Lemon Chess Bars are a delightful, zesty dessert that combines the bright, tangy flavor of lemons with a rich, buttery filling. The perfect balance of sweet and tart makes them a refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, serving them at a party, or simply craving a little something sweet, these bars offer a unique twist on traditional lemon bars with their deliciously smooth texture and golden crust.
The magic of Lemon Chess Bars lies in their simple yet irresistible layers. The buttery, flaky crust forms the perfect foundation, offering a satisfying crunch that complements the silky-smooth, custard-like filling. Made with ingredients like eggs, sugar, buttermilk, and of course, fresh lemon juice and zest, the filling delivers a rich, creamy taste that’s both sweet and tangy, while the golden-brown top adds a beautiful finish.
Easy to make, yet elegant in flavor, these Lemon Chess Bars are sure to impress anyone who tries them. The combination of fresh citrus with the indulgent texture creates a dessert that feels both light and decadent. Whether served as a casual afternoon treat or a show-stopping dish at a special event, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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!
