Tart Lemon Triangles are a delightful dessert with a perfect balance of tangy lemon filling and a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust. This Tart Lemon Triangles Recipe is ideal for those who love bold lemon flavor, combined with a rich, slightly sweet base. The bars are baked in a rectangular pan and then cut into triangles, making them a beautiful and delicious treat for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just an indulgent afternoon snack.
The vibrant lemon flavor and smooth texture of the filling make these triangles irresistible, while the shortbread crust provides the perfect contrast, creating a light and refreshing dessert that melts in your mouth.
Why You’ll Love This Tart Lemon Triangles Recipe
- Bold Lemon Flavor: The tangy lemon filling packs a punch of flavor for lemon lovers.
- Buttery Shortbread Crust: The rich, buttery crust complements the tartness of the lemon filling beautifully.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this recipe accessible for any home baker.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These lemon triangles are elegant enough for a special event but simple enough for everyday indulgence.
Key Ingredients for Tart Lemon Triangles
1. Lemon Juice
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the filling its bright, tangy flavor. You’ll need about 1/2 cup for the filling.
2. Lemon Zest
- Adding lemon zest enhances the tartness and depth of the lemon flavor, making the bars extra zesty.
3. All-Purpose Flour
- Flour is used for both the shortbread crust and the lemon filling to give them structure and a soft, tender texture.
4. Butter
- Cold, unsalted butter is essential for creating the rich and crumbly shortbread crust.
5. Sugar
- Granulated sugar sweetens both the crust and the filling, balancing the tartness of the lemon.
6. Eggs
- Eggs help set the lemon filling, giving it a custard-like texture.
How to Make Tart Lemon Triangles
This lemon triangles recipe is easy to follow and results in perfectly tart and delicious bars. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
- In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Cut in 1 cup of cold, unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
- Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the lemon filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
- Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
- Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut the bars into squares, then slice each square diagonally to create triangles.
Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar
- Before serving, dust the lemon triangles with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
Tips for Making the Best Tart Lemon Triangles
1. Use Fresh Lemon Juice
- For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t have the same bright and fresh taste.
2. Don’t Overbake the Filling
- Keep an eye on the filling while it bakes. You want it to be set but not overcooked, so check for a slight jiggle in the center when it’s done.
3. Let the Bars Cool Completely
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them. This helps the filling set properly and makes it easier to get clean slices.
4. Cut with a Sharp Knife
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, and wipe the blade between cuts to avoid smudging the filling.
5. Dust with Powdered Sugar Before Serving
- Dust the lemon triangles with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation and extra sweetness.
Recipe Variations
1. Lemon-Lime Triangles
- Replace half of the lemon juice with fresh lime juice for a lemon-lime version with a slightly different citrusy twist.
2. Blueberry Lemon Triangles
- Sprinkle fresh blueberries over the baked crust before pouring the lemon filling for a fruity variation.
3. Gluten-Free Lemon Triangles
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
4. Coconut Lemon Triangles
- Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the crust for a tropical twist.
FAQs: Tart Lemon Triangles
1. Can I Use Bottled Lemon Juice?
- Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. However, it may lack the same brightness.
2. How Should I Store Lemon Triangles?
- Store lemon triangles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
3. Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
- Yes! Lemon triangles can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
4. What’s the Best Way to Cut Clean Triangles?
- For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth between each cut. This helps prevent the lemon filling from sticking to the blade.
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