Description
Delight in these zesty Lemon Cherry Bars that perfectly balance tangy lemon flavor with sweet cherry preserves atop a buttery, crumbly crust. Ideal for a refreshing dessert or a sweet snack, these bars are simple to prepare and baked to golden perfection in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup cherry preserves
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix the ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan to form the crust base.
- Bake the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking pan with the crust mixture in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until the mixture is smooth and homogenous, ensuring all ingredients are well blended for a consistent filling.
- Apply cherry preserves: Evenly spread 1/4 cup of cherry preserves over the baked crust, creating a flavorful fruity layer that complements the zesty lemon filling.
- Add lemon filling: Pour the lemon egg mixture over the cherry preserve layer, making sure to distribute it evenly for uniform baking and texture.
- Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set and firm to the touch.
- Cool and serve: Remove the baking pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy these refreshing lemon cherry bars chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Cherry preserves can be substituted with other berry preserves if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- These bars can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon cherry bars, lemon bars, cherry preserves dessert, baked lemon dessert, tart and sweet bars
