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Lemon Cream Brûlée Bars with Crisp Caramel Topping

Lemon Cream Brûlée Bars with Crisp Caramel Topping

Description

Hello, dessert lovers! If you’re a fan of luscious, creamy lemon desserts with a delightful twist, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re introducing a delightful recipe for Lemon Cream Brûlée Bars that will elevate your dessert game to the next level. Imagine the smooth, tart flavor of lemon custard, combined with a crisp, caramelized sugar topping—this dessert is sure to impress at your next gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a sweet treat, these Velvety Lemon Cream Brûlée Bars will quickly become your go-to dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Lemon Cream Filling Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3–4 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Topping:

  • Granulated sugar (for caramelizing and creating the brûlée effect)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it hangs over the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add in the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming a firm base. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes or until it turns lightly golden brown. Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Filling

While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the lemon mixture over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.

Step 5: Let It Cool

Once the bars are fully baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, transfer the bars to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1-2 hours.

Step 6: Create the Brûlée Topping

Before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the top of the chilled lemon bars. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. This step gives the bars that signature crème brûlée topping that’s sweet, crunchy, and delicious.

Step 7: Final Touch

Dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Cut into bars and serve!

Equipment

Notes

  • Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best flavor. Store-bought lemon juice often lacks the bright, zesty taste you want for this dessert.
  • Chill Before Brûlée: Ensure the bars are completely chilled before caramelizing the sugar. This helps the custard hold its shape and prevents it from becoming runny.
  • Use a Torch for the Topping: While you can use the broiler to caramelize the sugar, a kitchen torch offers more control and ensures the sugar caramelizes evenly without heating the filling too much.
  • Alternative Topping: If you don’t have a kitchen torch, use a preheated broiler, watching carefully so the sugar caramelizes but doesn’t burn.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/lemon-cream-brulee-bars-with-crisp-caramel-topping/