These lemon poppy seed bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a delightful citrusy aroma and a satisfyingly soft, chewy texture. The glaze adds a final touch of sweetness and shine, making them irresistible.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. They’re perfect for a quick dessert, a brunch treat, or a delightful addition to any gathering. The bright lemon flavor is refreshing and uplifting, making them a crowd-pleaser for any time of year. Plus, the poppy seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and a pleasing visual appeal.
Ingredients:
For the Bars:
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bars bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Parchment paper is especially helpful for preventing the bars from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar together is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which results in a tender and airy final product.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until everything is thoroughly combined. The lemon juice and zest provide the signature bright and zesty flavor of these bars, while the salt enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and poppy seeds. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, gently folding them in until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough bars. The poppy seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and a pleasant visual texture to the bars.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure that the batter is evenly distributed across the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the bars to prevent them from overbaking.
Step 6: Cool
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Allow the bars to cool completely before glazing, as this will prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
Step 7: Make Glaze
While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the bars evenly but thin enough to spread easily.
Step 8: Glaze and Slice
Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before slicing the bars into squares. This allows the glaze to harden slightly, making the bars easier to handle and preventing the glaze from smearing.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
These lemon poppy seed bars are delicious on their own as a simple dessert or snack. They also pair well with a cup of tea or coffee. For a more elegant presentation, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They are also great for potlucks, picnics, or any occasion where you need a sweet treat that is easy to transport.
Tips:
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest will provide the best flavor for these bars. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it can have a metallic taste.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can result in tough bars. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Adjust the Glaze to Your Liking: You can adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more or less lemon juice. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. If you prefer a thinner glaze, add more lemon juice.
- Store Properly: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, approximate)
Calories: 220
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion
These glazed lemon poppy seed bars are a delightful treat that is sure to brighten your day. The zesty lemon flavor, combined with the delicate poppy seeds and sweet glaze, creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet snack, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy the process of creating them and savor every bite of these sunshine-filled bars!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: While all-purpose flour works best for these bars, you can experiment with other types of flour. Cake flour will result in a more tender crumb, while whole wheat flour will add a slightly nutty flavor and denser texture. If using whole wheat flour, you may need to add a bit more liquid to the batter to achieve the desired consistency.
Q2: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you are making them ahead of time, it is best to wait to glaze them until just before serving to prevent the glaze from becoming sticky.
Q3: Can I add other flavors to these bars?
A: Absolutely! You can customize these bars to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding other citrus flavors, such as orange or grapefruit zest. You could also add a touch of vanilla extract or almond extract for a different flavor profile. Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit would also be delicious additions.
Q4: What can I do if I don’t have poppy seeds?
A: If you don’t have poppy seeds on hand, you can simply omit them from the recipe. The bars will still be delicious without them, although they will lack the subtle nutty flavor and visual texture that poppy seeds provide. You could also try substituting them with other small seeds, such as sesame seeds or chia seeds, for a similar effect.
Q5: Can I double or triple this recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to make a larger batch of bars. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a larger baking pan. For a doubled recipe, use a 9×13-inch pan. For a tripled recipe, you may need to bake the bars in two separate pans. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need to be adjusted depending on the size of the pan and the thickness of the batter.
