Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars Recipe

Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars from a Cake Mix are one of those desserts that sneak into your heart and become a regular feature on your baking roster. Honestly, when I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was a bit skeptical – cake mix lemon bars? Could they really deliver that bright, tangy, and utterly satisfying lemon bar experience? Well, let me tell you, skepticism vanished with the first bite! My family devoured these faster than I could say “lemon zest,” and requests for them have been coming in hot ever since. What I love most is how incredibly simple they are to make, perfect for those days when you crave a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of the soft, slightly chewy lemon bar base with the sweet and tart lemon glaze is just divine. Plus, that extra sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top? It’s the little touch that elevates these bars from good to absolutely irresistible. If you’re looking for a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing dessert that bursts with citrusy sunshine, look no further – these Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars from a Cake Mix are your answer!

Ingredients for Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars

To embark on this delightful baking journey, gather these simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of tangy and sweet in our lemon bars. Let’s break down each ingredient and understand its contribution to this recipe:

• 1 15.25 oz Lemon Cake Mix: The star of the show! A lemon cake mix forms the foundation of these bars, providing a pre-portioned blend of flour, sugar, leavening agents, and flavorings designed to create a moist and tender crumb. Using a cake mix significantly simplifies the process, cutting down on measuring and ensuring consistent results every time. When selecting your cake mix, opt for a quality brand for the best flavor and texture. You can find lemon cake mixes from various brands in most grocery stores. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try a lemon supreme or lemon pudding cake mix for an even richer lemon flavor. Just ensure it’s around the 15.25 oz size for the recipe to work as intended.
• 2 Large Eggs: Eggs are the binding agents in this recipe, holding all the ingredients together and adding richness and moisture. Large eggs are specified for this recipe to ensure the correct ratio of wet to dry ingredients. Using eggs that are too small or too large can slightly alter the texture of your lemon bars. If you only have medium or extra-large eggs on hand, you can still use them, but keep in mind that the texture might be subtly different. For best results, use fresh, high-quality eggs. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for easier incorporation into the batter. This helps them blend smoothly with the other ingredients, resulting in a more even and consistent batter.
• 1/2 cup Softened Butter (1 stick): Butter adds flavor, richness, and tenderness to the lemon bars. Softened butter is crucial for easy incorporation into the batter and achieving a smooth, even consistency. “Softened” butter means it should be pliable and easily spreadable but not melted. To soften butter effectively, you can leave it at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes, depending on the temperature of your kitchen. Alternatively, you can use the microwave on a low power setting in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid melting. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you only have salted butter, you can still use it, but you may want to slightly reduce the amount of salt you might typically add to other recipes (though this recipe doesn’t call for additional salt). Good quality butter will enhance the overall flavor of your lemon bars, so consider using a brand you enjoy.
• 1/3 cup Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, is the base for our simple yet luscious lemon glaze. Powdered sugar is finely ground granulated sugar with cornstarch added to prevent clumping. Its fine texture makes it perfect for creating smooth glazes that dissolve easily. For the glaze, ensure your powdered sugar is fresh and free of lumps. If you notice any lumps, you can sift the powdered sugar before using it to ensure a silky smooth glaze. You can also use powdered sugar for dusting the finished lemon bars if you want an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
• 1–2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is the key to that bright, tangy lemon flavor that defines lemon bars. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred over bottled lemon juice for its superior flavor and vibrancy. The amount of lemon juice in the glaze can be adjusted to your preference. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you prefer a tangier glaze. The acidity of the lemon juice also helps to balance the sweetness of the powdered sugar in the glaze. Using fresh lemon juice contributes to a more authentic and intense lemon flavor in both the bars and the glaze.
• Zest from 1 Lemon: Lemon zest is the outermost, colorful layer of the lemon peel. It’s packed with essential oils that deliver a concentrated burst of lemon flavor and aroma. Fresh lemon zest adds a vibrant citrusy note that complements the lemon juice beautifully. When zesting a lemon, use a microplane or fine grater and be careful to only zest the yellow part of the peel, avoiding the white pith underneath, which can be bitter. Zest the lemon before juicing it, as it’s much easier to zest a whole lemon. The lemon zest is used both in the glaze and as a final sprinkle on top of the finished bars, adding both flavor and visual appeal. The aroma of fresh lemon zest as you prepare it is incredibly uplifting and adds to the overall baking experience.

