 Lemon bar wrapped in parchment paper | |
| Alternative names | Lemon square |
|---|---|
| Type | Dessert Bar |
| Course | Dessert |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Main ingredients | Lemon curd, shortbread |
| Variations | Many variations exist |
The lemon bar, also called lemon square, is a popular type of dessert bar in the United States consisting of a thin shortbread crust and a lemon curd filling. [1]
The first widely published lemon bar recipe was printed in the Chicago Daily Tribune on August 27, 1962, and submitted by Eleanor Mickelson. [2] [3] [4] However, mentions of lemon bars and lemon squares can be found in earlier community cookbooks or small local newspapers. [5] [6] [7]
There are two basic elements to a lemon bar, lemon curd and shortbread, each with their own unique history.
Lemon curd dates back to 19th century England. [8] [9] However, early lemon curd was different than the lemon curd used today, such as in lemon bars. Instead, it consisted of acidic cream that formed curds and then was drained through a cheesecloth to separate out the whey. [9]
Shortbread originated in Scotland as far back as the 12th century. [10]
Recipes vary slightly, but lemon bar recipes call for lemon juice, and many suggest fresh squeezed. [1] Other ingredients include butter, white sugar, flour, eggs, and salt. [11] Many recipes also list confectioners sugar, also called powdered sugar, for dusting on the top after the bars are baked. [11] Many variations of lemon bars also exist. [12]
Allergens in lemon bars may include: eggs, dairy, and gluten. [1] [11] [13] There are variations to accommodate for dietary restrictions such as gluten-free Lemon bars [14] and vegan lemon Bars. [15]
Krusteaz "Meyer Lemon bars" box mix lists 140 calories as prepared in one serving, a 2-inch bar. [16] There are also 3 grams of fat, 26 grams of carbohydrates, 20 grams of sugar, 90 milligrams of sodium, and less than 1 gram of protein in a prepared box of Krusteaz "Meyer Lemon bars." [16] Nutrition information will vary by recipe.
Lemon bars, as well as many other dessert bars are typically baked in the oven in a 9×13 inch baking pan. [11] Baking pans can be made out of many different materials[ citation needed ], and the material suggested may vary by recipe.
The bars are baked in two steps. [1] First, the crust is baked part of the way to ensure that it will not combine with the lemon curd and can support it. [1] Second, the curd is added on top of the crust and the bars are baked the rest of the way. Lemon bars are baked at a temperature below 400 °F to avoid over-baking. [1] [11] [13]
There are also options for lemon bar box-mix. [16]
After the bars are baked and have cooled, they can be cut into squares [1] or triangles. [13] They can also be dusted with confectioners sugar, whatever the consumers preference might be. [11]
Lemon bars are a popular dessert in the United States and are common at many different types of events. [1] There is even a National Lemon Bar Day that occurs on October 15 each year. This day was created by Michael McCarthy in 2019 after he baked lemon bars for an event and many people had never had them before. [17]
In Hawaii, a popular variation of the lemon bar is made with lilikoʻi (passion fruit), where it is known as a lilikoʻi bar (anglicized as lilikoi bar). The passion fruit was introduced to Hawaii in the late 19th century where it now grows abundantly.
While fresh lilikoʻi juice is desired, the curd (also known as "lilikoʻi butter") is sometimes made with processed juice or concentrates in areas where fresh passionfruit is not available. [18] [19] [20] Chopped macadamia nuts are sometimes added to the shortbread crust to make it more "tropical". [21] Recipes using other tropical fruits exist but are not as popular include guava, mango, and pineapple. [22] [23] [24]
The original creator of the lilikoi bars is not known, but it may be a result of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement in the early 1990s started by a group of local professional chefs who advocated for cuisine which drew from local ingredients instead of relying on imported produce such as lemons. [25]
Dessert is a course that concludes a meal. The course consists of sweet foods, such as cake, biscuit, ice cream and possibly a beverage such as dessert wine and liqueur. Some cultures sweeten foods that are more commonly savory to create desserts. In some parts of the world there is no tradition of a dessert course to conclude a meal.
Pastry refers to a variety of doughs, as well as the sweet and savoury baked goods made from them. These goods are often called pastries as a synecdoche, and the dough may be accordingly called pastry dough for clarity. Sweetened pastries are often described as bakers' confectionery. Common pastry dishes include pies, tarts, quiches, croissants, and pasties.
An apple pie is a pie in which the principal filling is apples. Apple pie is often served with whipped cream, ice cream, custard or cheddar cheese. It is generally double-crusted, with pastry both above and below the filling; the upper crust may be solid or latticed. The bottom crust may be baked separately ("blind") to prevent it from getting soggy. Deep-dish apple pie often has a top crust only. Tarte Tatin is baked with the crust on top, but served with it on the bottom.
Passiflora edulis, commonly known as passion fruit, is a vine species of passion flower native to the region of southern Brazil through Paraguay to northern Argentina. It is cultivated commercially in tropical and subtropical areas for its sweet, seedy fruit.
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Fruit curd is a dessert spread and topping. It is usually made with citrus fruit, though may be made with other fruits. Curds are often used as spreads and as flavourings.
A baked apple is a dish consisting of an apple baked in an oven until it has become soft. The core is usually removed and the resulting cavity stuffed with sweet or savory fillings and seasonings. Pears and quinces may be prepared in the same way.
Caramel shortbread, also known as caramel squares, caramel slice, millionaire's shortbread, millionaire's slice, chocolate caramel shortbread or Wellington squares is a biscuit confectionery composed of a shortbread biscuit base topped with caramel and milk chocolate. Variations exist which substitute or add ingredients to cater to different tastes, dietary requirements or ingredient availability.
A lemon tart is a dessert dish, a variety of tart. It has a pastry shell with a lemon flavored filling.
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Atlantic Beach pie is a type of lemon curd pie which uses a saltine crust and whipped cream topping sprinkled with salt.
