Poppy Seed Lemon Bars

Sweet and tangy, these Poppy Seed Lemon Bars are a refreshing twist on a classic dessert. With a crumbly, buttery crust and a bright, citrusy filling, these bars are perfect for springtime gatherings or sunny afternoon treats.

The burst of lemon and crunch of poppy seeds will leave you wanting more!

Ready Time

45 mins

Yields

6 servings

Ingredients

For the crust:
1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 cup poppy seeds

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Bake the crust for 20-22 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

Let it cool completely.

In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, confectioners’ sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.

Stir in the poppy seeds.

Pour the lemon mixture over the cooled crust and smooth out the top.

Bake for an additional 20-22 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, use the parchment paper or foil to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.

Cut into 6 bars and serve!

Notes

For a tender crust, make sure to use softened butter and don’t overmix the dough. You can also chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to help it come together.

To ensure the crust doesn’t burn, keep an eye on it during the last 5 minutes of baking.

It should be lightly golden brown and still slightly tender in the center. When making the lemon filling, be careful not to overwhisk, as this can create air pockets and affect the texture of the bars.

If you want a more pronounced lemon flavor, you can add a little more lemon zest or juice.

Just be careful not to make it too overpowering! To store the bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.

These bars are perfect for springtime gatherings or potlucks.

You can also customize them by using different flavors like lime or orange zest for a unique twist!