Having these ingredients prepped and ready to go ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking process. The simplicity of this ingredient list is part of what makes these Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars so appealing – a handful of everyday items transform into an extraordinary treat!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the easy-to-follow instructions for creating these delectable Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars. Each step is designed to be simple and straightforward, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

1. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees F: The first step in any baking recipe is to preheat the oven. Setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) ensures that the lemon bars bake evenly and thoroughly. Oven preheating is crucial for proper baking because it allows the oven to reach the desired temperature before you place your batter inside. This consistent temperature is essential for the leavening agents in the cake mix to work effectively and for the bars to bake uniformly. While your oven is preheating, you can move on to the next steps of preparing the pan and mixing the batter.
2. Prepare the Baking Pan: For easy removal and clean-up, we’ll line a 9×13 inch baking/cake pan with foil. Lay a sheet of aluminum foil inside the pan, ensuring it extends over the edges of the pan on all sides. These extended edges will act as ‘handles’ later, making it incredibly easy to lift the entire batch of lemon bars out of the pan once they’re baked and cooled. After lining with foil, spray the foil generously with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the lemon bars from sticking to the foil and ensures they release cleanly once cooled. Using a good quality non-stick cooking spray is recommended. Properly preparing the pan is a simple step that saves a lot of hassle later on when you need to remove the bars for cutting and glazing.
3. Combine Batter Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to bring our batter ingredients together. Add the lemon cake mix, large eggs, and softened butter to the bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. The batter will be quite thick and a bit sticky – this is perfectly normal. Continue stirring until no dry cake mix remains and the mixture is smooth and cohesive. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tougher lemon bars. Just mix until everything is just combined. The thickness of the batter is what gives these lemon bars their delightful chewy texture.
4. Press Batter into Prepared Pan: Now, transfer the thick lemon bar batter to the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Use a spatula or your fingers to spread and press the batter evenly across the bottom of the pan. Because the batter is sticky, you might find it helpful to lightly dampen your fingertips with water or spray your spatula with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Ensure the batter is spread in an even layer for uniform baking. Pressing it firmly into the corners and edges of the pan will help create neat, square lemon bars. Take your time to get an even surface, as this will contribute to the overall appearance and texture of your finished dessert.
5. Bake the Lemon Bars: Place the pan with the batter in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s important to keep an eye on the lemon bars. They are done when they are baked through and lightly browned around the edges. The center should be set and no longer jiggly. To check for doneness, you can insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; it should come out with just moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the lemon bars dry. Baking them for the correct duration ensures they are perfectly moist and chewy.
6. Cool the Baked Lemon Bars: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan. Cooling is essential before glazing and cutting because it allows the bars to firm up and makes them easier to handle. Allowing them to cool in the pan also helps them retain their moisture. Let them cool to room temperature, which usually takes about 30-45 minutes. Resist the temptation to glaze them while they are still warm, as the glaze will melt and become too thin.
7. Lift Bars and Cut: Once the lemon bars are completely cooled, use the foil ‘handles’ you created earlier to gently lift the entire batch of bars out of the baking pan. Transfer them to a flat surface, such as a large cutting board or baking sheet. Now, cut the lemon bars into squares. You can cut them into 15-20 squares, depending on your preferred size. For 15 squares, cut them into 3 rows by 5 columns. For 20 squares, cut them into 4 rows by 5 columns. Use a sharp knife and cut in straight lines for neat squares. If desired, you can dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar at this stage for a simple finish, but the glaze is what truly elevates these bars.
8. Prepare Lemon Zest and Juice: While the bars are cooling, it’s time to prepare the lemon zest and juice for the glaze. Zest one lemon using a microplane or fine grater, making sure to only zest the yellow part of the peel. Set the zest aside. Then, cut the zested lemon in half and squeeze 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Measure out the required amount of lemon juice for the glaze. Having these prepared while the bars cool ensures a seamless transition to the glazing step.
9. Make the Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, prepare the lemon glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Start with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and add more, up to 2 tablespoons, if needed to reach your desired glaze consistency. The glaze should be thin enough to drizzle easily over the bars but not so thin that it becomes watery. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice, a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time. Whisk until you achieve a smooth, drizzable glaze.
10. Glaze and Zest the Lemon Bars: Finally, drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the cut lemon bars. You can use a spoon or a whisk to drizzle the glaze in a back-and-forth motion. Immediately after glazing, sprinkle the fresh lemon zest over the top of the glazed bars. The lemon zest will stick to the wet glaze and add a beautiful pop of color and extra lemon flavor. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. The glaze will harden slightly as it sits, creating a lovely sweet and tangy topping for the lemon bars.

And there you have it – perfectly baked, glazed, and zesty Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars, ready to be enjoyed! These step-by-step instructions make the process simple and enjoyable, even for novice bakers.

Nutrition Facts for Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars

Understanding the nutritional content of our treats can be helpful, especially when considering portion sizes and dietary needs. While the exact nutrition facts can vary slightly depending on the specific brand of cake mix and butter used, here’s an estimated overview for one serving of Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars:

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 20 lemon bars, making it perfect for sharing or having treats on hand throughout the week. Serving size is considered to be 1 lemon bar.
• Calories per Serving (Estimated): Approximately 200-250 calories per lemon bar. This is an estimate and can vary.

