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Lemon Poppy Seed Bars Recipe

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4 from 209 reviews

  • Author: Mary & Susan
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 16 bars

Description

These Lemon Poppy Seed Bars feature a buttery shortbread base topped with a bright, homemade lemon curd and sprinkled with crunchy poppy seeds. This dessert offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, with a delightful texture contrast that makes it a fresh twist on classic lemon bars.

Ingredients

For the Base and Topping

  • 1 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 Tbsp poppy seeds

For the Filling

  • 1 cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×9 inch square baking pan. Optionally, line the pan with parchment paper to help remove the bars easily after baking for neat slicing.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, sugar, powdered sugar, salt, and almond extract. Cream the mixture on low to medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  3. Add Flour and Poppy Seeds: Add the flour and poppy seeds to the creamed mixture. Mix on low speed just until the ingredients are combined and the dough starts to come together. Although it will still look crumbly, it should stick together when pressed between your fingers.
  4. Divide and Press Dough: Scoop out approximately one-third of the dough and set it aside for the topping. Press the remaining two-thirds evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base layer.
  5. Spread Lemon Curd: Spoon the lemon curd evenly over the dough base layer, spreading gently to cover the entire surface without disturbing the crust.
  6. Add Crumbled Topping: Crumble the reserved dough evenly over the top of the lemon curd layer, distributing it to cover the filling.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the lemon curd is set and the edges of the dough start to turn golden brown.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into 16 squares and serving.

Notes

  • For easier removal and cleaner slices, lining the pan with parchment paper is recommended.
  • Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
  • Use fresh lemon curd for the best bright, tart flavor.
  • Bars taste even better after chilling for a few hours to set fully.
  • Almond extract enhances the flavor but can be omitted if there are nut allergies.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://mysimpledish.com/lemon-poppy-seed-bars-recipe/