If you’re searching for a delightful dessert that bursts with citrus flavor, look no further than these Glazed Lemon Pie Bars. With a buttery crust, a luscious lemon filling, and a sweet glaze on top, these bars are the perfect blend of tart and sweet. They are easy to make and are sure to impress at any gathering or family dinner. Plus, they are perfect for spring and summer, making them a delightful treat for warm-weather celebrations.
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This recipe for Glazed Lemon Pie Bars is not only simple but also consistently delivers delicious results. The combination of fresh lemon flavor and a soft, buttery crust is perfect for those who crave a sweet and tangy dessert. The use of eggs in the filling ensures a rich texture, while the addition of extracts enhances the flavor profile beautifully. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, you can trust that this recipe will yield impressive results every time.
Your Shopping Guide
When preparing to make these Glazed Lemon Pie Bars, here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 1 cup unsalted butter – softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- 2 cups granulated sugar – for sweetness and texture
- 1 teaspoon salt – to enhance the flavors
- 4 large eggs – add richness to the filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for warm, sweet notes
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – optional, for a lovely nutty flavor
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – for the crust
- Two 23-ounce jars lemon pie filling – the star of the show!
- 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar – for the glaze, sifted if lumpy
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – for the glaze
- ½ teaspoon almond extract – optional for the glaze
- 2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice – for the glaze consistency
Essential Tools for Success
Before you dive into baking, make sure you have the right tools on hand:
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients smoothly
- Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy is key!
- Whisk – for mixing eggs and sugar
- Baking pan (9×13-inch) – to bake the bars
- Spatula – for spreading the filling evenly
- Cooling rack – for cooling the bars before glazing
Glazed Lemon Pie Bars — Do This Next
Ready to bake? Follow these steps to create your Glazed Lemon Pie Bars:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing well to combine. Gradually add in the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan, pressing it down to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Add the Lemon Filling
Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the lemon pie filling evenly over the crust. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
Step 5: Return to the Oven
Bake the bars for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set. The edges should start to pull away slightly from the pan.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, you can prepare the glaze.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the lemon juice for your desired consistency.
Step 8: Glaze the Bars
Pour the glaze over the cooled lemon bars, spreading it evenly. Allow the glaze to set before cutting into squares.
In-Season Swaps
If you’re looking to customize your Glazed Lemon Pie Bars or use seasonal ingredients, consider the following swaps:
- Fresh lemon juice – replace store-bought lemon pie filling with homemade lemon curd or fresh lemon juice for a more vibrant flavor.
- Different extracts – try using orange extract or lime extract for a unique twist on the classic lemon flavor.
- Gluten-free flour – swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to cater to gluten sensitivities.
Mistakes That Ruin Glazed Lemon Pie Bars
To ensure your Glazed Lemon Pie Bars turn out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overmixing the crust – this can lead to a tough texture, so mix just until combined.
- Not allowing the crust to cool – pouring the filling on a hot crust can lead to a soggy base.
- Using old or lumpy confectioners’ sugar – always sift your sugar before mixing it into the glaze for a smooth finish.
- Skipping the cooling step before glazing – the glaze won’t set properly on a warm filling.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To keep your Glazed Lemon Pie Bars fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you’d like to enjoy them later, you can freeze them! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use a different type of fruit filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the lemon pie filling with other fruit fillings like lime or berry to create your own unique dessert.
How can I make these bars more tart?
If you prefer a more tart flavor, consider adding more lemon juice to the glaze or using a more tart lemon pie filling.
Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes! You can fold in some fresh blueberries or raspberries into the lemon filling before baking for added flavor and texture.
What can I serve with these lemon bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert.
Our Most-Loved Recipes
If you’re a fan of lemon desserts, don’t forget to check out these favorites:
In closing, these Glazed Lemon Pie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging your sweet tooth, these bars will not disappoint. With their buttery crust, zesty filling, and luscious glaze, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Happy baking!
Glazed Lemon Pie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 jars lemon pie filling 23-ounce jars
- 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar sifted if lumpy
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for the glaze
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional for the glaze
- 2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice for glaze consistency
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing well to combine. Gradually add in the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan, pressing it down to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the lemon pie filling evenly over the crust. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
- Bake the bars for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set. The edges should start to pull away slightly from the pan.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, you can prepare the glaze.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the lemon juice for your desired consistency.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled lemon bars, spreading it evenly. Allow the glaze to set before cutting into squares.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Baking Pan (9x13 inch)
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap for up to three months.
- For a more vibrant flavor, use fresh lemon juice instead of store-bought filling.
