Frozen Lemon Bars start with a buttery shortbread base topped with a tangy lemon filling that firms up in the freezer instead of the oven. The cold set gives them a smooth, almost creamy texture that makes them especially refreshing in warm weather. Allow at least 3 hours of freezing time before slicing and serving.
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C).
Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar. Add the cubed butter and mix until crumbly. Press into the baking pan and bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool.
Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks until smooth and well-combined.
Combine and Set: Pour the lemon mixture over the cooled crust. Place in the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the filling is just set and has a slight jiggle.
Freeze: Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then cover and transfer to the freezer for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled and firm.
Slice and Serve: Once frozen, remove from the freezer, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, slice into desired portions and serve immediately.
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Notes
Tammy’s Tips:
Consider adding a pinch of salt to the crust to enhance flavors.
For a twist, add a dash of vanilla extract to the filling for a subtle depth of flavor.
For a dairy-free version, replace the sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk; however, note this will alter the flavor profile somewhat.