Small Batch Lemon Bars

Okay, let’s talk about something that will make your taste buds do a happy dance—Small Batch Lemon Bars. These little squares of sunshine are the perfect mix of tart and sweet, with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust that’s just the right balance to the zesty lemon filling. The beauty of this recipe? It’s a small batch, so you get all the fresh, vibrant flavor without being buried in leftovers (unless you want to be, of course ).

Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, a weekend treat, or whenever you need a bite of something sweet and bright, these lemon bars are a crowd-pleaser without all the fuss. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why these bars are so beloved. Tangy, creamy, and oh-so-refreshing—seriously, you’re going to love these.

Why You’ll Love Small Batch Lemon Bars

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a little moment of joy. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with a friend, these bars are made to be enjoyed in the simplest, most satisfying way. Here’s why they’re a go-to:

Perfect Portion Size: With a small batch recipe, you get just the right amount—no overindulging and no leftovers going to waste. (Although, let’s be real, you might want to keep them all to yourself!)

Sweet & Tangy Magic: The combination of zesty lemon and sweet, buttery crust is a match made in dessert heaven. It’s like a burst of sunshine in every bite.

Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a fast bake time. If you’re a beginner, these bars are totally doable, and they’ll have you feeling like a pro in no time.

No-Fuss Recipe: You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few basic kitchen tools, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying fresh lemon bars in less than an hour.

A Crowd Favorite: Whether it’s a last-minute dessert for dinner or a small treat for a friend, these lemon bars always impress. Everyone loves them!

Ingredients in Small Batch Lemon Bars

Here’s the magic of these lemon bars—it’s a handful of simple ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. You’ll be surprised how much flavor you can pack into such a small batch!

For the Crust

Butter: The base of the crust, giving it that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Go for unsalted butter so you can control the salt levels.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens up the crust just a bit and helps it crisp up in the oven.

Flour: This is the main structure of the crust. It gives you that perfect, soft yet sturdy foundation.

Salt: Just a pinch! It balances out the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.

For the Lemon Filling

Granulated Sugar: The main sweetener for the filling, balancing out the tartness of the lemon juice.

Eggs: They make the filling creamy and smooth. They’ll set the lemon curd-like texture.

Fresh Lemon Juice: The star of the show. Freshly squeezed juice is best for that bright, bold lemon flavor that’s the hallmark of lemon bars.

Zest of One Lemon: For an extra punch of lemon flavor that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Flour: A small amount of flour helps thicken the filling, giving it that perfect, just-set consistency.

Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top and adding a sweet finishing touch.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these sweet little bites of sunshine:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your bars bake evenly and get that perfect golden finish.

Prepare the Crust

In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the flour and salt, mixing until everything is just combined. The mixture will be crumbly—don’t worry, that’s exactly what we want.

Press the Crust into the Pan

Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan, then press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom. Use the back of a spoon to pack it down firmly. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, or until it’s just lightly golden.

Make the Lemon Filling

While the crust is baking, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour in a separate bowl until smooth. You want the filling to be nice and creamy without any lumps.

Bake the Bars

Once the crust is ready, pour the lemon filling over the baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. You can check for doneness by gently shaking the pan—the filling should not jiggle too much.

Cool and Dust

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for that classic lemon bar finish. Slice into squares, and voila!

Serve and Enjoy

Grab a fork (or not, if you’re feeling casual!) and dig into these tangy-sweet bites of joy. You’ll want to savor every little bite, so be sure to share if you’re feeling generous.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 9 (small batch magic!)
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Small Batch Lemon Bars

These lemon bars are perfect as a light dessert or snack, but here are a few ideas for ways to enjoy them even more:

With Tea or Coffee: A cup of hot tea or a rich coffee pairs wonderfully with these bars. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

As a Picnic Treat: Wrap them up and take them on the go. They’re small enough to fit in your picnic basket but big on flavor.

On a Dessert Platter: If you’re serving multiple desserts, these lemon bars are a great addition to a platter of sweets—especially if you have cookies, brownies, or other fruit-based desserts.

With Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries or fruit salad complements the citrusy flavor of the lemon bars and adds a refreshing contrast.

Additional Tips

• Fresh Lemon is Key: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons for both the juice and the zest. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare!
• Let Them Cool: Be patient and let the bars cool completely before slicing. This helps them set and ensures clean cuts.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and dust with powdered sugar right before serving.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you like your bars extra sweet, you can increase the sugar in the filling by a tablespoon or two.
• Perfect for Gift Giving: These lemon bars are just the right size for gift boxes or as a small treat to share with a friend or neighbor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
A1: Yes! These lemon bars store beautifully. Make them the day before, and they’ll be just as delicious the next day.

Q2: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A2: Fresh lemon juice is best for that bright, zesty flavor. Bottled juice will work, but it won’t have the same fresh punch.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll keep their flavor and texture!

Q4: Can I freeze lemon bars?
A4: Yes! Wrap them in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Absolutely! If you need more bars, just double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. Adjust the baking time slightly if needed.

Q6: Can I add a different flavor to the filling?
A6: Totally! You could swap the lemon juice for lime or orange juice for a fun twist on the classic.

Conclusion

These Small Batch Lemon Bars are the perfect dessert for when you want something sweet, tart, and just the right size. They’re fresh, vibrant, and easy to whip up, making them a go-to treat when you need a little sunshine in your life. Give them a try, and you’ll see why lemon bars are such a beloved classic!

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