Lemon Curd Blondie Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings sunshine to your table, you’ve found it! These Lemon Curd Blondie Bars are soft, gooey, and bursting with vibrant lemon flavor. They are perfect for brightening up any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering. I absolutely love how easy they are to whip up, and they always leave everyone asking for seconds!

These blondie bars not only taste amazing but also make your kitchen smell heavenly while baking. With the tangy sweetness of lemon curd and the comforting texture of blondies, you can’t go wrong. Let’s dive into why you’ll adore this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: With just 35 minutes from prep to bake, you can enjoy these delicious bars in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with the sweet and zesty flavor—perfect for dessert lovers of all ages.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them for later. They taste just as good days later!
• Bright Flavor: The lemon zest and curd create a refreshing treat that’s perfect for warm weather.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these lovely Lemon Curd Blondie Bars! Nothing fancy here—just good quality staples that blend beautifully together.

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 wonderfully flexible! Here are a few fun ideas to mix things up with your Lemon Curd Blondie Bars:

• Add Some Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that balances the gooeyness.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, adding white or dark chocolate chips can create a luscious contrast with the lemon.
• Make It Berrylicious: Swirl in some fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for an extra fruity kick.
• Try Different Citrus: Substitute lime or orange zest for a different citrus twist that still keeps things bright and flavorful.

How to Make Lemon Curd Blondie Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential because it ensures your blondies bake evenly and develop that lovely golden edge.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

While the oven heats, line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper. Leave overhang on all four sides; this makes it super easy to lift out the bars once they’re baked!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into your batter, which helps create that soft texture we love.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Mix-Ins

One by one, mix in the eggs, scraping down the bowl as needed. Then add salt, baking powder, and lemon zest—each ingredient plays its part in enhancing flavor and structure. Gradually add lemon curd by tablespoon until just combined—this gives your blondies that signature tangy goodness!

Step 5: Fold in Flour

Finally, mix in the flour at low speed until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want those bars tender and chewy!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Press your batter into the prepared pan evenly. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the edges are just golden. Let them cool on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper.

Step 7: Slice and Enjoy!

Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into nine equal pieces. Store any leftovers in an airtight container—if they last long enough! Enjoy sharing these delightful Lemon Curd Blondie Bars with friends and family!

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Curd Blondie Bars

These lemon curd blondie bars are a delightful treat, and with just a few handy tips, you can make them even better!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with softened butter and room temperature eggs ensures that everything blends smoothly, helping to create that wonderfully gooey texture we love.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to keep your blondies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, which isn’t what we’re aiming for here.

• Test for doneness: Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking your blondies around the 25-minute mark. They should be golden at the edges but still soft in the middle for that perfect fudgy bite.

• Let them cool completely: Allowing the bars to cool fully in the pan helps them set up nicely, making them easier to cut into neat squares without crumbling.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other flavorings like vanilla extract or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra layer of deliciousness!

How to Serve Lemon Curd Blondie Bars

Serving these lemon curd blondie bars is all about presentation and pairing! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your dessert experience.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the lemon flavor.
• Fresh berries: Top each bar with a few fresh berries such as blueberries or raspberries for a pop of color and freshness.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream can complement the tangy lemon curd beautifully while keeping it dairy-free.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the tartness of the lemon bars, creating a delightful contrast.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made from seasonal fruits provides a light and healthy side that complements the richness of the blondies.
• Lemon sorbet: For an extra citrus kick, serve alongside lemon sorbet. It enhances the lemon flavor while being a refreshing counterpart.
• Iced tea or lemonade: Pair your blondies with a glass of homemade iced tea or lemonade. The crispness of these beverages balances out the sweetness beautifully.

Enjoy serving your lemon curd blondie bars in style! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as an indulgent treat at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Lemon Curd Blondie Bars are perfect for meal prep, making them ideal for busy weeks or special occasions. You can whip them up ahead of time and enjoy their delightful lemony flavor all week long!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the blondie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Make sure they are completely cool before sealing them away to maintain their gooey texture.

Freezing

• Wrap each blondie bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To enjoy later, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for a quick warm-up.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat the bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can warm them in an oven preheated to 300°F for about 5-10 minutes to restore their soft texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious bars that might help you out!

Can I make Lemon Curd Blondie Bars without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) to keep the texture moist.

How do I know when my Lemon Curd Blondie Bars are done baking?

The edges should be just golden brown, while the center remains soft and slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I use store-bought lemon curd for my Lemon Curd Blondie Bars?

Absolutely! Store-bought lemon curd is a convenient option that works wonderfully in this recipe, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.

What is the best way to serve Lemon Curd Blondie Bars?

These bars are perfect on their own but can also be served with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or whipped coconut cream for an extra treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Lemon Curd Blondie Bars as much as I do! They bring a burst of sunshine and sweetness that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you share them with loved ones or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here!), I know you’ll love every gooey bite. Happy baking and enjoy your lemony delights!