Detailed Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 200-250 kcal
• Total Fat: 10-12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6-7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3-5g
• Cholesterol: 30-40mg
• Sodium: 150-200mg (varies greatly with cake mix brand)
• Total Carbohydrates: 30-35g
  • Dietary Fiber: <1g
  • Sugars: 20-25g
• Protein: 2-3g

Important Notes:

• These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used, particularly the cake mix brand, butter, and size of eggs.
• Cake mixes can vary significantly in their sodium and sugar content, which will directly impact the final nutritional values of the lemon bars.
• This recipe is a dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
• For more precise nutritional information, you can use online nutrition calculators and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you used.

While these lemon bars are a delightful treat, being mindful of portion sizes and understanding their nutritional profile can help you enjoy them responsibly within your overall dietary plan.

Preparation Time for Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars

One of the great advantages of this Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars recipe is its quick and easy preparation. Perfect for when you need a delicious dessert in a relatively short amount of time! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated time involved:

• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

This total time can be further divided into:

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
  • This includes preheating the oven.
  • Lining and spraying the baking pan.
  • Measuring and combining the batter ingredients.
  • Pressing the batter into the pan.
  • Zesting and juicing the lemon for the glaze.
  • Preparing the glaze ingredients.
• Bake Time: 15-20 minutes
  • This is the time the lemon bars spend in the oven baking at 350 degrees F.
• Cooling Time: Approximately 30-45 minutes (not active time)
  • While the bars cool, you are free to do other things. This isn’t active preparation time, but it’s necessary before glazing and cutting.

Time-Saving Tips:

• Softening Butter Quickly: If you forgot to take your butter out to soften, you can speed up the process by cutting it into small cubes and letting it sit at room temperature for a shorter time. Alternatively, use the microwave on a very low power setting in short bursts, checking frequently to avoid melting.
• Pre-Zest Lemons: If you are planning to make these lemon bars frequently, you can zest lemons in advance and store the zest in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for longer.
• Efficient Glaze Preparation: The glaze is incredibly quick to make. Have your powdered sugar and lemon juice readily available to whisk together while the bars are cooling.

The short preparation time makes these Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars an excellent choice for last-minute desserts, potlucks, or a quick weekend treat. You get maximum flavor and satisfaction with minimal effort!

How to Serve Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars

Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways, making them perfect for various occasions and preferences. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:

• Classic Dessert: Serve them simply as they are! These lemon bars are delicious on their own, showcasing their tangy-sweet flavor and soft texture. They are perfect for an afternoon treat, after-dinner dessert, or a simple sweet craving.
• With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, lightly dust the lemon bars with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a delicate sweetness and a beautiful snowy finish.
• Alongside Fresh Berries: Pair lemon bars with a side of fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the lemon complements the sweetness of the berries, creating a refreshing and balanced dessert.
• With a Dollop of Whipped Cream or Yogurt: Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or Greek yogurt on top of each lemon bar. This creamy element adds richness and texture, balancing the citrusy tang.
• Served Warm (Slightly): While they are typically served cooled, you can gently warm a lemon bar in the microwave for a few seconds (about 5-10 seconds) to slightly soften the glaze and enhance the aroma. Be careful not to overheat them.
• Paired with Ice Cream or Sorbet: For a more indulgent dessert, serve lemon bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, lemon sorbet, or raspberry sorbet. The coldness of the ice cream or sorbet contrasts beautifully with the soft lemon bars.
• As Part of a Dessert Platter: Include lemon bars as part of a dessert platter with other treats like brownies, cookies, and fruit. Their bright citrus flavor provides a nice contrast to richer, chocolatey desserts.
• With a Hot Beverage: Enjoy lemon bars with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or herbal infusion. The warm beverage pairs wonderfully with the sweet and tangy dessert, making for a cozy treat.
• For Brunch or Afternoon Tea: Lemon bars are elegant enough to be served at brunch gatherings or afternoon tea parties. Their bright flavor and neat squares make them a sophisticated addition to any spread.
• Picnics and Potlucks: Their portability and ease of serving make lemon bars ideal for picnics, potlucks, and bake sales. They travel well and are always a crowd-pleaser.

No matter how you choose to serve them, Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars are sure to be a hit. Their bright, refreshing flavor and delightful texture make them a universally appealing dessert for any occasion.

