Description
Brown Butter Lemon Bars with Strawberry Glaze offer a unique twist on classic lemon bars. The nutty brown butter crust, smooth lemon filling, and glossy strawberry glaze create a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- FOR THE BROWN BUTTER CRUST
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- FOR THE LEMON FILLING
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- FOR THE STRAWBERRY GLAZE
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled)
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- BROWN THE BUTTER: Place the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and melt completely. Continue cooking while stirring as the butter foams and turns golden with brown bits forming at the bottom. Remove from heat once it smells nutty and rich, then let it cool slightly.
- PREPARE THE CRUST: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the browned butter and mix until a cohesive dough forms. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- BAKE THE CRUST: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes until the crust is lightly golden and set.
- MAKE THE LEMON FILLING: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs until smooth. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, and salt, then mix until fully combined and smooth in texture.
- ADD FILLING AND BAKE: Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the center is set with a slight softness.
- COOL AND CHILL: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours until fully set.
- PREPARE THE STRAWBERRY GLAZE: Blend the strawberries until smooth, then strain if a smoother texture is desired. Combine the puree with powdered sugar and lemon juice, mixing until a pourable glaze forms. Add cornstarch if a thicker consistency is needed.
- GLAZE THE BARS: Pour the strawberry glaze over the chilled lemon layer and spread evenly across the surface. Return to the refrigerator and chill for 30–60 minutes until the glaze is set.
- SLICE AND SERVE: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into clean squares and serve chilled or slightly cool.
Notes
- These bars can be made ahead of time.
- They hold their layers well after chilling.
- Perfect for spring gatherings and holiday baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 342
- Sugar: 30 grams
- Sodium: 130 milligrams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 48 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 6 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 milligrams
Keywords: Brown Butter Lemon Bars, Lemon Bars, Strawberry Glaze