If you’re searching for a lemon dessert that perfectly balances tartness with a sweet, buttery crust, look no further than Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars. This recipe, popularized by Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, is a delightful twist on classic lemon bars, and it’s quickly becoming a go-to for lemon dessert enthusiasts.
While you might have tried other lemon bar recipes, perhaps even Ina Garten’s renowned version with its thick cookie crust, the Pioneer Woman’s recipe offers something uniquely satisfying. These aren’t just good; they are arguably even better. The magic lies in the combination of a golden-brown, thinner shortbread crust and a vibrantly tart lemon filling that’s both creamy and intensely flavored. Seeing Ree Drummond prepare these on television is enough to make anyone crave a bite, and the reality lives up to the hype.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars, showcasing their golden crust and lemon filling.
These lemon bars are more than just a treat; they are an experience. The Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars stand out because of their perfectly balanced flavors and textures. Unlike some lemon bars that lean heavily on sweetness, these offer a refreshing tartness that awakens your taste buds. The thinner, crisper crust provides a wonderful contrast to the smooth, luscious lemon filling. This recipe has become a personal favorite, the one I reach for every time a lemon dessert craving strikes.
Lemon squares, or lemon bars as they are often called, are a versatile dessert. While they are particularly enjoyable during the bright days of summer, their zesty flavor is equally welcome during the colder months and holiday gatherings. There’s truly never a wrong time to bake and enjoy these old-fashioned treats.
Crafting the Perfect Lemon Bars: Step-by-Step
The journey to perfect Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars begins with the crust – a wonderfully soft and buttery shortbread. If you’re familiar with baking cookies or other lemon bar recipes, this shortbread crust will feel familiar. The recipe offers a slight customization: you can use regular granulated sugar or brown sugar. Brown sugar can deepen the crust’s flavor, adding a hint of molasses that complements the lemon beautifully.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars crust, including flour, sugar, salt and butter, ready to be mixed.
To achieve that perfect crumbly texture for the shortbread, a pastry cutter is an invaluable tool. It helps to incorporate the cold butter into the all-purpose flour, creating a mixture that resembles fine crumbs. This is crucial for the crust’s delicate texture. And for the lemon filling, fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable. It’s the key to that bright, authentic lemon flavor that defines these bars.
If you’re a true lemon bar aficionado and are looking to explore beyond this recipe, you might be interested in discovering a wide array of lemon bar variations. This comprehensive post features over 37 different lemon bar recipes, offering a world of lemony possibilities.
Close up shot of the crumbly shortbread crust being pressed into a baking pan.
Don’t be concerned if the shortbread crust appears crumbly when you press it into your 9×13 inch pan. This is perfectly normal. Using a non-stick cooking spray on your pan is essential to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars later. Trust the process; this crumbly mixture will transform into a cohesive and delicious crust as it bakes.
While the crust is cooling, you can move on to preparing the lemon filling. While store-bought lemon curd is an option in a pinch, homemade lemon curd truly elevates these bars. And surprisingly, making homemade lemon curd is quite simple and adds a layer of fresh, vibrant flavor that store-bought versions often lack.
Creating the Luscious Lemon Filling
Making the lemon filling is straightforward. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. The lemon zest is a vital component here, as it adds an extra layer of intense lemon flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall citrusy experience.
Lemon filling ingredients being mixed in a bowl, showing eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest.
Once the filling is ready, gently pour it over the pre-baked shortbread crust. Then, place the pan in a preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set in the middle. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are slightly golden and the center no longer jiggles excessively when you gently shake the pan. This easy dessert is not only perfect for home enjoyment but also ideal for bake sales, potlucks, or any gathering with friends and family. The bright, tangy flavor is always a crowd-pleaser.
For many, including myself, the lemon layer is undeniably the best part of these bars. Its tangy, creamy texture and vibrant lemon flavor are what make this dessert so irresistible.
After baking, allow the lemon bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful visual finish.
Storing and Serving Your Lemon Bars
Because of the custardy nature of the lemon filling, it’s best to refrigerate Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars, especially for longer storage. However, they are perfectly fine to sit out at room temperature for a day if you are serving them at an event or simply enjoying them throughout the day.
When it’s time to serve, use a sharp knife to cut them into neat squares. For easy storage and to prevent sticking, you can place squares of parchment paper between the bars when storing them in an airtight container. Wrapped properly, they will stay fresh and delicious.
Cut lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar, ready to be served.
This recipe truly is a winner. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and once you try it, it might just become your favorite lemon bar recipe too. The delightful zing of the lemon combined with the rich, buttery crust is a match made in dessert heaven.
For those who love exploring new lemon recipes, you might also want to try Lemon Cream Bars, a recipe recommended as another fantastic option for lemon lovers.
You can find the original Pioneer Woman lemon bar recipe on the Pioneer Woman’s website or social media pages. And if you’re a fan of the Pioneer Woman’s kitchen style, you might also be interested in exploring her range of kitchen utensils to complete your baking experience.
More Pioneer Woman Recipes to Explore
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars Recipe
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 2 sticks (1 cup) Salted Butter, cut into small cubes
For the Lemon Filling
- 1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar
- ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
- 4 large Eggs
- Zest of 4 medium Lemons
- Juice of 4 medium Lemons
- Powdered Sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter. For a thicker crust, use a 9×9 inch pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine crumbs.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a separate large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and flour. Crack in the eggs and whisk until smooth.
- Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the egg mixture. Whisk until everything is well combined.
- Pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot, pre-baked crust.
- Bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the lemon bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow them to set firmly.
- Before serving, dust generously with powdered sugar. Cut into squares and enjoy!
- Store leftover lemon bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 20 servings
Serving Size: 1 bar
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 207
Total Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 58mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 33g
Protein: 3g
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