust is the perfect complement. So next time you're looking for a delicious and easy dessert, give Chef John's Lemon Bars a try. You won't be disappointed!