This Alton Brown Lemon Bars recipe is a zesty and sweet treat that you can make any time of year.
The combination of a buttery shortbread crust and tangy lemon filling makes these bars hard to say “no” to!
I always make sure I use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant taste.
Also, chilling the lemon bars before cutting to gets you nice and clean, even slices.
And I always make sure the crust is fully cooled before pouring the lemon filling over it; this helps achieve a firm yet tender texture.
Have fun altering these to your own taste. For example, you can easily add a touch of vanilla or almond extract to enhance the flavors.
How to Make Alton Brown Lemon Bars
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups Flour
- 3/4 cup Confectioners’ Sugar
- 1 cup Butter (melted)
- 4 Eggs
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1/3 cup Lemon Juice
- 1 1/2 tsp Lemon Zest (optional)
- 1/4 cup Flour
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil.
Leave an overhang on all sides.
Step 2:
In a bowl, mix the flour, confectioners’ sugar, and melted butter until combined.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 3:
While the crust is baking, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, and salt in another bowl.
Ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4:
Pour the lemon mixture over the warm crust.
Spread it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
Step 5:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes.
The top should be set, but make sure it does not brown too much.
Let it cool completely before slicing into bars.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Lemons
Using fresh lemon juice and zest will enhance the flavor tremendously.
You’ll notice a fresh, vibrant taste compared to bottled lemon juice.
Cool Before Cutting
It’s important to let the bars cool completely before cutting.
This helps them set properly, ensuring neat, clean slices.
Adjust Sweetness
If you prefer your bars more tart than sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly in the filling.
Experimenting will help you find your preferred balance!
What to Serve with Alton Brown Lemon Bars
Fresh Berries
You can’t go wrong with fresh berries when serving lemon bars.
Strawberries or blueberries offer a vibrant and colorful contrast that’s just perfect.
Try mixing these fruits for an eye-catching dessert plate!
Vanilla Ice Cream
A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy touch to your lemon bars.
It balances the tartness beautifully and gives a refreshing coolness.
Don’t forget to let the ice cream soften a bit for an extra smooth pairing.
Whipped Cream
A dollop of whipped cream, especially if it’s vanilla-flavored, adds lightness and a hint of sophistication.
It’s a quick way to bring extra flair and flavor.
Consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest on top for a citrus kick!
Mint Leaves & Citrus Salad
Mint leaves make a lovely aromatic garnish that pairs well with lemon bars.
They add freshness without overpowering flavors.
For something different, a citrus or tropical fruit salad can refresh your palate.
Think slices of orange, grapefruit, or even mango for something a lil’ different.
Variations and Substitutions
Alternative Crusts
You can swap the classic shortbread base with a graham cracker crust for a different texture.
Combine crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter, then press into your pan.
Bake until lightly browned for a fantastic base.
Fruit Substitutes
Experiment with other citrus fruits like lime or orange for a unique twist to your bars.
For a different flavor profile, consider using passion fruit or cranberry.
These alternatives bring their own distinct tartness.
Sweetness Adjustments
If you find your bars too tart, try increasing the amount of sugar in the filling.
Another option is to use powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness.
This change can balance the flavors nicely without overwhelming the lemon taste.
Gluten-Free Options
Use gluten-free flour in the crust if you need to cater to gluten sensitivities.
This simple switch won’t compromise the taste or texture.
Just make sure to blend the ingredients well for the best results!
How to Store Leftover Alton Brown Lemon Bars
Storing your Alton Brown lemon bars properly is key to keeping them tasting fresh.
After making these delicious treats, you can keep them at room temperature for up to six hours.
When you’re ready to store them longer, refrigeration is your best friend.
Refrigeration Tips
Once the lemon bars are cool, place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
For stacking, try adding parchment paper between layers so they won’t stick together.
In the fridge, you can enjoy them for up to five days.
Freezing Option
If you need to store the lemon bars for an even longer period, freezing is an excellent option.
Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap to lock in their flavor and freshness.
Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.
Preventing Moisture Issues
Moisture can be a problem when storing lemon bars over a few days.
To combat this, consider adding a small piece of bread or a moisture-absorbing packet to the container.
This easy trick helps to maintain a perfect texture, so each bite is just as delicious as the day you baked them!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing the Filling
When making lemon bars, it’s tempting to mix the filling until it’s perfectly smooth, but this can be a pitfall.
Overmixing incorporates too much air, which can lead to bubbles and a less smooth texture.
Stick to mixing just until the ingredients are combined for the best results.
Using the Wrong Lemon Juice
Using fresh lemon juice is key for that tangy, bright flavor.
Bottled lemon juice often lacks the fresh punch that makes lemon bars so tasty.
Stick with freshly squeezed lemons for the best taste.
Baking at the Wrong Temperature
The right oven temperature is crucial for properly set lemon bars.
Baking them at 350°F (about 175°C) is generally the sweet spot.
Make sure your bars are set in the center and the edges are lightly golden for the perfect finish!
Alton Brown Lemon Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups Flour
- 3/4 cup Confectioners' Sugar
- 1 cup Butter melted
- 4 Eggs
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1/3 cup Lemon Juice
- 1 1/2 tsp Lemon Zest optional
- 1/4 cup Flour
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil.
- Leave an overhang on all sides.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, confectioners' sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, and salt in another bowl.
- Ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the warm crust.
- Spread it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes.
- The top should be set, but make sure it does not brown too much.
- Let it cool completely before slicing into bars.