When it comes to desserts, few things can rival the delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors nestled in a buttery crust. One such treat that marries these tastes perfectly is the delectable Nectarine Lemon Bars. These bars serve as a sunshine-infused dessert that brings joy to any gathering or a soothing bite for your afternoon tea. With a luscious lemon and nectarines filling on a crumbly crust, a single bite can take your taste buds on a journey to summer bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever craved something that strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess? Nectarine Lemon Bars do just that! Here are some reasons you will adore this recipe:
- Fresh Flavors: The juicy nectarines paired with zesty lemon create a refreshing experience that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Treat: Whether it’s a sunny picnic or a cozy family gathering, these bars are a hit every time.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can whip them up in advance, making them a great option for gatherings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare these delightful Nectarine Lemon Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1. For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
2. For the Filling:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about two lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about one lemon)
- 1 cup fresh nectarines, diced (about 2-3 medium-sized nectarines)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
To begin your baking adventure, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. If you’re in the mood for a hint of warmth, add in the 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Mix the butter and dry ingredients with a fork or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
2. Prepare the Filling
While the crust is baking, it’s time to focus on the zesty filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 cup of granulated sugar until well combined. Add in 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, mixing until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Next, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of flour and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, stirring until everything is just combined. Gently fold in the diced nectarines, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.
3. Combine and Bake
Once your crust is golden and ready, pour the luscious lemon and nectarines filling over the hot crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure an even bake. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden.
4. Cool and Serve
After baking, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. For the best texture, consider chilling it in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars. Dust with powdered sugar for a lovely finish, and then cut into squares or bars.
Serving and Storage Tips
Nectarine Lemon Bars can be served alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to make them even more delightful. They are perfect for parties, picnics, or simply as a treat while curled up on the couch. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Helpful Tips
- Always taste your nectarines. If they are particularly sweet, you might want to reduce the sugar in the filling slightly.
- Let the bars chill completely for the best texture and ease in cutting.
- If you prefer a thicker crust, consider increasing the crust ingredients by 1.5 times.
- Experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or plums, for a twist on this classic recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen nectarines?
Yes, you can use frozen nectarines! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the filling. This ensures that your bars don’t get too watery.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
In a pinch, you can use bottled lemon juice. However, fresh lemon juice gives a vibrant flavor that is hard to replicate with bottled versions, so if you can, reach for the fresh lemons.
Are there any variations to this recipe?
Absolutely! Consider adding a handful of berries for added flavor or substitute the nectarines with other usable stone fruits like peaches or plums. You could even add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust for an interesting twist!
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour in both the crust and the filling for a gluten-free version of nectarines lemon bars.
Conclusion
Nectarine Lemon Bars are the perfect sweet treat that everyone will love to share. Their delightful mix of tangy lemon and sweet nectarines encapsulates the spirit of sunny days, making each bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for a gathering, a picnic, or just for yourself, these bars are sure to bring smiles to faces. So, why not gather these simple ingredients today and create a batch of happiness? Trust us; your taste buds will thank you!
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Delicious Nectarine Lemon Bars Ultimate Citrus Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Savor the delight of delicious Nectarine Lemon Bars This ultimate citrus treat recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors Enjoy now
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- hours: 2
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 200 calories
- Sugar: 15 grams
- Fat: 8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 2 grams