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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or a light grease coating.
- 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.
- Dry Ingredient Blend: Separately, unite flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds through a gentle whisking motion, ensuring uniform distribution.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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