Description
Sunshine-kissed lemon poppy seed bars dance with zesty brightness, offering a delightful twist on classic citrus desserts. Mediterranean flavors and subtle crunch create an irresistible treat sure to elevate your baking repertoire and bring pure joy to summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 350F (175C) and readying a 9×13-inch baking vessel with protective parchment lining or a light coating of grease.
- Create a harmonious wet ingredient mixture by vigorously blending melted butter with granulated and brown sugars until achieving a silky consistency. Introduce eggs, vibrant lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract, whisking until thoroughly integrated.
- Separately compile the dry components: flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds, gently combining through a careful whisking motion.
- Merge the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding delicately to maintain a smooth texture. Exercise caution to avoid overmixing, which could compromise the bar’s delicate structure.
- Transfer the luminous batter into the prepared pan, distributing evenly across the surface. Place in the preheated oven and bake approximately 22-28 minutes, monitoring until a clean toothpick emerges from the center.
- Allow the baked creation to rest and stabilize completely within the pan, reaching ambient temperature.
- Craft a luxurious glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice, vanilla extract, and additional lemon zest until achieving a glossy, pourable consistency.
- Artfully drizzle or spread the citrusy glaze across the cooled bars, permitting approximately 15 minutes for setting and crystallization.
- Slice into elegant squares, presenting a vibrant, zesty dessert ready for immediate enjoyment.
Notes
- Master precise zesting techniques by using only the bright yellow part of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
- Prevent overmixing the batter by gently folding dry ingredients until just combined, which ensures tender, soft bars with perfect texture.
- Customize the recipe for gluten-sensitive diets by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
- Enhance lemon intensity by adding a small pinch of lemon extract to the batter, creating a more vibrant citrus punch without overwhelming the delicate poppy seed balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg