There’s something special about the first bite of a lemon bar. It’s a mix of buttery crust and zesty filling. It makes me smile.
I tried making my first batch of Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars. I was inspired by Ree Drummond’s recipe. I gathered my ingredients, ready to make something special for my friends.
As the tart aroma filled my kitchen, I couldn’t wait for them to cool. Little did I know, these homemade lemon bars would be gone in minutes. My friends were begging for the recipe.
Introduction to Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are a favorite in my recipe book, thanks to the Pioneer Woman version. They have a buttery crust and a bright lemon topping. This mix of sweet and tart is loved by my family and friends.
Spring is the best time to make these lemon bars. They’re refreshing and bright, just like the season. Making this easy recipe brings back happy memories of sunny days and fun times.
These bars need only eight ingredients. They’re tasty and easy to make. They’re a great addition to my collection of favorite desserts.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are a top pick for desserts. They mix a crumbly crust with a tangy lemon filling. This mix is both refreshing and satisfying.
These treats appeal to many, from lemon fans to newbies. Each bite is a burst of citrus that’s fun to taste.
The lemon bars look great too. Their yellow filling and golden crust make them stand out. They’re easy to cut into neat squares for serving.
Getting them ready takes about 45 minutes. But the wait is worth it. Chilling them for two hours makes them creamy and dreamy.
These lemon bars are perfect for any event. They offer a sweet escape into citrusy goodness that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars
To make the delicious Pioneer Woman lemon bars, you need the right ingredients. Each part is important for the perfect taste and texture. Here are the ingredients for the shortbread crust and the creamy lemon filling.
Shortbread Crust Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold, cubed salted butter (2 sticks)
Lemon Filling Ingredients
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- Zest of 4 medium-sized lemons
- ½ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Easy Lemon Bar Recipe Overview
Making homemade lemon bars is easy. This recipe lets you make a tasty dessert in a few steps. It combines a buttery crust with a tangy lemon filling, perfect for any time.
I start with a 9×13 baking dish. It makes about two dozen bars. I mix sugar, flour, and butter for the crust. Then, I bake it briefly.
Next, I make the lemon filling with fresh juice, sugar, and eggs. Whisking it well brings out the flavor. This makes the lemon bars extra special.
After baking, I let the bars cool in the fridge for two hours. This makes them easy to cut and serve. The taste of these bars is sure to please everyone. Baking them yourself is a joy!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars
Making perfect pioneer woman lemon bars is easy. First, prepare the shortbread crust. Then, mix the lemon filling. Lastly, bake until they’re just right. Follow these steps to make your lemon bars a hit.
Preparing the Shortbread Crust
Start by heating your oven to 350ºF. Mix flour, sugar, and a bit of salt in a bowl. Add cold butter and mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Press this mix into a greased dish.
Bake the crust for 15 minutes. It should turn lightly golden. This makes a great base for your lemon bars.
Making the Lemon Filling
While the crust bakes, mix eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest in another bowl. Make sure it’s smooth. When the crust is done, pour the lemon mix over it.
This warm crust and zesty filling mix is amazing. It makes the bars extra tasty.
Baking the Lemon Bars
Put the dish back in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch them closely. They’re done when the filling is set but slightly jiggly.
Let them cool completely before cutting. These tips will help your lemon bars turn out great. Enjoy every bite!
Baking Tips for Delicious Lemon Bars
To make perfect lemon bars, follow these tips. Always use cold butter for the crust. This makes the crust flaky and tasty.
Make sure to grease your pan well. You can also use parchment paper. This helps the bars come out easily.
When baking, watch the crust closely. It should be golden and firm in 15 to 18 minutes. Then, add the lemon filling and bake at 325 degrees for 25 to 35 minutes. The filling is done when it’s no longer jiggly.
Let the bars cool in the fridge for 2 hours. This makes them taste better and easier to cut. By following these tips, you’ll make a dessert that everyone will love!
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (crust) | 1 ½ cups |
| Granulated sugar (crust) | ½ cup |
| Kosher salt (crust) | ½ teaspoon |
| Cold unsalted butter (crust) | ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons |
| Large eggs (filling) | 5 |
| Granulated sugar (filling) | 2 ½ cups |
| Fresh lemon juice (filling) | 1 cup |
| Heavy cream (filling) | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour (filling) | ¾ cup |
| Confectioners’ sugar (dusting) | ¼ cup |
Pioneer Woman Lemon Bar Tips for Success
For perfect lemon bars, some tips can help a lot. First, pick fresh lemons. They should be bright and heavy. Juicing and zesting them adds a lot of flavor.
When cutting bars, use a sharp knife warmed in hot water. This helps avoid crumbly edges. Letting the bars chill in the fridge for a few hours makes them even tastier.
With these tips, making lemon bars is easy. They will impress everyone you share them with.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Fresh Lemons | Choose vibrant and heavy lemons for optimal juicing and zesting. |
| Even Cuts | Warm the knife in hot water for clean and equal-sized cuts. |
| Refrigerate | Chill bars for a few hours to enhance flavor and texture. |
| Use a Scale | A kitchen scale can help in measuring ingredients accurately. |
| Baking Pan | A good quality baking pan ensures even baking. |
Storing and Serving Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars
After you make homemade lemon bars, it’s key to store them right. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Put leftovers in an airtight container. They stay good in the fridge for up to four days.
If you need to keep them longer, freeze them. They can stay frozen for a month. They’ll keep their yummy taste.
How to Store Leftover Lemon Bars
To store your lemon bars well:
- Cool the bars completely after baking and slicing.
- Wrap each slice with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container.
- For optimal freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to four days. Freeze for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Bars
There are cool ways to serve your lemon bars. Here are a few ideas:
- Dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.
- Pair lemon bars with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
- Garnish with lemon zest or thin lemon slices to enhance visual appeal.
- Serve with a side of fresh berries for added color and flavor.
Variations and Additions for Lemon Bars
Trying new things with my lemon bar recipe is fun. You can use lime or grapefruit instead of lemon for a different taste. Adding fresh herbs like thyme can make it even better.
Top your bars with berries or citrus slices for a pop of color. A dollop of whipped cream or icing makes it extra special. It’s a great way to make your lemon bars your own.
Don’t be afraid to try new flavors in your lemon bars. It’s a fun project that lets you be creative. Add zest, unique toppings, or try a new baking method to make them yours!
Why Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Pioneer Woman lemon bars are a hit at any dessert table. They have a bright, citrusy taste that makes everyone happy. This is great for sunny days, potlucks, and picnics.
They are easy to make in just 15 minutes. This makes them perfect for busy lives. Their sweet-tart flavor and buttery crust attract many dessert fans.
These lemon bars are quick to make and look great. They’re perfect for family gatherings and festive events. You can even add festive sprinkles or decorations to make them special.
They serve about 20 people, with each serving having 306 calories. This makes them great for big or small parties. They’re perfect for brunch or as a dessert at dinner.
In today’s dessert world, where lighter options are popular, these lemon bars fit right in. They’re refreshing and so good that people want more. This makes them a top pick for many events.
Additional Pioneer Woman Desserts You’ll Love
If you loved making Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars, you’ll find more treats to love. Ree Drummond has many desserts, like chocolate treats and fruit pies. They’re perfect for any occasion, for beginners and experienced bakers.
Try a cheesecake with cream cheese, sugar, and berries. Or a chocolate cake with rich frosting. Ree’s recipes are made with love, making every dessert special.
Exploring Ree’s desserts will make you creative in the kitchen. You can try her classics or new recipes. Let Ree’s baking guide you to making amazing desserts!