If you have a hankering for something bright, zesty, and utterly comforting, this Lemon Cake Bars Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. It combines the tender crumb of a cake with the refreshing punch of fresh lemon juice and zest, delivering a slice of sunshine in every bite. Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring alongside your afternoon tea, these bars offer a delightful balance of sweet and tangy that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, each ingredient in this Lemon Cake Bars Recipe plays its part in creating the perfect balance between moistness, flavor, and that irresistible citrus aroma. From the creamy butter to the bright lemon zest, every component adds up to a classic treat you’ll want to make again and again.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the bars tender and moist.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars just right, balancing the tartness of the lemon.
- 4 large eggs: Bind everything together and help create that perfect cake-like texture.
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest: Adds fresh, aromatic brightness that sings in every bite.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Brings a lively tartness that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with subtle warmth.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the bars, creating a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise perfectly without being too fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens all the other flavors.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a delicate, sweet finish and makes the bars look pretty.
How to Make Lemon Cake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish or lining it with parchment paper. This preparation ensures your lemon cake bars will come out easily, with clean edges perfect for slicing.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it traps air in the batter, helping your bars maintain that light texture without being dense.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until everything is combined into a vibrant, fragrant batter that promises a punch of lemon with every bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until you see no streaks of flour. Overmixing here will make the bars tough, so handle with care.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top looks set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The final texture should be tender yet sturdy enough to hold as bars.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely right in the pan to firm up before dusting with powdered sugar, if you like, and slicing into 16 squares. Cooling is key to getting clean slices and letting the flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Lemon Cake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Lemon cake bars are just as lovely visually as they are tasty. A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also add thin lemon slices or sprigs of fresh mint for a fresh, elegant touch perfect for gatherings.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a cup of hot tea or a tall glass of cold milk for a simple pleasure. For a fancier spread, serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the tart lemon notes wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the classic square? Try cutting the bars into triangles for a playful look or stacking them with layers of lemon curd in between for an indulgent treat. Packaging individual bars in pretty wax paper also makes for perfect party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lemon cake bars store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where the flavors actually deepen and improve after a day or two. Just remember to let them come closer to room temperature before serving for the best enjoyment.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature. Freezing is a fantastic way to keep these bars fresh for weeks!
Reheating
If you prefer your lemon cake bars warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or briefly in a low-temp oven. This will make the texture soft and the flavors come alive once again.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice offers the brightest and most natural flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just be mindful that it might lack a bit of the fresh zest’s vibrant aroma, so consider adding extra zest if you rely on bottled juice.
Is it possible to make these lemon bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, and just make sure it includes xanthan gum so the structure holds well. The bars may be slightly more delicate but still delicious.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake these bars right after preparing the batter to ensure they rise and set properly. However, you can mix the dry ingredients and zest in advance to save a bit of prep time.
Why are my lemon cake bars too dense?
This usually happens if the batter was overmixed after adding flour or if the baking powder is expired. Make sure to mix gently and use fresh baking powder for light, fluffy bars.
How can I add even more lemon flavor?
For an extra lemony kick, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter. This amplifies the citrus notes nicely without overpowering the natural freshness of the lemons.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a slice of lemon cake bar that’s tender, tangy, and satisfyingly sweet all at once. This Lemon Cake Bars Recipe is easy to make, requiring basic ingredients, yet it yields a dessert that feels special every time. Whether you’re baking for a family get-together, gifting a neighbor, or just craving a lemon treat, these bars will not disappoint. Give them a try and enjoy a burst of sunshine in every bite!
Print
Lemon Cake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these zesty Lemon Cake Bars, a perfect balance of buttery cake and fresh lemon flavor. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, they make an ideal treat for spring or any time you crave a refreshing citrus dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate. Then mix in lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the batter is well combined and fragrant.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently and mixing just until combined to preserve a tender crumb.
- Spread Batter and Bake: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the surface is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake bars cool completely in the pan to firm up. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, then slice into 16 bars to serve.
Notes
- For an intensified lemon flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract to the batter.
- Store these bars in the refrigerator for freshness; they taste even better chilled.
