{"id":52392,"date":"2025-11-03T09:07:48","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T09:07:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/9amchef.com\/?p=52392"},"modified":"2025-11-03T09:10:43","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T09:10:43","slug":"ultimate-creamy-lemon-squares-zesty-lemon-bars-recipe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/9amchef.com\/ultimate-creamy-lemon-squares-zesty-lemon-bars-recipe\/","title":{"rendered":"Ultimate Creamy Lemon Squares \u2014 Zesty Lemon Bars Recipe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Lemon Bars Recipe<\/strong>: bright, tangy, and ridiculously addictive \u2014 these creamy lemon squares are basically summer in a bite. If you love the zing of lemonade and the comfort of a buttery crust, you\u2019re about to meet your new favorite dessert. Let\u2019s walk through why these bars deliver, what makes them foolproof, and how to bake them like someone who\u2019s done this a few dozen times (totally humble brag).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why you\u2019ll fall hard for these Lemon Bars Recipe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Light? Check. Creamy? Check. Portable? Absolutely. These bars mash up a crisp graham crust with a lush, condensed-milk lemon filling that sets silky and smooth. They taste like a grown-up lemonade disguised as a dessert. Want to wow guests with minimal effort? This is your move. Bold tip:<\/strong> use fresh lemon juice \u2014 bottled stuff can\u2019t compete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A tiny origin story (aka: how I learned to stop worrying and love lemon)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I tried a hundred lemon bar recipes before settling on this simple method. Most recipes fuss with flour-thickened custards or double-bake steps. This version? Six ingredients, one pan, major payoff. I brought them to a backyard BBQ and watched neighbors argue politely over the last piece. That\u2019s when I knew: simplicity wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingredient roundup \u2014 what you need & why it works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Graham crackers (about 24 squares) \u2014 crush them fine for a compact, crunchy base.
\u2022 4 tbsp melted butter + 1\/4 cup sugar \u2014 butter binds crumbs and browns the crust; sugar adds subtle snap.
\u2022 12 oz sweetened condensed milk \u2014 the secret to creamy, stable filling without flour-y lumps.
\u2022 2 large egg yolks \u2014 enrich and slightly thicken the filling (discard or save whites for another recipe).
\u2022 1\/2 cup fresh lemon juice \u2014 brightens everything; use fresh and measure carefully.
\u2022 Optional: lemon zest \u2014 a teaspoon or two amps aroma and adds citrus oil kick.
Quick note:<\/strong> this is a serious Lemon Dessert<\/a> Recipes<\/strong> contender \u2014 family favorite and party-ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step-by-step: how to make these lemon squares (no drama, just results)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Preheat to 350\u00b0F. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment, leaving two sides of paper hanging for easy lift-out. Grease lightly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Make crumbs: blitz graham crackers in a food processor until fine. Toss with melted butter and 1\/4 cup sugar; pulse until evenly moistened. Press the mix firmly into the pan and build the crust about 1 inch up the sides. Pro tip:<\/strong> press with the bottom of a glass for even compaction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Bake crust 10\u201312 minutes or until it turns light golden. Let it cool completely in the pan (don\u2019t skip this).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. While the crust cools, whisk 12 oz sweetened condensed milk with 2 egg yolks until smooth. Add 1\/2 cup fresh lemon juice (and zest, if using) and whisk until glossy. If the filling looks too thin, add 1 tbsp cornstarch<\/strong> and whisk until incorporated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Pour filling into cooled crust and bake 15\u201320 minutes. You want the center set with a slight wobble \u2014 not liquid. Overbake and you\u2019ll lose that dreamy creaminess.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Cool to room temp, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Use parchment overhang to lift the slab out, then cut into 16 small squares or 9 larger pieces. Wipe your knife between cuts for clean edges.
    Serving note:<\/strong> a dusting of powdered sugar or a little whipped cream is optional but pretty.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    What makes this version irresistible (the science, in plain English)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Sweetened condensed milk gives filling richness and stability without the need to temper eggs or fuss with double boilers. Egg yolks add body and silkiness. The buttered graham crust adds salty-butter contrast that balances lemon\u2019s acidity. Together they create that perfect sweet-tart, creamy-crispy mouthfeel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"Lemon<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pro tips for bakery-level lemon squares every time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    \u2022 Fresh lemon juice matters.<\/strong> Skip the bottled stuff.
