Brûléed Meyer Lemon Bars: A Delectable Sweet & Tart Citrus Dessert

Prepare to elevate your dessert game with a delightful twist on a classic favorite: Brûléed Meyer Lemon Bars. These aren’t just any lemon bars; they are crafted with the uniquely fragrant Meyer lemons and crowned with a crisp, thin caramel shell. This recipe promises an unforgettable experience, blending the bright, nuanced flavors of citrus with the satisfying crunch of brûléed sugar.

Embrace the Sunshine of Citrus Season

There’s something truly magical about citrus season, as if nature itself conspires to brighten our spirits during the colder, darker months of winter. When the days are short and the temperatures drop, a burst of vibrant citrus flavor can be an incredible pick-me-up, a little ray of sunshine on even the most frigid January day. It’s during this time that our kitchens come alive with the zesty aroma of lemons, oranges, and grapefruits.

The idea for these exceptional lemon bars began simmering in my mind as citrus season reached its peak. However, a traditional lemon bar simply wouldn’t suffice. My culinary imagination was captivated by two key inspirations: the desire to feature the exquisite Meyer lemon and a memory of a cookbook (whose title now eludes me) suggesting a brûléed topping for lemon bars. This concept, once sparked, refused to fade, promising an exciting new dimension to a beloved dessert.

The Irresistible Allure of Brûlée

Much like its classic French cousin, crème brûlée, the magic of these lemon bars lies in their delicate caramelized sugar topping. This thin, brittle layer creates a delightful contrast against the creamy, smooth lemon filling beneath. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a velvety tang, a truly fun and unexpected flavor experience that sets these bars apart from any other. While a brûlée topping may not be a standard feature for lemon bars, it’s a revelation that I wholeheartedly recommend.

But the unique topping isn’t the only distinguishing feature of this recipe. If your palate typically craves the intensely tart punch of traditional lemon bars, you’ll find a more balanced and nuanced flavor profile here. Thanks to the inherent sweetness and floral notes of Meyer lemons, these bars strike a perfect harmony between tart and sweet, offering a sophisticated taste that’s both refreshing and comforting. They are, quite simply, a little bite of sunshine that can instantly brighten even the gloomiest of days.

Brûléed Meyer Lemon Bars

Servings:

16
bars

Prep Time:

20
mins

Cook Time:

50
mins

Rest Time:

30
mins

Total Time:

1
hr
40
mins

A fun twist on traditional lemon bars, these are made with Meyer lemons and topped with a thin caramel shell.

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Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 cup
  unsalted butter , at room temperature (230 grams)
• ½ cup
  granulated sugar (100 grams)
• 2 cups
  all-purpose flour (250 grams)
• ⅛ teaspoon
  coarse salt

For the filling:

• 4
  large eggs
• ¾ cup
  granulated sugar (150 grams)
• ⅔ cup
  fresh Meyer lemon juice (about 3-4 Meyer lemons)
• 
  Zest of 3 Meyer lemons
• ⅔ cup
  all-purpose flour (83 grams)
• 
  Additional sugar , for brûléed topping

Instructions

To make the crust:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or using a large bowl and an electric hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and coarse salt, mixing just until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
• Evenly press the prepared dough into the bottom of the lined baking pan. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm it up. Bake the chilled crust in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a pale golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack while you prepare the filling.

To make the filling:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the large eggs, granulated sugar, fresh Meyer lemon juice, Meyer lemon zest, and all-purpose flour until well combined and smooth. Pour this vibrant lemon filling evenly over the cooled crust in the baking pan. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set. You can test for doneness by gently shaking the pan; if the center no longer jiggles, it is set.
• Once baked, let the lemon bars cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature. For easier slicing and optimal brûlée results, you may also chill them in the refrigerator for an hour or two once they’ve reached room temperature.

To brûlée the lemon bars:

• For best results and easier handling, it’s recommended to slice the cooled lemon bars into individual servings first. Work in small batches. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of additional granulated sugar over the top of a few bars at a time. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden-brown shell. Alternatively, you can use your oven broiler as described in our baking tips section, watching them very carefully to prevent burning.
• For the most satisfying crunch and visual appeal, brûlée the lemon bars right before you plan to serve them. Store any remaining lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

Notes:

• If you decide to skip the brûléed topping (though we highly recommend you don’t!), simply dust the cooled bars generously with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
• Should Meyer lemons be unavailable in your local grocery store, you can substitute regular lemons. If you do, please increase the granulated sugar in the filling to 1 ⅓ cups to balance the increased tartness.

Recipe adapted from Ina Garten.

Calories: 256kcal,
Carbohydrates: 32g,
Protein: 4g,
Fat: 13g,
Saturated Fat: 8g,
Cholesterol: 71mg,
Sodium: 36mg,
Potassium: 51mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 16g,
Vitamin A: 414IU,
Vitamin C: 4mg,
Calcium: 13mg,
Iron: 1mg

Author: Annalise Sandberg

Have you tried this recipe?
I’d love to hear about it! Leave a rating and review below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram @completelydelicious with #completelydelicious.

Why Meyer Lemons Make All the Difference

For those unfamiliar, Meyer lemons are a culinary gem, distinct from their more common Eureka or Lisbon counterparts. Believed to be a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange, Meyer lemons boast a thinner, smoother skin and a less acidic, sweeter, and more floral flavor. Their juice is noticeably less tart, with a subtle sweetness that lends itself beautifully to desserts where you want a bright lemon flavor without overwhelming sourness. This inherent balance makes them perfect for these brûléed bars, creating a filling that is both refreshingly zesty and delightfully mellow. Using Meyer lemons allows the delicate caramel crust to shine, harmonizing rather than clashing with the citrus notes.

The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

These Brûléed Meyer Lemon Bars are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a wide array of occasions. Their elegant appearance, with the glistening caramelized topping, makes them a showstopper at dinner parties and holiday gatherings. Yet, their comforting and familiar flavors also make them ideal for a cozy afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee. They travel well, making them a fantastic option for potlucks or as a thoughtful homemade gift. The unique combination of textures – the crumbly shortbread crust, the silky lemon custard, and the brittle caramel shell – ensures a delightful eating experience that will leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to try them.

So, whether you’re seeking to brighten a cold winter day, impress guests with a sophisticated dessert, or simply indulge in a wonderfully balanced sweet and tart treat, these Brûléed Meyer Lemon Bars are your answer. They’re a testament to how a small twist can transform a classic into something truly extraordinary. Gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen torch, and get ready to bake a batch of pure lemon sunshine!