Perfectly Almond-Crusted Lemon Bars

Keyword: almond-crusted lemon bars

Almond-crusted lemon bars are a delightful combination of tart and sweet flavors that create an unforgettable dessert experience for any occasion. These bars are perfect for when you're hosting a casual get-together or simply want to treat yourself to something special after a busy week. The key to making these delicious treats is in the balance between the crispy almond crust and the tangy lemon filling.

For those who love desserts that bring out the best of both sweet and sour flavors, this recipe can't be missed! Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or alongside a light meal for dessert. With just 40 minutes of cooking time and enough servings for 8 people, these almond-crusted lemon bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup sliced almonds
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 4 large eggs
• 1 (8 oz) package lemon curd
• Grated zest of 2 lemons
• Lemon juice from 3 to 5 lemons (depending on how tart you like your filling)
• Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, sliced almonds and granulated sugar until well combined.

2. Mix in melted butter with a fork or your hands until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 9-inch square pan to create a uniform layer for the crust. Bake for about 12 minutes, until the edges begin to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely.

3. Bake the bars: Once the crust is baked and cooled, whisk together eggs in another bowl. Gently fold in lemon curd, grated lemon zest, and enough lemon juice until everything is well combined but still has a slightly chunky consistency (this depends on how thick you like your lemon filling).

4. Pour this mixture into the prepared crust and smooth it out evenly with a spatula. Place back into the preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until the edges start to firm up but not completely set.

5. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before cutting into squares. Once cooled, dust with confectioners' sugar right before serving to give them that extra touch of sweetness!

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier filling: If you prefer a creamier texture in your lemon bars, consider adding 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the mixture. This will make the lemon bars slightly richer and creamier without altering their citrusy taste.
• Using homemade lemon curd: For an even more authentic taste, try making your own lemon curd using fresh lemons. It adds a unique flavor that can't be achieved with store-bought alternatives.
• Add-ins for extra flavor: Consider sprinkling some finely chopped pistachios over the crust for extra texture or adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top right before serving if you prefer less tartness in your lemon bars.

Cooking Time and Servings

The preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, which includes chilling the crust. The total cooking time for both steps is around 30 minutes including preheating the oven. When cooled completely (about an hour), you'll have delicious almond-crusted lemon bars ready to be enjoyed by up to eight people.

These sweet and tangy squares make a great addition to any meal or snack spread, providing just the right balance between rich, nutty flavors and bright, zesty citrus notes. Whether it's for breakfast, brunch, tea time, lunch, dinner, or dessert, these almond-crusted lemon bars offer versatility in both appearance and taste.

Not only do they look impressive when served on a dessert plate, but their simplicity also ensures that even beginners can master this recipe with ease. Plus, the ingredients are easily accessible at most grocery stores, making it simple to include them in your regular baking routine.