    \u2022 Don\u2019t skip chilling.<\/strong> The filling firms up and slices cleanly after refrigeration.
    \u2022 If your filling is runny:<\/strong> you likely under-baked or used too much juice. Add 1 tbsp cornstarch next time or bake 3\u20135 minutes longer.
    \u2022 For neat cuts:<\/strong> chill fully, then warm a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and slice. Wipe between cuts.
    \u2022 Make ahead:<\/strong> you can bake them the day before \u2014 they taste even better after flavors mingle.
    Bold tip:<\/strong> press crust up the sides to prevent spillover and make neat slices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Variations to try (because life\u2019s for experimenting)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    \u2022 Zesty Twist:<\/strong> add 1 tsp lemon zest to filling for extra perfume.
    \u2022 Citrus Swap:<\/strong> use half lemon, half lime juice for a tangy twist.
    \u2022 Shortbread crust:<\/strong> swap graham crumbs for a buttery shortbread crust for a luxe texture.
    \u2022 Coconut crust:<\/strong> blend graham with toasted coconut for a tropical note.
    \u2022 Dusty Finish:<\/strong> instead of powdered sugar, top with finely grated lemon zest for a minimalist look.
    These bars sit nicely alongside other     Dessert Bar Recipe classics like brownies or blondies \u2014<\/a> mix textures on your dessert table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Best ways to serve these lemon squares<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Serve chilled or at cool room temp. They pair brilliantly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a cup of black coffee, or a light sparkling wine. Looking for a picnic-friendly dessert? Stack them in parchment between layers \u2014 they travel well. If you want to \u201ceat dessert\u201d without going too sweet, cut small pieces and serve as petite bites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Storage & freezing: keep them fresh<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    \u2022 Refrigerator: store in a single layer (or layers separated by parchment) for up to 3 days. They stay creamy and bright.
    \u2022 Freezer: freeze the whole slab (un-cut) tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge, then slice. If cutting before freezing, freeze in a single layer with parchment between squares to prevent sticking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Troubleshooting \u2014 why your lemon squares might be wobbly or flat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    \u2022 Runny filling?<\/strong> Underbaked or too much lemon juice. Add a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour next time. Whisk well so eggs incorporate.
    \u2022 Crust too soft?<\/strong> Under-pressed crumbs or too much butter. Press firmly and bake until lightly golden.
    \u2022 Cracks on top?<\/strong> Overbaking or very high oven temperatures. Aim for gentle set; a slight jiggle is fine.
    \u2022 Too tart?<\/strong> Reduce lemon juice slightly or add a pinch more sugar. Always taste your mix before baking (safety-first with raw eggs \u2014 use pasteurized yolks if worried).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    FAQs \u2014 quick answers people always ask<\/h2>\n\n\n
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    \n
    \n

    Do I need to refrigerate lemon squares?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    Not strictly, but chilling firms them<\/strong> and gives cleaner slices. I recommend 30 minutes in the fridge before cutting.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    Can I use bottled lemon juice?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    You can, but fresh juice tastes brighter. If you must use bottled, consider cutting juice to 1\/3 cup and add a little zest.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    Can I make them vegan\/dairy-free?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    You can try evaporated coconut milk and a vegan condensed-milk substitute, plus a flax \u201cegg\u201d \u2014 results will vary. This recipe relies on condensed milk for texture.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    Can I double the recipe?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    Yes \u2014 double and bake in a 9×13 pan; adjust baking time (about 20\u201325 min for filling). Keep an eye on set.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    How to prevent messy cuts?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    Cool completely, chill, use parchment lift, and wipe the knife between slices.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Lemon<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A final word: why these lemon squares belong in your recipe rotation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    They\u2019re fast, forgiving, and delicious \u2014 a legit crowd-pleaser that punches above its weight. Whether you\u2019re feeding friends at a BBQ, packing treats for work, or craving a bright dessert after a heavy meal, these bars bring balance: buttery, tangy, smooth, simple. They\u2019re also a perfect follow-up to richer Cookie Bar Recipes<\/strong> or chocolate-y treats \u2014 contrast is everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Serving idea roundup for inspiration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    \u2022 Mini dessert platter: 3 lemon squares, two mini brownies, and fresh berries.
