Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Bars Recipe: Bright & Irresistible Treats

Bursting with vibrant citrus notes, these lemon poppy seed bars dance across taste buds with zesty charm.

The classic poppy seed bars recipe brings a delightful sunshine-inspired treat to your kitchen.

Soft, tender crumb meets bright lemon essence in every delectable bite.

Poppy seeds scattered throughout add a subtle nutty crunch that perfectly complements the tangy lemon backdrop.

Simple ingredients combine to create a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.

These bars shine as a perfect afternoon snack or sweet ending to any meal.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear in moments of pure culinary delight.

Serving Lemon Poppy Seed Bars at Brunch or Parties

• Bright Brunch Companion: Serve these zesty bars alongside fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfaits for a delightful morning spread that wakes up taste buds.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Pair with hot Earl Grey tea or chilled lavender lemonade, creating a sophisticated mid-day treat perfect for relaxed gatherings.
• Dessert Decadence: Plate with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream to elevate the lemon poppy seed bars into an indulgent after-dinner dessert.
• Gifting Delight: Package individually wrapped bars in clear cellophane with a pretty ribbon for a homemade gift that spreads sunshine and sweet happiness.

Store Lemon Poppy Seed Bars So They Stay Soft

• Store glazed bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and zesty flavor.
• Keep unglazed bars at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.
• Prepare the bar batter and refrigerate overnight before baking, allowing flavors to develop and simplifying your baking process. Bake directly from the refrigerated state, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to baking time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 12

What You’ll Need for Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Bars

• Butter: Rich base that provides moisture and depth, choose unsalted for better flavor control.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and creates tender texture, look for fine, pure white crystals.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramel undertones and keeps bars soft, select fresh and free of lumps.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure, use room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity, choose pure extract over imitation.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus notes that add tanginess and aromatic freshness, select firm, vibrant lemons with smooth skin.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates tender crumb and provides structure, sift to remove potential lumps.
• Baking Powder: Ensures proper rising and light texture, check expiration date for freshness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavors, use fine table salt.
• Poppy Seeds: Adds delightful crunch and nutty undertone, select fresh, glossy seeds.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet coating, sift to prevent clumping.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Adds bright citrus finish to glaze, use same lemons from bar preparation.

Tools That Make Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Bars a Breeze

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients without lumps.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: Ideal for evenly spreading the bar batter.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and easy removal of bars.
• Small bowl: Used for preparing the lemon glaze.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Zester or grater: Needed for extracting fresh lemon zest.
• Toothpick: Helps check if bars are baked completely.
• Sharp knife: Used for clean, precise cutting of bars after cooling.

How to Bake and Glaze Lemon Poppy Seed Bars

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and get your baking pan ready with a quick spray or parchment paper lining.

• Whip Together Wet Magic

Grab a big mixing bowl and combine melted butter with sugars until they’re silky smooth. Toss in eggs, bright lemon zest, tangy juice, and vanilla for an awesome flavor explosion.

• Create Dry Powder Blend

In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds until they’re perfectly combined.

• Craft the Batter

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently. Stop mixing the second everything looks blended – no over-working allowed!

• Bake to Perfection

Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Slide into the oven and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, around 22-28 minutes.

• Cool Down Time

Let bars chill completely in the pan – patience is key here.

• Whisk Zesty Glaze

Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice, vanilla, and zest until you’ve got a silky smooth glaze.

• Drizzle and Decorate

Pour glaze over cooled bars, letting it cascade beautifully across the surface. Wait 15 minutes for glaze to set.

• Slice and Devour

Cut into squares and enjoy these sunny, zingy treats!

Flavor Boosts for Your Lemon Poppy Seed Bars

• Elevate Your Baking Game
• Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the batter for extra tender, moist bars that stay soft for days.
• Swap regular flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to make these bars friendly for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Replace butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine for a delicious vegan-friendly version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• For a different texture, try replacing poppy seeds with chia seeds or finely chopped nuts like almonds for added crunch and nutrition.
• These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 weeks when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container, perfect for advance preparation.

Tangy Lemon Poppy Seed Bars

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Zesty “glazed lemon poppy seed bars” bring sunshine to your dessert table with their tangy, sweet profile. Delicate crumb and bright citrus notes invite pure indulgence for anyone craving a refreshing treat.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (226 g/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tbsps poppy seeds
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or a light grease coating.
2. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Combine melted butter, granulated and brown sugars in a large mixing bowl, creating a smooth base. Introduce eggs, vibrant lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract, whisking until perfectly integrated.
3. Dry Ingredient Blend: Separately, unite flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds through a gentle whisking motion, ensuring uniform distribution.
4. Batter Creation: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing with a delicate touch to prevent overmixing. Transfer the silky batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
5. Baking Process: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 22-28 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean and pristine.
6. Cooling & Glazing Preparation: Allow the baked bars to cool completely within the pan. Meanwhile, craft a glossy glaze by whisking powdered sugar, bright lemon juice, vanilla extract, and zesty lemon zest until achieving a smooth, luxurious consistency.
7. Final Touch: Artfully drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled bars, allowing it to set for approximately 15 minutes before slicing into elegant squares.

Notes

• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense bars. Stir just until dry ingredients are incorporated for a tender, light texture.
• Adjust lemon zest and juice量 based on personal preference. Fresh lemons provide the most vibrant citrus flavor compared to bottled juice.
• Check bars early to prevent overbaking. Toothpick test is crucial – a few moist crumbs are okay, but avoid wet batter for ideal moisture.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg