What is a lemon bar?
A lemon bar is a type of dessert bar made with a shortbread crust and a tangy lemon filling. The crust is typically butter and flour based, while the filling contains eggs, sugar, lemon juice and zest. Lemon bars have a creamy yet tart flavor from the balance of sweet and sour. They are cut into squares and often dusted with powdered sugar before serving.
Where did lemon bars originate?
The exact origins of the lemon bar are unclear, but they likely originated in the United States or Europe in the early 20th century.
Some sources suggest lemon bars could have descended from British lemon curd tarts, which were popular in Victorian England in the 1800s. The early versions of lemon curd tarts had a butter shortcrust pastry rather than a shortbread crust.
Others believe lemon bars originated from American recipes for filled cookie bars, which became popular in the early 1900s. Recipes for bars with lemon filling may have appeared in American cookbooks as early as the 1920s and 1930s.
The earliest known recipe for “lemon bars” was published in 1929 in a book called “Farm Journal’s Choice Cake Recipes” by C.H. Claudy. This early recipe had a cracker crust rather than shortbread.
How did lemon bars evolve over time?
In the 1940s and 1950s, lemon bars appeared in community cookbooks and homemaker magazines in America. Early recipes used graham cracker crumbs or vanilla wafers for the crust.
By the 1950s, most recipes adopted a shortbread crust made with flour, butter and sugar. The shortbread crust balanced with the tangy lemon filling became the standard for lemon bars.
In the 1960s and 70s, lemon bars became an iconic potluck and bake sale dessert. They were especially popular recipes for the convenience food trend, using commercial graham cracker crusts.
From the 1980s onwards, lemon bars became a staple on restaurant dessert menus. They also gained popularity as a flavor for mass-produced frozen desserts and boxed baking mixes.
Why did lemon bars become so popular?
There are several reasons why lemon bars gained widespread popularity in America:
– They have a balance of sweet and sour flavors that appeals to many people. The tangy filling contrasts nicely with the mildly sweet crust.
– Lemon bars are relatively simple to make compared to other bar cookies and tarts. The basic ingredients are easy to find.
– They hold up well at room temperature and keep moist for several days. This makes them a sturdy choice for bake sales and potlucks.
– Lemon bars can be made ahead of time. The bars even improve in flavor if chilled overnight before serving.
– Bright citrus flavors like lemon became preferred for desserts, drinks, candies and other foods starting in the mid-20th century. Lemon bars aligned well with this trend.
– Vintage recipes appeal to modern foodies looking for retro desserts. Lemon bars evoke nostalgic homey flavors.
How are lemon bars made?
While recipes can vary, most standard lemon bars are made following this method:
Shortbread Crust
- Butter and sugar are creamed together.
- Flour and sometimes powdered sugar are added to form dough.
- The dough is pressed into a baking pan and fully baked until lightly browned.
Lemon Filling
- Eggs and sugar are whisked together until light and fluffy.
- Lemon juice and zest are added for tart flavor.
- Cornstarch or flour thickens the filling.
- The liquid filling is poured over the warm crust and baked.
Once cool, the bars are dusted with powdered sugar and cut into squares. For extra lemony flavor, some recipes include ingredients like lemon curd or lemon extract.
What are some popular variations?
While the classic lemon bar has shortbread crust with lemon filling, there are many creative spins:
- Crusts: graham cracker, vanilla wafer, butter cake, pecan shortbread, coconut, etc.
- Fillings: raspberry lemon, lime, lemon blueberry, lemon lavender, lemon poppyseed, etc.
- Glazes: lemon, powdered sugar, white chocolate, raspberry, etc.
- Shapes: bars, rounds, triangles, bars with streusel topping, etc.
- Mini versions: mini lemon bars are popular for parties and showers.
Where can you find lemon bars today?
Lemon bars remain an iconic American treat found everywhere from:
- Bake sales
- Picnics and potlucks
- Cafes, bakeries, and coffee shops
- Restaurants and diners
- Grocery store bakery sections
- Frozen food aisles
- Weddings, baby showers and other celebrations
They are often sold pre-made or included on dessert menus. However, homemade lemon bars from scratch are still popular to bake for special occasions.
Conclusion
With origins as early 20th century bar cookies, the tangy and sweet lemon bar became an American classic. They gained widespread popularity as the perfect potluck dessert, highlighting retro citrus flavors. Simple to make and easy to transport, lemon bars are now baked everywhere from home kitchens to professional ones. They bring back nostalgic memories of backyard summer parties and old-fashioned bake sales. Lemon bars remain a staple treat that both seasoned and novice bakers enjoy crafting.