Lemon, lime and bitters bars
Lemon, Lime & Bitters Bars
HANDS ON 20 min.
TOTAL TIME 3 hr.
10½ oz. (300 g) all-purpose flour
2¾ oz. (80 g) confectioners’ sugar
1 tsp. salt
6 oz. (180 g) unsalted butter, softened
10½ oz. (300 g) superfine sugar
Grated zest of 2 lemons
Grated zest of 1 lime
1½ oz.(45 g) all-purpose flour
5 eggs
3½ oz. (100 ml) lemon juice
3 fl. oz. (90 ml) lime juice
1 fl. oz. (30 ml) bitters (see tip, below)
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) fan-forced.* Line an 8-inch (20-cm) square cake tin with parchment paper so the paper is overhanging the sides (to make it easy to remove bars from the tin).
2. Combine the flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor or electric mixer and briefly pulse to combine. Add the butter and mix until the dough just comes together. (You can also do this step by hand by simply rubbing the butter into the dry ingredients using your fingertips.)
3. Transfer the dough to the cake tin and use the bottom of a flat glass to press it evenly into the tin.
4. Bake the base for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
5. For the curd topping, combine the caster sugar and zests in a large bowl and, using your fingertips, rub the zest into the sugar—this will help release the oils in the zest and amplify the citrus flavor. Add the flour and whisk together. Add the eggs, citrus juices, and bitters and whisk until completely combined.
6. Reduce the oven temperature to 315°F (160°C). Pour the curd over the base and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the curd has just set. Allow the slab to cool completely in the tin, then transfer to the fridge to cool for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight).
7. Cut the slab into 1x4¼-inch (3x10-cm) bars. Store in the fridge. Makes 16 bars.
*TIP Fan (aka convection) ovens bake by circulating hot air. If you only have a conventional oven, add 5 to 10 minutes of baking time to the bars.
PER BAR 279 cal, 11 g fat (6 g sat fat), 82 mg chol, 170 mg sodium, 42 g carb, 1 g fiber, 24 g sugars, 4 g pro
Hey fellow dessert lovers! I wanted to share a bit more about why these Lemon, Lime & Bitters Bars have become my absolute favorite 'to die for sweet treat' to whip up. You know how much I love finding easy lemon recipes that still feel gourmet, and this one truly hits the mark. For all you looking for 'simple baking recipes for beginners' or just 'simple baking ideas,' don't be intimidated by the 'bitters' – it’s what gives them that incredible, complex flavor that sets them apart from your average lemon bar. When I first tried this recipe, I was skeptical about adding bitters to a dessert, but trust me, it’s a game-changer! It introduces a subtle, aromatic depth that perfectly balances the bright, zesty notes of the lemon and lime. This isn't just another 'dessert with lemon juice'; it's an elevated experience! The vibrant 'yellow-orange topping' generously sprinkled with 'green zest' always looks so inviting on a plate, making them perfect 'yellow desserts' and fantastic 'desserts to bring to dinner' – I always get asked for the recipe! For those constantly wondering 'how to make boxed lemon bars better,' or searching for the 'best lemon bar box mix,' my honest advice is to try this homemade version. There's just no comparison to the fresh, bright flavors you get from real lemon and lime zest and juice. Plus, the process is surprisingly 'easy at home baking' and incredibly rewarding. You're creating something truly special, far beyond what any pre-made mix could offer. This recipe for 'LEMON LIME And Bitters Bars' is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary 'baked sweets recipes'. A few personal tips for making these 'baking easy recipes' even more spectacular: Zest Matters Immensely: Don't skip the step of rubbing the zest into the sugar with your fingertips – it releases those essential oils and truly amplifies the citrus aroma and flavor. It’s my little secret for making these "baked sweets recipes" truly pop! This small detail contributes significantly to the deliciousness that makes this a 'lemon bars recipe easy and delicious'! Cooling is Crucial: I know it's hard to resist, but letting them cool completely, ideally overnight in the fridge, makes them so much easier to cut into perfect bars and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Patience is a virtue here! Serving Suggestions & Variations: While they're absolutely perfect on their own, a light dusting of confectioners' sugar or a dollop of fresh whipped cream can elevate them further for a fancier presentation. Sometimes, I even add a few fresh raspberries or blueberries on the side for a burst of color and extra fruitiness. If you're pondering a 'healthy lemon glaze recipe,' consider letting the natural fruit flavors of these bars shine instead, or perhaps making these with slightly less sugar if you prefer a less sweet treat – the tartness will still come through beautifully. These are truly some of the 'easy baked goods recipes' you'll master quickly. These bars are truly a delightful example of 'simple baked goods recipes' that look and taste incredibly impressive. They're definitely one of my go-to 'easy baked goods recipes' whenever I need a reliable crowd-pleaser or just a lovely treat for myself. Give this 'lemon lime bitter recipe' a try, and let me know how much you love that unique lemon, lime, and bitters combo!