Why Do My Lemon Bars Have A Crust On Top?

Last Updated on September 17, 2024 by Lori Walker

There’s **nothing more disappointing** than when your dessert doesn’t turn out perfect.

One common mistake that many people make has a crust form on top of their lemon bars. So, why does this happen, and what can you do to prevent it?

In this blog post, we will explore the causes of this problem and provide some solutions that will help you create a perfect batch of lemon bars every time.

Why Is There A Crust On Top Of My Lemon Bars?

If you’ve ever made lemon bars, you know there’s always a thin layer of crust on top. This is because of the air bubbles from the eggs rising to the surface. 

The crust serves an important purpose: it helps to prevent the filling from leaking.

When the filling is baking, it expands and emits a small amount of liquid. Without crust, this liquid would seep out of the pan and into the oven. 

However, the crust forms a barrier that helps to keep the filling in place.

As a result, your lemon bars are less likely to be runny or overcooked. So next time you take a bite of those delicious lemon bars, be sure to thank the crust.

Find out if you can use bread flour for pie crust here.

How To Make Lemon Bars

Making lemon bars [1] is a simple process that requires only a few ingredients and a little time. The first step is to preheat the oven and line a baking dish with parchment paper.

Then, combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice. 

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until the bars are set and golden brown. 

Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares and dusting them with powdered sugar.

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How Long Should You Cook Them?

You should generally expect to cook lemon bars for 20-25 minutes. If you want them to be extra crispy, you can cook them for a few minutes longer. 

Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook and become dry.

When they are done, the bars should be golden brown, and the filling should be set. If you’re unsure if they’re ready, you can insert a toothpick into the center of a bar. 

If it comes out clean, they’re done. Let the bars cool completely before cutting and serving.

The cooking time will depend on several factors, including the size and type of pan you use, the thickness of the bars, and your desired level of doneness.

Read: Is It Possible To Bake Premade Graham Cracker Crust?

What Temperature To Cook Lemon Bars

Lemon bars should be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

However, if the bars seem to be cooking too quickly or browning too deeply, it is best to lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finding the perfect temperature to bake lemon bars can be challenging, as they are delicate desserts that require careful attention.

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How To Remedy Crust On Top Of Lemon Bars?

First, make sure you use fresh, cold butter when making the crust. This will help to create a flakier texture.

Secondly, don’t overbake the bars – they should be lightly browned around the edges.

Finally, if the crust is still too tough after baking, try using a food processor to pulse it into crumbs. This will help to create a lighter, more delicate crust.

Here are some of the reasons why the crust on your homemade bread is so hard.

Tips On How To Make The Perfect Lemon Bars

First, be sure to use fresh lemons for the juice and zest. The flavor of bottled lemon juice doesn’t compare to that of freshly squeezed lemons.

Second, when it comes to the crust, don’t skimp on the butter. A good shortcrust pastry should be made with equal parts flour and butter and be chilled before being rolled out.

Third, use a light hand when adding the filling. Too much filling will make the lemon bars too dense, while too little filling will make them too fragile.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment. If you want your lemon bars to have a little extra zing, try adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the filling. 

Or, if you’re looking for something unique, try using Meyer lemons instead of regular lemons.

Read: 10 Best Cakes That Aren’t Too Sweet

FAQs

Why does my lemon curd have foam on top?

Your lemon curd likely has a lot of foam because of the egg whites. When you make lemon curd, you beat the egg whites until they’re stiff, and this causes them to create a lot of foam.

You can either get rid of the foam or leave it in. If you leave it in, it will eventually sink to the bottom of the jar.

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Why are my lemon bars not yellow?

A lemon bar should be yellow because of the lemon juice and zest used in the recipe. 

However, if your lemon bars are not yellow, it could be because the butter or sugar was not browned enough.

How do you cut lemon bars cleanly?

To cut lemon bars cleanly, place a bar on a cutting board and cut it into 12 equal slices with a sharp knife. Then trim the crust off each slice and discard it. Finally, cut each slice into smaller pieces.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever made lemon bars, you know it can be difficult to get a perfect consistency.

The key is to bake the lemon filling until it forms a light crust on top. This will ensure that your bars are cooked through and have the right texture.

If your bars are too soft or have a Jell-O-like consistency, try cooking them for a few minutes longer next time. With these tips, you should be able to make perfect lemon bars every time.

Reference:

1. https://www.thespruceeats.com/classic-lemon-bars-3051973