If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness, look no further than Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars. This recipe, popularized by Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, is a delightful treat that’s surprisingly simple to make and utterly irresistible. For fans of Pioneer Woman’s favorite recipes, these lemon bars are a must-try, offering a bright, citrusy flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
While there are many lemon bar recipes out there, including the renowned Ina Garten’s lemon bars, the Pioneer Woman version stands out for its perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Ina Garten’s recipe is celebrated for its thick, buttery crust, but the Pioneer Woman lemon bars offer a different, equally compelling experience.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman lemon bars showcasing their vibrant lemon filling and golden crust
Ree Drummond’s recipe emphasizes a thinner, golden-brown cookie crust that provides a delicate base for the star of the show: the creamy, tart lemon filling. Watching the Pioneer Woman prepare these on her show, you can almost taste the vibrant lemon flavor bursting through. These aren’t just sweet lemon bars; they are a symphony of flavors, where the tartness of the lemon is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the buttery crust.
For those who appreciate a less intensely sweet lemon dessert, Pioneer Woman lemon bars are an ideal choice. The thinner crust allows the lemon filling to shine, delivering a more pronounced tart and zesty flavor that true lemon lovers will adore. This recipe has become a go-to for anyone seeking a truly exceptional lemon dessert experience.
Overhead shot of freshly baked Pioneer Woman lemon bars, highlighting their even bake and powdered sugar dusting
Lemon bars are a versatile dessert, perfect for enjoying year-round. While often associated with summer gatherings, the bright, cheerful flavor of lemon is equally welcome during the colder months and holiday seasons, bringing a touch of sunshine to any table.
Crafting the Perfect Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars: The Crust
The foundation of exceptional Pioneer Woman lemon bars is the shortbread crust. This buttery, crumbly base is essential for complementing the tangy lemon filling. A classic shortbread crust is achieved by combining flour, sugar, and butter, creating a texture that’s both tender and slightly crisp when baked.
When making the crust, you have a choice between using regular granulated sugar or brown sugar. Brown sugar can add a subtle depth of flavor and a hint of molasses, which can beautifully complement the lemon. Experimenting with brown sugar can intensify the overall flavor profile of your Pioneer Woman lemon bars.
To achieve the perfect shortbread crust, using a pastry cutterr to incorporate cold butter into the flour mixture is highly recommended. This technique ensures that the butter remains cold, creating flaky layers in the crust. Fresh lemon juice is another key ingredient in both the crust and the filling, providing that signature bright lemon flavor.
If you are a true lemon bar enthusiast, you might want to explore a wider variety of recipes. Consider checking out this collection of lemon bar recipes featuring over 37 different variations.
Don’t be concerned if the shortbread crust appears crumbly when you press it into your 9-by-13 inch pan. This is perfectly normal. Using non-stick cooking spray on your baking pan is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the lemon bars once they are baked and cooled. Trust the process; the crust will come together beautifully as it bakes.
While the crust is cooling, you can prepare the lemon filling. For an even more intense lemon flavor, consider making homemade lemon curd. While store-bought lemon curd is an option, homemade curd elevates the Pioneer Woman lemon bars to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Creating the Tangy Lemon Filling
The lemon filling is where the magic truly happens in Pioneer Woman lemon bars. The key to a vibrant and flavorful filling is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest are non-negotiable for achieving that signature tart and zesty flavor.
To make the lemon filling, simply whisk together eggs, sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large bowl until well combined. The combination of eggs and sugar creates a creamy, custardy texture when baked, while the lemon juice and zest infuse the bars with their bright, citrusy notes.
Image showing the lemon filling ingredients being mixed in a bowl for Pioneer Woman lemon bars
Pour the lemon filling evenly over the pre-baked shortbread crust and bake in a preheated oven. The baking time is crucial – you want the filling to be set but still slightly soft in the center. This usually takes around 20-30 minutes. These easy lemon bars are perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or simply enjoying as a delightful treat with friends and family.
Many agree that the lemon layer is the most anticipated part of these bars, offering a burst of tangy flavor that perfectly complements the sweet and buttery crust.
Once baked, allow the Pioneer Woman lemon bars to cool completely at room temperature before dusting generously with powdered sugar. The powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Storing and Serving Your Lemon Bars
Because of the custardy lemon filling, it’s best to refrigerate Pioneer Woman lemon bars for optimal freshness, especially for longer storage. However, they can be safely left at room temperature for a day if you plan to serve them shortly after baking.
When cutting the lemon bars into squares, use a sharp knife for clean, even slices. For easy storage and to prevent sticking, you can layer the squares between pieces of parchment paper and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
These delicious lemon bars are best enjoyed within 4 days of baking, as they may become slightly softer in texture after that. But, they are so delicious, they likely won’t last that long!
Close-up of cut Pioneer Woman lemon bars, showcasing their texture and powdered sugar dusting
For another delightful lemon dessert, consider trying Lemon Cream Bars. Exploring different lemon bar variations can be a fun way to discover your personal favorite.
But, for a classic, perfectly balanced lemon bar experience, Pioneer Woman lemon bars remain a top choice. The delightful combination of the gooey, zesty lemon filling and the buttery shortbread crust is truly irresistible.
You can find the original Pioneer Woman lemon bars recipe on the Pioneer Woman’s website or Facebook page. And if you’re a fan of Ree Drummond’s kitchen style, explore this list of Pioneer Woman bakeware to equip your kitchen with her favorite tools.
Craving More Pioneer Woman Recipes?
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 2 sticks (1 Cup) Salted Butter, Cold and Cut into Small Cubes
For the Lemon Filling
- 1-1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 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 or cooking spray. For a thicker crust, use a 9×9 inch pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the 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 large bowl, whisk together sugar and flour. Crack in eggs and whisk until smooth.
- Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the egg mixture. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined.
- Pour the lemon filling over the hot, pre-baked crust. Return to the oven and 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 and cut into squares.
- Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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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