Lemon bars are a popular dessert all over the world, including in Italy. The sweet and tangy taste of lemon combined with a crumbly, buttery crust is a delightful treat that many Italians enjoy. During our trip to Italy we had those amazing lemon bars for desert in Florence that I always wanted to recreate it. And I did using fresh Meyer lemons from our backyard. Here is my easy Italian lemon bar recipe for you to try.
Lemon bars are a common dessert item in many Italian bakeries and cafes. They are often made using fresh lemons grown in the sunny southern regions of Italy, such as Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. The lemons from these areas are known for their sweet, juicy flesh and fragrant zest, which make them perfect for creating delicious desserts like lemon bars. Italian lemon bars may also feature a variety of different crusts, ranging from traditional shortbread crusts to almond crusts, which add a nutty flavor to the dessert. Some bakers may even add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream to give the lemon bars an extra touch of sweetness and texture.
You can enjoy this desert as an afternoon snack with a cup of espresso or serve them as a light dessert after the meal.
Italian Lemon Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon Meyer lemon zest
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish, making sure to press it evenly into the corners.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- In another medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Pour the mixture over the baked crust and return to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Let the lemon bars cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares and serving.
Using fresh Meyer lemons in dessert-making is a great choice for several reasons. First, they have a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and tangy, which can add depth and complexity to your dessert. Second, fresh lemons are a natural source of acidity, which can balance out the sweetness of your dessert and enhance its overall flavor. Finally, using fresh ingredients in general is always a good idea, as they often have a more vibrant taste and aroma than their processed counterparts. Plus, the satisfaction of using lemons from your own backyard can’t be beat!
