Sheldo's Lemon Bars Recipe

Jul 9, 2024

Sheldo's Lemon Bars Recipe

Introduction

  • Presenter: Sheldo.
  • Topic: Making lemon bars.
  • Key Attributes: Simple, bright, and tart lemon flavor; smooth filling; crunchy, never soggy crust.

Ingredients

  • Main Ingredients:
    • 1 cup (2 sticks, ½ pound) of butter
    • 175 g (1 ¼ cups) of all-purpose flour
    • 50 g (¼ cup) of sugar
    • 5 g (1 ¾ tsp) of kosher salt
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) of cold water
    • 300 g (1 ½ cups) of sugar
    • 6 tbsp (54 g) of all-purpose flour
    • 3 whole eggs
    • 3 egg yolks
  • Optional Ingredients:
    • Turmeric (1/16th tsp)
    • Citric acid (½ tsp) or cream of tartar (1 ½ tsp)
    • Zest from 4 lemons
    • 200 mL (200 g) of lemon juice

Preparation Steps

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Line a 9-inch square baking pan.

Prepare the Butter

  1. Butter Division:
    • Use 10 tablespoons for the crust.
    • Use 6 tablespoons for the filling.
  2. Cut the butter into smaller pieces for easier melting.

Browning the Butter

  1. Melt the 10 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
  2. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Watch for the browning process (look for a shade lighter than powdered instant coffee).
  4. Turn off the heat when the desired brownness is achieved.
  5. Add salt and sugar to the brown butter and stir.
  6. Add flour and mix until combined.
  7. Add 1 tbsp of cold water and mix.
  8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.

Baking the Crust

  1. Flatten and press the mixture into the pan.
  2. Poke holes in the crust with a fork.
  3. Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes until golden.
  4. Check at 18 minutes and then every few minutes after.

Preparing the Filling

  1. Mixing Ingredients:
    • 200 mL of lemon juice
    • 300 g of sugar
    • 6 tbsp of flour
    • Pinch of salt
    • Optional turmeric for color
    • Optional citric acid or cream of tartar for extra tartness
  2. Add the zest of 4 lemons.
  3. Mix until homogeneous.
  4. Add 3 whole eggs and 3 egg yolks, mix thoroughly.

Cooking the Filling

  1. Cook the filling over medium-low heat until thickened (160-165°F).
  2. Stir constantly to avoid scrambling eggs.
  3. Once thickened, add 6 tbsp of butter and stir until melted.
  4. Strain the filling into the baked crust.
  5. Bake for an additional 7-15 minutes until the filling is just set.
  6. Cool completely, preferably overnight.

Finishing Touches

  1. If there’s condensation on top, blot with a paper towel.
  2. Dust with powdered sugar.
  3. Cut and serve.

Tips

  • Ensure the crust is cool before adding filling to avoid sogginess.
  • Use a microplane grater for zesting lemons.
  • Cook filling slowly and stir constantly to avoid curdled eggs.
  • For a more intense lemon flavor, add citric acid.
  • Let the bars set completely for clean slicing.

Closing Remarks

  • All recipes are designed for high impact with minimal effort.
  • Encouragements to share experiences and feedback.
  • Full written recipe available in the description.