Lemon Curd Blondie Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the richness of blondies with the zesty brightness of lemon, then these Lemon Curd Blondie Bars are your answer! They are soft, gooey, and bursting with lemon flavor—perfect for brightening up those busy weeknights or for impressing family and friends at gatherings. There’s something so comforting about baking, and these bars will surely make your kitchen smell heavenly while offering a little sunshine in every bite.

These Lemon Curd Blondie Bars are not just delicious; they are incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser ready in no time. You might even find yourself making them more often than you planned!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 35 minutes, you can whip up these delightful treats from start to finish.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good dessert, and these bars are perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Option: Bake them ahead of time for gatherings or meal prep—just store them in an airtight container.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon zest and creamy lemon curd creates a refreshing taste that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! For this recipe, you’ll need some simple and wholesome items that come together beautifully in just one bowl. Here’s what you’ll need to bake your Lemon Curd Blondie Bars:

For the Blondies

• 3/4 C unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 C granulated sugar
• 1/4 C light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 C Lemon curd
• 1 1/4 C all-purpose flour

Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be tailored to suit your taste! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Some Crunch: Fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Mix in Chocolate: Swirl in some white chocolate chips before baking for an extra sweet touch.
• Try Different Citrus: Substitute lime or orange zest for a unique twist on flavor.
• Top it Off: Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze after baking for an extra burst of sweetness.

How to Make Lemon Curd Blondie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your blondies bake evenly throughout. While the oven warms up, line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on all sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out later.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air into your batter, making your blondies wonderfully soft. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl!

Step 3: Add Flavorful Ingredients

Next, mix in the salt and baking powder followed by the fresh lemon zest. The zest adds a fragrant citrus note that enhances the overall flavor. Slowly incorporate the lemon curd one tablespoon at a time; this ensures it blends well without overmixing. Finally, add in the flour gradually until everything is just combined—no streaks should remain!

Step 4: Bake Your Blondies

Press the batter evenly into your prepared pan using lightly greased hands if necessary to avoid sticking. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. It’s important not to overbake them; you want them soft and gooey!

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Once baked, cool the blondies in their pan on a wire rack. When completely cooled, lift them out using the parchment overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut them into 9 equal pieces. Store any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container at room temperature.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Lemon Curd Blondie Bars! They are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation!

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Curd Blondie Bars

Making these lemon curd blondie bars is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your butter and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter, which results in a tender and gooey texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to denser bars rather than the soft, chewy blondies we all love.
• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bars as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges—touch them gently with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Letting your blondies cool in the pan allows them to set properly. If you cut them too early, they may fall apart, losing that lovely gooey texture.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add extra flavors like vanilla extract or even a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a unique twist! This can elevate your blondies and make them stand out.

How to Serve Lemon Curd Blondie Bars

Serving these lemon curd blondie bars is just as fun as baking them! With a bit of creativity, you can make this dessert even more delightful for your gatherings or cozy evenings at home.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds an elegant touch and enhances the sweet-tart flavor.
• Fresh Berries: Raspberries or blueberries not only provide a beautiful pop of color but also complement the tangy lemon flavor beautifully.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream. It adds creaminess that pairs perfectly with the zesty blondies.

Side Dishes

• Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing sorbet balances the richness of the blondies while keeping everything citrus-themed—perfect for warm days!
• Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits can brighten up your dessert table and offers a fresh contrast to the sweet bars.
• Iced Tea: A chilled glass of iced tea—whether sweetened or unsweetened—pairs wonderfully and complements the lemon flavor nicely.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fruits creates a light side dish that balances out the richness of the blondies while adding some crunch!

These serving suggestions will not only enhance your lemon curd blondie bars but also create an inviting atmosphere for any occasion. Enjoy sharing this delightful treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Lemon Curd Blondie Bars are perfect for meal prep! Their delightful lemon flavor makes them a refreshing treat, and they store well for several days, allowing you to enjoy them anytime.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the blondie bars to cool completely before storing.
• Place the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them for an extended freshness of about a week.

Freezing

• Cut the cooled blondie bars into individual pieces.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label the bag with the date for reference.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen blondie bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
• For a warm treat, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm but not hot.
• Alternatively, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about these delicious Lemon Curd Blondie Bars.

Can I use store-bought lemon curd for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought lemon curd is a great time-saver and will still give your blondies that delightful lemon flavor. Just ensure it’s of good quality!

How do I ensure my Lemon Curd Blondie Bars stay soft?

To keep your Lemon Curd Blondie Bars soft, avoid overbaking. They should be lightly golden on the edges but still slightly gooey in the center when you take them out of the oven.

Can I add mix-ins to my Lemon Curd Blondie Bars?

Yes! Feel free to enhance your blondies with mix-ins like white chocolate chips, nuts, or even blueberries. Just adjust the quantities so they don’t overpower the base batter.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease your baking pan well with butter or cooking spray. Just make sure to keep an eye on the edges while baking to prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Lemon Curd Blondie Bars as much as I do! Their soft texture and zesty flavor make them such a special treat, perfect for sharing with friends or simply enjoying on your own. Don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe; it’s all about making it uniquely yours. Happy baking!