Lemon Curd Blondie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Lemon Curd Blondie Bars combine the rich, buttery sweetness of classic blondies with the bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemon curd. They’re a perfect balance of tender and zesty, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup lemon curd
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the bowl as needed.
3. Step 3: Stir in salt, baking powder, and lemon zest. Add the lemon curd gradually, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until just combined to maintain a lovely swirl effect.
4. Step 4: Gradually incorporate the flour by increasing the mixer speed until the batter is fully combined with no flour streaks remaining.
5. Step 5: Press the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Lightly grease your hands if the batter sticks to help smooth the surface.
6. Step 6: Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack.
7. Step 7: Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into 9 equal squares with a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Swap lemon zest with orange or lime zest for a different citrus twist.
• For a more intense lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the batter along with the zest.
• Use homemade lemon curd if possible—it adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that store-bought options may lack.
• Try folding in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and texture.

Storage

Store the lemon curd blondie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy them warm, reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these lemon curd blondie bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure the blend includes xanthan gum for best texture.

Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Lemon Curd Blondie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 127 reviews

Lemon Curd Blondie Bars are a deliciously moist and citrus-infused dessert featuring a buttery blondie base enhanced with fresh lemon zest and swirls of tangy lemon curd. These bars are easy to prepare and bake in a single pan, making them perfect for casual gatherings, afternoon snacks, or a bright finish to any meal.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Blondie Batter

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Lemon Flavor

• 1/4 cup lemon curd

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over all four sides to help lift the blondies easily after baking.
2. Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will incorporate air and create a tender texture.
3. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Then add salt, baking powder, and lemon zest, blending until combined.
4. Incorporate Lemon Curd: Add lemon curd gradually, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until combined. This ensures a uniform distribution of tangy lemon flavor without overmixing.
5. Add Flour: Increase the mixer speed and add the all-purpose flour. Mix until the batter is fully combined with no visible streaks of flour remaining.
6. Transfer and Smooth Batter: Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Lightly grease your hands if the batter is sticky to help you create a smooth, even layer.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until the edges are just golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan. Using a sharp knife, cut the slab into 9 equal pieces.
9. Store: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Notes

• For even cleaner lemon flavor, use fresh lemon curd or homemade lemon curd if possible.
• If you prefer a more pronounced tang, swirl additional lemon curd on top before baking, taking care not to over mix.
• Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
• To avoid overbaking, start checking for doneness at 25 minutes.
• These bars can be refrigerated for up to a week and warmed slightly before serving.

Keywords: lemon curd blondies, lemon dessert bars, lemon blondie recipe, easy lemon bars, baked lemon dessert