    \u2022 Brunch addition: pair with scones and a pot of Earl Grey.
    \u2022 Party favor: wrap individual squares in parchment and tie with twine.
    \u2022 Light dessert: serve one small square with a dollop of Greek yogurt and mint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Want to make these and feel fancy? Try the tiny upgrades<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    \u2022 Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top for a sweet-salty note.
    \u2022 Drizzle a thin line of white chocolate for a pretty finish.
    \u2022 Add a few edible flowers for a picnic-ready presentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you love classic citrus bakes, this recipe sits comfortably among beloved Lemon Desserts<\/strong> and other citrus-forward plates. It\u2019s also a charming pick if you like to follow food blogs \u2014 shoutout to recipe curators like How Sweet Eats<\/strong> for inspiration (and for the zesty energy that keeps us trying new lemon tricks). And when you need to Eat Dessert<\/strong> but don\u2019t want fuss? These squares deliver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Final thoughts: make them, share them, repeat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    These lemon squares are approachable, fast, and reliably delightful. Keep the ingredients simple, follow the steps, and remember the little pro tips (press that crust, chill the slab, wipe the knife). You\u2019ll end up with glossy, tangy bars that taste like summer and look like work \u2014 you\u2019re welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ready to bake? Grab your lemons, crank the oven, and make a pan of sunshine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Follow me on Pinterest <\/a><\/strong>for daily new recipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Lemon<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/symbol>\n<\/defs>\n<\/svg>\nPrint<\/a><\/span>

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src=\"https:\/\/9amchef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Ultimate-Creamy-Lemon-Squares-\u2014-Zesty-Lemon-Bars-Recipe-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Lemon Desserts \u2014 close-up of powdered-sugar-dusted lemon bars showing creamy filling and buttery crust; a top pick in Lemon Recipes, inspired by How Sweet Eats, for anyone who loves to Eat Dessert.\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" \/>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-header-content clearfix\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"tasty-recipes-title\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"h2-color.color h2-transform.text-transform\">Ultimate Creamy Lemon Squares \u2014 Zesty Lemon Bars Recipe<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-rating\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-rating-outer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-rating-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"tasty-recipes-rating-stars\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"position: absolute;width: 0;height: 0;overflow: hidden\" 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\/><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\t\t\t<span class=\"tasty-recipes-screen-reader\">\t\t\t\t4 Stars\t\t\t<\/span>\t\t<\/i>\t<\/span>\t\t<span class=\"tasty-recipes-rating\" >\t\t<i class=\"checked\" data-rating=\"3\">\t\t\t<span class=\"tasty-recipes-rating-solid\" data-tr-clip=\"0\">\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"tasty-recipes-svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"17\"><use href=\"#wpt-star-full\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\t\t\t<span class=\"tasty-recipes-screen-reader\">\t\t\t\t3 Stars\t\t\t<\/span>\t\t<\/i>\t<\/span>\t\t<span class=\"tasty-recipes-rating\" >\t\t<i class=\"checked\" data-rating=\"2\">\t\t\t<span class=\"tasty-recipes-rating-solid\" data-tr-clip=\"0\">\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"tasty-recipes-svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"17\"><use href=\"#wpt-star-full\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\t\t\t<span class=\"tasty-recipes-screen-reader\">\t\t\t\t2 Stars\t\t\t<\/span>\t\t<\/i>\t<\/span>\t\t<span class=\"tasty-recipes-rating\" >\t\t<i class=\"checked\" data-rating=\"1\">\t\t\t<span class=\"tasty-recipes-rating-solid\" data-tr-clip=\"0\">\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"tasty-recipes-svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"17\"><use href=\"#wpt-star-full\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\t\t\t<span class=\"tasty-recipes-screen-reader\">\t\t\t\t1 Star\t\t\t<\/span>\t\t<\/i>\t<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"tasty-recipes-rating-label\"><span data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-label-color.color\" class=\"rating-label\">No reviews<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-details\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"author\"><span class=\"tasty-recipes-label\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-label-color.color\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAuthor:<\/span> <span data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-value-color.color\" class=\"tasty-recipes-author-name\">Jennifer<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"prep-time\"><span class=\"tasty-recipes-label\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-label-color.color\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"detail-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"icon-color.color\"><use href=\"#tasty-recipes-icon-clock\"><\/use><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrep Time:<\/span> <span data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-value-color.color\" class=\"tasty-recipes-prep-time\">15 minutes<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"cook-time\"><span class=\"tasty-recipes-label\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-label-color.color\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"detail-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"icon-color.color\"><use href=\"#tasty-recipes-icon-clock\"><\/use><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCook Time:<\/span> <span