Tart Lemon Triangles Recipe
These Tart Lemon Triangles are everything a lemon dessert should be: tangy, sweet, and full of fresh lemon flavor. With a crisp, buttery shortbread crust and a smooth lemon filling, these bars are perfect for those who love a burst of citrusy goodness. They’re simple to make and cut into triangles for a beautiful presentation.
Tart Lemon Triangles
I love making these lemon triangles because they’re the perfect blend of sweet and tart. The bright lemon filling is refreshing and pairs beautifully with the buttery crust, making each bite a delight. They’re a crowd-pleaser and so easy to whip up, whether for a family gathering, potluck, or just a treat for yourself!
Pair these lemon triangles with Classic Cherry Delight Recipe for a dessert spread or enjoy with Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe for a cool, creamy complement.
Why You’ll Love This Tart Lemon Triangles Recipe
- Perfectly Tangy and Sweet: The filling is bright and lemony with just the right sweetness.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick to assemble.
- Beautiful Presentation: Cut into triangles for an elegant, eye-catching dessert.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by both lemon fans and those who enjoy balanced, refreshing desserts.
Main Ingredients for Tart Lemon Triangles
- Lemons – Fresh lemon juice and zest for a vibrant, citrusy flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the crust and filling.
- Butter – Creates a rich, flaky shortbread crust.
- Sugar – Sweetens the crust and filling.
- Eggs – Adds richness and sets the lemon filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Tart Lemon Triangles Recipe
Here’s how to make these tangy and refreshing lemon triangles step by step:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Tip: Grease the parchment lightly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Stir until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Pro Tip: Use the back of a spoon or a flat measuring cup to create an even layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Tip: Avoid over-baking the crust as it will continue baking with the filling later.
- Make the Lemon Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest until smooth.
- Variation: For an extra tangy filling, add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust, spreading evenly. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Serving Idea: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting.
- Cool and Cut into Triangles: Allow the lemon bars to cool, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars from the pan and cut into squares, then cut each square in half to create triangles.
- Serving Idea: Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.
Extra Tips and Variations
- Add Fresh Berries: Press a few raspberries or blueberries into the filling before baking for added color and flavor.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.
- How to Store: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Health Benefits of Tart Lemon Triangles
Lemons are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune health. The bars are also relatively low in fat, making them a lighter dessert option compared to heavier cakes or cookies.
- Vitamin C Boost: Lemons provide antioxidants and support immune function.
- Lower in Fat: The light, tangy filling keeps these bars lighter in fat.
- Bright and Refreshing: The citrusy flavor makes them a refreshing choice!
Tart Lemon Triangles Recipe
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Lemon Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F and prepare baking pan.
- Make Crust: Mix flour, sugar, and butter, press into pan.
- Bake Crust: Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden.
- Prepare Filling: Whisk sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, and zest.
- Pour and Bake: Spread filling over crust; bake until set.
- Cool and Cut: Chill, then cut into triangles.