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Lemon Chess Bars are a tangy, sweet, and creamy dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The texture is somewhere between a lemon bar and a custard, with a buttery crust and a luscious lemon filling. Here’s how to make them!
Lemon Chess Bars
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers crushed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Lemon Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra lemon flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form a crust. Use the back of a spoon to compact it evenly.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it is golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the lemon filling:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
- Add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest (if using), and whisk until well combined.
- Stir in the melted butter and mix until the filling is smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble and bake:
- Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled graham cracker crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden around the edges. The center should still have a slight jiggle.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares.
4. Serve:
- Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful, sweet touch.
These Lemon Chess Bars are refreshing with the perfect balance of tart lemon and sweet custard, and the graham cracker crust gives them a great crunch. They’re ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or whenever you want a simple yet impressive dessert! 🍋🍰
