Alton Brown Lemon Bars Recipe with a Tangy Kick

These zesty lemon bars burst with sunshine-kissed flavor that transforms ordinary desserts into extraordinary experiences.

Tangy citrus meets buttery shortbread in a culinary dance that awakens every taste bud.

Silky smooth filling nestles atop a perfectly crisp crust, creating a delightful textural contrast.

Professional bakers and weekend kitchen enthusiasts adore this vibrant treat for its simple elegance.

Bright, bold notes of lemon cut through rich, creamy layers with remarkable precision.

Each golden square promises a moment of pure, unapologetic deliciousness.

You’ll fall head over heels for this irresistible dessert that brings a slice of sunshine right to your plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 452 kcal

Servings: 11

Alton Brown’s Lemon Bars Ingredient Guide

• All-Purpose Flour: Select unbleached flour for a richer, more natural taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Choose fine-textured sugar for smoother blending.
• Salt: Use fine-grain sea salt for subtle flavor enhancement.
• Unsalted Butter: Opt for high-quality butter with rich, creamy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Select pure vanilla for deeper aromatic notes.

• Lemons: Choose bright, firm lemons with smooth, heavy skin for maximum juice.
• Granulated Sugar: Select fine-grain sugar for smooth lemon zest integration.
• Eggs: Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for better mixing.
• Additional Flour: Pick unbleached flour to help thicken filling naturally.

• Powdered Sugar: Select superfine sugar for elegant, even dusting.
• Fresh Lemon: Select bright, glossy lemons for potential garnish or zest accent.

Tools for Baking Alton Brown’s Lemon Bars

• 9×13 inch Baking Dish: Essential for creating perfect bar shape and even baking.
• Parchment Paper: Helps lift bars easily and prevents sticking.
• Stand Mixer or Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining crust and filling ingredients smoothly.
• Paddle Attachment or Whisk: Ensures thorough mixing without overmixing.
• Food Processor: Ideal for creating lemon zest sugar with uniform texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Guarantees precise ingredient quantities.
• Microplane or Fine Grater: Best for creating fine lemon zest.
• Sharp Kitchen Knife: Helps slice bars cleanly.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for zesting and cutting.
• Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: Helps dust powdered sugar evenly.
• Oven: Necessary for baking crust and lemon filling.
• Cooling Rack: Allows bars to cool evenly at room temperature.

Baking Instructions for Alton Brown’s Lemon Bars

Craft Zesty Lemon Bars

Transform your kitchen into a citrusy paradise with these mouthwatering lemon bars that burst with sunshine-bright flavor. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a dessert that’ll make everyone swoon.

• Prep Your Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper, creating little handles that’ll help you lift out your golden treats with ease. This trick makes serving and cleanup a breeze.

• Build the Crumbly Crust

Mix flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle melted butter into the dry ingredients, stirring until the mixture looks like soft, sandy crumbs. Press this delightful base evenly into your prepared pan, creating a smooth foundation for your lemony masterpiece. Slide into the oven and bake until the edges turn a warm, inviting golden brown.

• Zesty Lemon Magic

Grab fresh lemons and create a fragrant zest sugar by blending lemon zest with sugar until it transforms into a pale, aromatic mix. In a large bowl, whisk together your zesty sugar, flour, eggs, and fresh lemon juice until the filling becomes silky smooth and sunshine-bright.

• Bake and Set

Pour the vibrant lemon mixture over the warm crust. Return to the oven and bake until the filling sets with a gentle jiggle. Once done, let the bars cool completely, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly creamy.

• Serve with Flair

Chill the bars in the refrigerator to firm up. Before serving, dust with a snowy layer of powdered sugar. Slice into elegant squares using a clean, damp knife for picture-perfect edges. These lemon bars are ready to steal the show at any gathering, promising pure citrusy bliss in every bite.

Helpful Tips for Alton Brown’s Lemon Bars

• Boost Flavor Enhancers: Experiment with adding a splash of lavender or orange extract to the crust for an unexpected aromatic twist that elevates the classic lemon bar experience.
• Zesting Like a Pro: Use a microplane grater for ultra-fine, delicate lemon zest that distributes more evenly and releases maximum citrus oils without bitter white pith.
• Texture Transformation Tricks: Swap a portion of all-purpose flour with almond flour to create a slightly nutty undertone and achieve a more tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust that adds sophisticated depth.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These lemon bars can be prepared up to three days in advance, storing perfectly covered in the refrigerator, which allows flavors to meld and intensify while providing convenient dessert preparation.

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Bars

• Refresh with Citrus Zest: Sprinkle extra lemon zest on top of the bars for a bright, aromatic burst that enhances the tangy flavor profile.
• Pair with Creamy Companions: Serve alongside a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the zesty lemon's sharpness.
• Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange the lemon bars with other light desserts like mini meringues or shortbread cookies for a stunning sweet presentation that offers variety.
• Elevate Afternoon Tea: Plate these bars on a delicate serving tray with a pot of hot Earl Grey tea, creating an elegant and refreshing mid-day treat that feels luxurious and indulgent.

Proper Storage for Alton Brown’s Lemon Bars

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Batch Prep Brilliance: Whip up a double batch of lemon bars and store the extras for quick dessert options throughout the week. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerator Rescue: Store lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover completely to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best texture and flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the crust and filling a day ahead, then bake just before serving. This technique helps intensify the lemon flavor and reduces day-of preparation stress.

Tangy Alton Brown Lemon Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s lemon bars blend zesty citrus with buttery shortbread for a classic dessert delight. Crisp crust and tangy filling create a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (600g) sugar
• 8 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup (240mL) fresh lemon juice
• ⅔ cups (66g) powdered sugar
• 12 tbsps (170g) unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 tbsps lemon zest (zest of 3 lemons)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl. Blend with melted butter until a cohesive dough forms, gently incorporating a hint of vanilla for depth.
2. Baking Foundation: Transfer dough into a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking dish, pressing firmly to create an even, smooth base. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until achieving a delicate golden hue.
3. Lemon Sugar Infusion: Process granulated sugar with fresh lemon zest in a food processor until achieving a pale, vibrant yellow color that releases intense citrus aromatics.
4. Filling Construction: Whisk eggs and lemon juice together, integrating the zested sugar and remaining flour until achieving a silky, uniform mixture with no lingering lumps.
5. Final Baking Process: Pour lemon filling over the warm crust, ensuring complete coverage. Return to the oven, rotating midway, and bake for 25 minutes until the filling sets with a gentle wobble.
6. Cooling and Presentation: Allow bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 2 hours. Once chilled, dust generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve and slice with a hot water-cleaned knife for pristine edges.

Notes

• Zest Technique: Finely grate lemon zest before mixing with sugar to maximize flavor intensity and prevent bitter chunks.
• Crust Perfection: Press dough firmly and evenly to create a stable, uniform base that prevents crumbling when slicing.
• Temperature Trick: Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, precise edges and proper structural integrity.
• Moisture Management: Use hot water when slicing to prevent sticky residue and achieve professional-looking, smooth bar cuts.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 452
• Sugar: 47g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 186mg