Additional Tips for Perfect Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars

While this recipe is wonderfully simple, a few extra tips can help you achieve bakery-level Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars every time. Here are five additional tips to elevate your baking game:

1. Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is the enemy of moist lemon bars. Bake them just until they are set and lightly golden around the edges. The center should still be slightly soft but not jiggly. Overbaked lemon bars can become dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness around the 15-minute mark and use a toothpick to test. Remember, they will continue to set as they cool.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and softened butter is crucial for creating a smooth and well-emulsified batter. Room temperature ingredients blend together more easily, resulting in a more uniform texture in your lemon bars. If you forgot to take your eggs and butter out of the fridge ahead of time, you can speed up the process slightly (as mentioned earlier for butter). For eggs, you can place them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
3. Adjust Glaze Consistency to Your Liking: The glaze consistency is key to the final look and taste of your lemon bars. If you prefer a thicker, opaque glaze, use slightly less lemon juice. For a thinner, more drizzly glaze, add a bit more lemon juice. Start with the recipe’s recommended amount and adjust gradually, adding powdered sugar to thicken or lemon juice to thin, until you achieve your desired consistency. Taste the glaze as you go to ensure it has the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
4. Enhance Lemon Flavor with Extract (Optional): If you want to amplify the lemon flavor even further, you can add a teaspoon of pure lemon extract to the batter. Lemon extract intensifies the citrusy notes and adds an extra layer of lemon depth. Be mindful not to add too much extract, as it can become overpowering. A little goes a long way. Alternatively, you could use other citrus extracts like orange or grapefruit for a slightly different flavor profile.
5. Store Lemon Bars Properly: To keep your lemon bars fresh and moist, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Refrigerated lemon bars may become slightly firmer, but they will still taste delicious. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Avoid storing them in the freezer, as freezing can alter the texture of the glaze and the bars.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating truly exceptional Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars that are bursting with flavor, perfectly textured, and sure to impress everyone who tries them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Ingredients

Baking, especially with new recipes, often brings up questions about ingredients and substitutions. Here are five frequently asked questions specifically related to the ingredients in our Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars recipe:

Q1: Can I use a different type of cake mix if I can’t find lemon cake mix?

A: While lemon cake mix is ideal for this recipe to achieve that distinct lemon flavor, you can use a yellow cake mix or even a white cake mix as a substitute in a pinch. However, using a non-lemon cake mix will result in less intense lemon flavor. To compensate, you can increase the amount of lemon zest in the batter and consider adding a teaspoon of lemon extract to both the batter and the glaze to boost the lemony notes. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different from the original recipe.

Q2: Can I substitute margarine or oil for butter in the recipe?

A: For the best flavor and texture, using real butter is highly recommended in this recipe. Butter contributes significantly to the richness and tender crumb of the lemon bars. While margarine might work as a substitute in terms of function, it often lacks the flavor of butter. Oil is generally not recommended as a direct substitute for butter in this recipe, as it will drastically change the texture and may result in a denser, less desirable outcome. If you must substitute, consider using a high-quality baking margarine that contains a good percentage of fat. However, for optimal results, stick with softened butter.

Q3: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

A: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred for its brighter, more vibrant flavor and aroma, especially in recipes where lemon is the star. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but it often lacks the same fresh, zesty quality. If you are using bottled lemon juice, try to choose a high-quality brand without added preservatives or sugars. You might need to use slightly more bottled lemon juice to achieve the same level of tanginess as fresh lemon juice. However, for the best lemon flavor in your glaze and overall bars, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended.

Q4: What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze? Can I use granulated sugar?

A: Powdered sugar is essential for creating the smooth, drizzable glaze in this recipe. Granulated sugar is not a suitable substitute for powdered sugar in a glaze, as it will not dissolve properly and will result in a grainy, unpleasant texture. If you don’t have powdered sugar on hand, you can make a quick homemade version by grinding granulated sugar in a high-powered blender or food processor until it reaches a very fine, powdery consistency. You may need to sift it afterward to remove any larger particles. Alternatively, you can purchase powdered sugar at most grocery stores; it’s a staple baking ingredient worth keeping in your pantry.

Q5: Can I use pre-zested lemon zest instead of zesting a fresh lemon myself?

A: Freshly zested lemon zest is always recommended for the most intense and aromatic lemon flavor. Pre-packaged lemon zest, often found in the spice aisle, tends to lose its potency and aroma over time. For the best results, zest a fresh lemon right before using it in the recipe. The essential oils in freshly zested lemon peel are what contribute the most vibrant lemon flavor. If you must use pre-zested lemon zest, try to use it as soon as possible after opening the package and consider using slightly more to compensate for any loss of flavor. However, for the brightest, most flavorful lemon bars, fresh lemon zest is the way to go.

These ingredient FAQs should help address common queries and ensure you have the best possible baking experience with your Lemon Glazed Lemon Bars. Happy baking!

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