lemon Chess Bars

Lemon Chess Bars – A Tangy and Buttery Dessert Delight

These Lemon Chess Bars are a perfect blend of tangy citrus flavor and rich, buttery goodness. With a flaky, homemade crust and a creamy, custard-like filling, this Southern classic is an irresistible treat. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into chunks
1 ¼ cups flour
¼ teaspoon salt
3-5 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

4 whole eggs
4 egg yolks
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

How to Make Lemon Chess Bars

1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and adjust the rack to the lowest level. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Make the Crust

In a food processor, combine flour, salt, and butter and pulse until the mixture forms pea-sized chunks. Slowly add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough comes together.

Press the dough evenly into the lined baking dish, ensuring it reaches the sides. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt until well combined. Add in the egg yolks, whole eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest, whisking until smooth.

Slowly add the melted butter while continuing to whisk, ensuring a creamy consistency.

4. Bake to Perfection

Pour the filling over the prepared crust and transfer the baking dish to the oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a golden crust forms on top and the center is set.