Perfectly Almond-Crusted Lemon Bars

Taste the sunshine with these light and refreshing lemon bars adorned with a crunchy almond crust!

The perfect dessert for any occasion, these Almond-Crusted Lemon Bars are not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty. The delicate balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes them a favorite among food enthusiasts looking to enjoy a homemade treat without the fuss of complicated techniques.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 large egg yolk
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 3 tablespoons ice water (about)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• Zest and juice of 4 lemons
• 1 large egg plus 1 large yolk
• Sprinkle of granulated sugar for garnish

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 8-10 pieces

Begin by preparing the almond crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt until blended thoroughly. Add in the cold butter bits and use two forks or your fingertips to incorporate them into the dry mixture until it forms crumbs similar in texture to coarse sand.

Once the butter is well incorporated, add the egg yolk and lemon zest, then gradually mix in enough ice water so that the dough holds together when pressed lightly. This mixture should be cool but not cold; if necessary, chill the dough for about 10 minutes before rolling it out evenly to fit a 9-inch springform pan.

Transfer the chilled dough onto the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer covering all surfaces of the bottom and slightly up the sides. Bake this crust at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until golden brown, then let it cool completely before proceeding to make the filling.

Making the Filling

While your crust is baking, prepare the filling by beating together softened cream cheese and sugar. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice along with zest from both lemons. Add one whole egg plus one yolk into this mixture gently folding until everything is well combined.

Baking Together

After removing your crust from the oven, pour over the prepared filling immediately after making sure that it has cooled down sufficiently to prevent burning through when placed back in the hot oven. Place again within preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until set around edges but still jiggly in center.

Final Touches

Once done, remove from oven letting it rest inside its pan for at least an hour before gently running knife around edge to release it. Sprinkle generously with granulated sugar if desired, then cut into squares or rectangles for serving purposes. Serve chilled for best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• To make these bars even more special add a few drops of almond extract during the filling preparation step giving them extra depth of aroma.
• For a creamier version, you could replace some or all of the flour in the crust with finely ground almonds providing an extra layer of nuttiness to complement lemon tang.

The Almond-Crusted Lemon Bars are an excellent choice for those who love simple yet sophisticated desserts. Whether enjoyed solo or paired with a cuppa tea, these bars promise delightful bites every time!