Bright, zesty, and deliciously sweet, these Lemon Chess Bars are a perfect treat for lemon lovers! With a buttery crust and a rich, tangy lemon filling, these bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart. Whether you’re serving them at a party, a family gathering, or just as an afternoon pick-me-up, these bars are sure to impress.
Simple to make and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, Lemon Chess Bars are a delightful twist on a classic Southern dessert. The custard-like filling has a smooth, creamy texture, complemented by a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. It’s a treat that’s as beautiful as it is tasty, perfect for any occasion.
Let’s dive into this easy and refreshing dessert that everyone will be reaching for!
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into chunks
- 1 ¼ cups flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3-5 tablespoons ice water
Filling:
- 4 whole eggs
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon salt
How To Make lemon Chess Bars
- Preheat oven to 350°F and arrange rack to lowest level. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a food processor, combine flour, salt, and butter, and pulse until dough forms pea-sized chunks. Slowly add ice water in 1 tablespoon increments, pulsing until dough comes together.
- Place dough in lined baking dish and press dough evenly out to sides.
- For the filling, whisk dry ingredients (flour, sugar, and salt) together and stir until combined. Whisk in egg yolks, whole eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest, then slowly add melted butter and continue whisking until creamy.
- Pour batter into baking dish. Place in oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a golden crust forms at the top.
- Remove and let cool on a wire rack.
- Optional: Lightly dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Enjoy!