data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-value-color.color\" class=\"tasty-recipes-cook-time\">30 minutes<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"total-time\"><span class=\"tasty-recipes-label\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-label-color.color\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"detail-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"icon-color.color\"><use href=\"#tasty-recipes-icon-clock\"><\/use><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTotal Time:<\/span> <span data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-value-color.color\" class=\"tasty-recipes-total-time\">45 minutes<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"category\"><span class=\"tasty-recipes-label\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-label-color.color\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"detail-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"icon-color.color\"><use href=\"#tasty-recipes-icon-folder\"><\/use><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCategory:<\/span> <span data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-value-color.color\" class=\"tasty-recipes-category\">Dessert<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-buttons\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-button-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<a class=\"button tasty-recipes-print-button tasty-recipes-no-print\" href=\"https:\/\/9amchef.com\/ultimate-creamy-lemon-squares-zesty-lemon-bars-recipe\/print\/52393\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"\">\n\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"svg-print\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tasty-recipes-icon-print\"><\/use><\/svg>\n\t\tPrint Recipe<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/header>\n\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-entry-content\">\n\t<hr data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"secondary-color.border-color secondary-color.background-color\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-description\">\n\t\t\t<h3 data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"h3-color.color h3-transform.text-transform\">Description<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-description-body\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"body-color.color\">\n\t\t\t\t<p>Bright, tangy bars with a crisp graham base and a silky lemon custard \u2014 basically lemonade you can slice.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<hr data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"secondary-color.border-color secondary-color.background-color\">\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-ingredients\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-ingredients-header\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-ingredients-clipboard-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"h3-color.color h3-transform.text-transform\">Ingredients<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-units-scale-container\"><span class=\"tasty-recipes-scale-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"tasty-recipes-scale-label\">Scale<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"tasty-recipes-scale-button tasty-recipes-scale-button-active\" data-amount=\"1\" type=\"button\">1x<\/button><button class=\"tasty-recipes-scale-button\" data-amount=\"2\" type=\"button\">2x<\/button><button class=\"tasty-recipes-scale-button\" data-amount=\"3\" type=\"button\">3x<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-ingredients-body\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"body-color.color\">\n\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Crust<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-tr-ingredient-checkbox=\"\"><span class=\"tr-ingredient-checkbox-container\"><input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba272600\" id=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba272600\" aria-label=\"4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted\"><label for=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba272600\"><\/label><\/span><span data-amount=\"4\" data-unit=\"tbsp\">4 tbsp<\/span> unsalted butter, melted<\/li>\n<li data-tr-ingredient-checkbox=\"\"><span class=\"tr-ingredient-checkbox-container\"><input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba272613\" id=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba272613\" aria-label=\"24 graham cracker squares (about 1 1\/2 cups crumbs)\"><label for=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba272613\"><\/label><\/span><span data-amount=\"24\">24<\/span> graham cracker squares (about <span data-amount=\"1.5\" data-unit=\"cup\">1 1\/2 cups<\/span> crumbs)<\/li>\n<li data-tr-ingredient-checkbox=\"\"><span class=\"tr-ingredient-checkbox-container\"><input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba272621\" id=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba272621\" aria-label=\"1\/4 cup granulated sugar\"><label for=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba272621\"><\/label><\/span><span data-amount=\"0.25\" data-unit=\"cup\">1\/4 cup<\/span> granulated sugar<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Lemon Filling<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-tr-ingredient-checkbox=\"\"><span class=\"tr-ingredient-checkbox-container\"><input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba27262e\" id=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba27262e\" aria-label=\"2 egg yolks\"><label for=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba27262e\"><\/label><\/span><span data-amount=\"2\">2<\/span> egg yolks<\/li>\n<li data-tr-ingredient-checkbox=\"\"><span class=\"tr-ingredient-checkbox-container\"><input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba27263b\" id=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba27263b\" aria-label=\"1 (12 oz) can sweetened condensed milk\"><label for=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba27263b\"><\/label><\/span><span data-amount=\"1\">1<\/span> (12 oz) can sweetened condensed milk<\/li>\n<li data-tr-ingredient-checkbox=\"\"><span class=\"tr-ingredient-checkbox-container\"><input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba272648\" id=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba272648\" aria-label=\"1\/2 cup fresh lemon juice\"><label for=\"ingredient_checkbox_69f0bba272648\"><\/label><\/span><span data-amount=\"0.5\" data-unit=\"cup\">1\/2 cup<\/span> fresh lemon juice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!