Old-Fashioned Lemon Glaze Bars

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INTRODUCTION
Lemon Glaze Bars are soft, tender, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. With a moist cake-like base and a glossy lemon glaze on top, these bars are simple yet elegant. They are ideal for afternoon tea, family gatherings, bake sales, or whenever you crave a bright citrus dessert.

HISTORY & BACKGROUND
Lemon bars originated as a home-style dessert in Europe and North America, where citrus was used to lighten rich baked goods. Glazed lemon bars became popular for their simplicity, long shelf life, and refreshing flavor, especially during spring and summer.

INGREDIENTS

For the Lemon Bars

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze

  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

METHOD & INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

Step 4: Bake
Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
While bars are still warm, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and pourable.

Step 6: Glaze the Bars
Pour glaze evenly over warm bars. Let it soak in slightly, forming a shiny crackled top as it cools.

Step 7: Slice and Serve
Allow bars to cool completely, then lift out and cut into squares or rectangles.

TEXTURE & FLAVOR NOTES

  • Soft, moist interior
  • Bright lemon flavor without bitterness
  • Sweet, slightly crisp glaze top

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

  • Serve chilled or at room temperature
  • Pair with tea or coffee
  • Dust lightly with extra powdered sugar if desired

TIPS FOR PERFECT LEMON BARS

  • Use fresh lemon juice, never bottled
  • Do not overbake—moistness is key
  • Glaze while bars are warm for best absorption
  • For clean cuts, chill before slicing

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS

  • Lemons provide vitamin C
  • Homemade bars avoid preservatives
  • Portion-controlled dessert option

APPROXIMATE NUTRITION (PER BAR)
Calories: 240
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fat: 10 g
Protein: 3 g

VARIATIONS

  • Add coconut for tropical flavor
  • Mix poppy seeds into the batter
  • Replace lemon with orange or lime
  • Add a cream cheese swirl for richness

STORAGE

  • Store in airtight container up to 4 days at room temperature
  • Refrigerate up to 7 days
  • Freeze glazed bars up to 2 months

CONCLUSION
These Old-Fashioned Lemon Glaze Bars are a timeless dessert that delivers fresh citrus flavor in every bite. Easy to make, beautiful to serve, and loved by all ages, they are a perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence.

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