Description
Zesty Lemon Cream Dream Bars combine a buttery crust, tangy lemon filling, and a luscious cream topping for a refreshing and indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
For the lemon filling:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 4 large egg yolks
For the cream topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Make the lemon filling: In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour this filling evenly over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill the bars: After cooling, place the lemon bars in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours. This step helps the filling firm up and makes the bars easier to cut and serve.
- Prepare the cream topping: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled lemon filling. Garnish the top with additional lemon zest for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve: Cut the bars into 16 evenly sized squares. Serve chilled and enjoy a refreshing, creamy lemon dessert.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright and natural lemon flavor in the filling.
- The bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For an extra decorative touch, dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
