There are certain things in life that I really want to like. Avocados, for example, or Wuthering Heights. People consider it weird that I like Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte but hate Emily, and that I like making guacamole but don’t like eating it.
Lemons are high up on the list. They’re yellow and sunny, and brighten things up wonderfully, both in savory and in sweet dishes. I really should like them. But while I like lemon juice in my hummus and lemon zest in my desserts, I’m not a fan of too-lemony things. Tarte au citron? No thank you. Lemon-roasted chicken? I’ll pass.
Why? Well, they’re sour. (Duh.) I hate sour things. They make my teeth hurt and my face pucker and my eyes water in pain. It’s not a pretty look, and I avoid it at all costs. Which is why I thought it was odd that one morning I woke up craving lemon bars. Specifically, Meyer lemon bars. Stat.
I’ve only had a lemon bar once in my life. I took one bite, immediately felt a searing ache in my teeth and trashed the rest. But I’ve been told (by the Amateur Gourmet) that Meyer lemons are sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons, which convinced me that my craving might actually be worth satisfying. And since it coincided perfectly with the Meyer lemon season, I deemed it fate and got out the butter and sugar.
If you’re looking for a treat to tide you over until spring stops being a tease and actually seals the deal, look no further. These Meyer lemon bars are little pieces of sunshine. They’re sharp without being bitingly sour, candied without being cloyingly sweet. Go, buy up the rest of the Meyer lemons and make these tonight. They’ll make your week so much better.
More lemon bars: try this “grown-up” version with olive oil and sea salt
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I got this recipe from Barefoot Contessa, but after Googling around, I realized that her ratio of lemon to shortbread would be a little too much for a lemon novice like myself. Deb at Smitten Kitchen used a 1:1 ratio for her lemon bars (also based off of Barefoot) that worked better for me. Also, these are definitely better the second or third day, so they’re perfect for making ahead.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
For the filling
- zest of 5 Meyer lemons (the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon of zest, but I zested all of my lemons. I highly recommend this)
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 4 extra-large eggs at room temperature
- 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2/3 cup flour, sifted
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Combine the flour and salt, and mix into the butter mixture until it just comes together.
- Dump the dough onto a floured work surface and gather it into a ball. Flatten the dough and press into a well-greased 9-x-13 baking pan, creating a 1/2-inch crust. Chill for 20 minutes.
- Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, until very slightly browned. Let the crust cool.
- Make the filling: zest the lemons and combine with the sugar using your fingertips, until the sugar becomes slightly clumpy and fragrant. Whisk the sugar mixture with the eggs, lemon juice and flour until smooth and shiny.
- Pour the curd over the cooled crust and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the filling is set. Cool to room temperature before sifting the powdered sugar on top. Cut into squares and serve.
I’m with you – I don’t like my desserts to be too sour either, but that’s the beauty of Meyer lemons! They’re so delicate in flavor that I’m sure these bars are absolutely delicious!
Mmmmm lemon bars are my absolute favorite! Will have to try this one out.
I’ve been sneaking TJ’s lemon bars from the freezer the past few weeks…maybe it’s time I start making me own!
MMMMM!! Seriously, the first thing I do after I survive finals is making these lemon bars (and possibly buying a sundress online :)) They look soo yummy! And the bright yellow just makes me want summer even more!
Peggy: This was my first time trying out Meyer lemons but I’m a total 100% fan now! Do you have any other ideas of what to make with them?
desi: Yes — for sure! They’re super easy to make too.
Nila: I didn’t know TJ’s makes lemon bars. Actually, maybe it’s better that I pretend I don’t know that. I have a box of their peanut butter cups at my desk and I’m literally addicted.
Medha: We’ll have to make these for ma at some point — she loves lemon things.
I’ve always wanted to try Meyer lemons and these look soooo good and fresh! Perfect for Spring – that is if it would ever decide to arrive in NYC.
Delicious lemon bar recipe. Thanks for sharing!
The lemon bars were so good, so good! I don’t remember how many of those I ate. They are perfect with Tea. Ishita, got to make them when you come home!
Yum. Gorgeous photos and a lovely looking little sweet lift!
Britne: I’ve become obsessed with Meyer lemons. Since they’re sweeter, the juice is great for tossing with fresh berries to spoon over yogurt, ricotta, ice cream — pretty much anything!
Eftychia: So glad you like! Definitely let me know if you try them out.
Ma: I’ve got so many things planned for when I come home. Mother’s Day brunch perhaps??
Sweet Freak: Thanks! If you cut them into small enough squares, it almost feels like guilt-free snacking.
Thanks for the foodbuzz add. Am loving your blog (lemon squares are my FAVORITE – yum!!) Look forward to reading more 🙂
Love this recipe.I love lemon bars, they are soo delicious!Will definitely make these!
I made these but I was disappointed that they were not more lemony flavor. Just ok to me.
Hi Lucy, I’m sorry you didn’t like these! Meyer lemons are a bit sweeter and less intensely “lemon” than usual lemons — maybe next time try regular lemons instead?
I made these today with some Meyer lemons I received from my grand-daughter. She lives in Louisiana and a lady she knows there grows them on her own tree. This is my first taste of Meyer lemons. Since my last name is Meyer, I just had to try these. I am not too great at grating the skins into zest. After I had about one teaspoon of freshly grated zest, I gave up and used dried orange peel from my spices. These turned out delicious. The crust is light and yummy and the lemon curd is fabulous. Thanks for sharing this recipe. Glad I found it.
Just made them! Absolutely delicious. The lemon curd is totally yumm:)