--INSIDE_INGREDIENTS--><\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<hr data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"secondary-color.border-color secondary-color.background-color\">\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-instructions\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-instructions-header\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"h3-color.color h3-transform.text-transform\">Instructions<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-instructions-body\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"body-color.color\">\n\t\t\t\t<ol>\n<li id=\"instruction-step-1\">Set the oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C). Grease an 8-inch square pan and line it with parchment, leaving two opposite edges long so you can lift the whole slab out later.<\/li>\n<li id=\"instruction-step-2\">Put the graham crackers into a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. Stir the crumbs with the sugar, then pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.<\/li>\n<li id=\"instruction-step-3\">Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and push it about 1 inch up the sides so the crust forms a shallow edge. Bake the crust for about 10\u201312 minutes, until it takes on a light golden color. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.<\/li>\n<li id=\"instruction-step-4\">While the crust cools, whisk the filling: combine the sweetened condensed milk and the egg yolks in a bowl and beat until smooth and glossy (an electric mixer makes this quick). Add the lemon juice and continue whisking until everything is well combined.<\/li>\n<li id=\"instruction-step-5\">Pour the lemon mixture over the cooled crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake 15\u201320 minutes, or until the filling is set (the center should jiggle slightly but not be liquid) and the edges are lightly browned.<\/li>\n<li id=\"instruction-step-6\">Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the bars cool to room temperature. For firmer, cleaner slices, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.<\/li>\n<li id=\"instruction-step-7\">Use the parchment overhang to lift the block from the pan, set it on a cutting board, and slice into squares \u2014 16 small pieces or 9 larger ones, your call.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t<hr data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"secondary-color.border-color secondary-color.background-color\">\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-notes\">\n\t\t\t<h3 data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"h3-color.color h3-transform.text-transform\">Notes<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-notes-body\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"body-color.color\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul>\n<li>Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor.<\/li>\n<li>If the filling seems loose after baking, a few extra minutes in the oven usually does the trick; don\u2019t overbake.<\/li>\n<li>For neat cuts, run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and wipe between slices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t<footer class=\"tasty-recipes-entry-footer\">\n\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-footer-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"svg-instagram\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"footer-icon-color.color\"><use href=\"#tasty-recipes-icon-instagram\"><\/use><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tasty-recipes-footer-copy\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"footer-heading-color.color h3-transform.text-transform footer-heading.innerText\">Did you make this recipe?<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"footer-description-color.color footer-description.innerHTML\"><p>Share a photo and tag us \u2014 we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/footer>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lemon Bars Recipe: bright, tangy, and ridiculously addictive \u2014 these creamy lemon squares are basically summer in a bite. If you love the zing of lemonade and the comfort of a buttery crust, you\u2019re about to meet your new favorite dessert. Let\u2019s walk through why these bars deliver, what makes them foolproof, and how to … <a title=\"Ultimate Creamy Lemon Squares \u2014 Zesty Lemon Bars Recipe\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/9amchef.com\/ultimate-creamy-lemon-squares-zesty-lemon-bars-recipe\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Ultimate Creamy Lemon Squares \u2014 Zesty Lemon Bars Recipe\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":52394,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[89],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-52392","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dessert","infinite-scroll-item","resize-featured-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/9amchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52392","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/9amchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/9amchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/9amchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/9amchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52392"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/9amchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52392\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/9amchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52394"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/9amchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52392"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/9amchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52392"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/9amchef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52392"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}