How to Make Lemon Bars In a Jar

Are you tired of the same old desserts? Ready to add a fresh twist to your baking routine? Look no further than this game-changing recipe for Lemon Bars Baked in Half Pint Jars. Say goodbye to boring dishes and hello to a whole new way to enjoy everyone’s favorite citrusy treat. Get ready to elevate your dessert game to a whole new level with this innovative and delicious idea. Discover the benefits of baking lemon bars in half-pint jars, creative ways to serve and enjoy them, and get ready to impress your guests with a unique and tasty treat. Get ready to revolutionize your dessert game!

LEMON BAR INGREDIENTS LIST- full printable recipe below in recipe card

THE OATMEAL COOKIE DOUGH LAYER

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

THE LEMON CURD LAYER

• 4 large eggs
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• zest of 3 lemons
• 2/3 cups lemon juice (3-4 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour

OATMEAL COOKIE DOUGH LAYER INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat butter and sugars until fluffy. Add egg, beating until combined.
3. Combine flour, oats, and baking powder.
4. Gradually add to butter mixture; beat until combined.
5. In 10 (4 ounce) jars, spoon 1.5 ounces of the oatmeal cookie dough into each jar and lightly press.
6. NOTE: If you have some cookie dough left over, make a cookie!
7. Place jars on a cookie sheet for easy handling.
8. Bake for 12 minutes. This is just to start the crust’s baking process; it will complete baking when the lemon filling is added.
9. While the crust is baking, make your filling.

LEMON CURD FILLING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Whisk together the sugar and eggs in a medium saucepan.
2. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, butter and flour.
3. Whisk together constantly over medium-low heat until slightly thickened and warm (just to a boil).
4. Carefully pour over the baked crust.
5. Bake an additional 5 minutes or until the edges are set, but the center still moves slightly when jiggled.
6. Allow to cool completely and dust with powdered sugar.

Why Bake Lemon Bars in Jars?

Baking lemon bars in half-pint jars has a variety of benefits that can take your dessert game to a whole new level. These individual servings not only make for a charming presentation but also offer a convenient way to enjoy your lemon bars on the go. The jars provide the perfect portion size, ensuring that everyone gets an equal share of this delightful treat. Additionally, baking in jars helps to lock in the freshness and flavors, resulting in a deliciously moist and tangy dessert every time.

• Perfect portions: No messy slicing—grab a spoon and dig in.
• It’s great for gifting: Pop a lid on, tie a ribbon, and you’ve got a homemade treat that looks fancy and thoughtful.
• Easy storage: These jars keep lemon bars fresh for days in the refrigerator with their tight-fitting lids.

The Layers of Flavor

Unlike the traditional version, these lemon bars do not start with a buttery shortbread crust pressed into the bottom of each jar. They start with a buttery oatmeal cookie base pressed into the bottom of each jar. It gets baked until golden, creating a rich, slightly oatmeal base. Then comes the luscious lemon filling—a sweet-tart custard made with fresh lemon juice and zest, eggs, and just the right amount of sugar. Once baked, the filling sets into a silky layer of lemony goodness that pairs perfectly with the buttery oatmeal crust. This delicious dessert becomes TWO desserts in ONE!

Pro Tips

• Use wide-mouth jars for easy assembly and eating.
• Don’t overfill—leave room at the top for the filling to rise a bit during baking.
• Chill before serving for the best texture and flavor (and a clean, creamy set).
• Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for that classic lemon bar finish.

Serve It Up

One fun idea is to top each jar with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving. This simple touch adds a touch of elegance and an extra layer of flavor to your lemon bars. Alternatively, you can garnish them with fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce for a colorful and fruity twist.

For a more indulgent treat, try serving your lemon bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The warm lemon bars paired with the cold, creamy ice cream create a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures that will surely please your taste buds. You could even crumble some shortbread cookies on top for an added crunch.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider incorporating your lemon bars into a trifle or parfait. Layer crumbled lemon bars with whipped cream and fresh fruit in a glass for a stunning dessert that is as delicious as it is visually appealing. This versatile dessert can be customized with different fruits or toppings to suit your preferences.

No matter how you choose to serve and enjoy your lemon bars in half-pint jars, one thing is for sure: these individual treats are sure to revolutionize your dessert game and leave your guests impressed with your creativity and culinary skills.

How to Store Lemon Bars In Mason Jars

To store lemon bars baked in mason jars, allow them to cool completely after baking to prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess or mold. Once cooled, tightly seal the mason jars with their lids to keep out air and moisture. Store the jars in the refrigerator, where the lemon bars will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the sealed jars for up to three months—just be sure to leave a little headspace in the jar before freezing to account for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw the jars in the refrigerator overnight.

MORE MINI DESSERT IDEAS

If you loved these lemon bars in a jar, you’ll definitely want to check out more of our favorite mini desserts! From no-bake cheesecake cups to individual cherry pies and bite-sized espresso mouse cups, these sweet little treats are perfect for parties, gifting, or just a fun way to treat yourself. Click the links below to explore each recipe and find your next delicious creation. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a fan of fruity flavors, there’s a mini dessert here with your name on it!

• MASON JAR LID CHERRY PIES
• VANILLA CHOCOLATE MARBLE MINI LOAVES
• WHITE CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO MOUSSE WITH EASY ESPRESSO CARAMEL DRIZZLE
• A DAY AT THE BEACH PUDDING DESSERT
• SEMI HOMEMADE MINI BUNDT SPICE CAKES
• MINI PAYDAY CHEESECAKES

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In conclusion, say goodbye to traditional lemon bars and hello to a whole new dessert experience with these lemon bars baked in half-pint jars. The benefits of this innovative approach are endless, from easy serving to portability. Get ready to impress your guests at your next gathering with these individualized sweet treats. Don’t miss out on the chance to revolutionize your dessert game- give this recipe a try and elevate your sweet tooth satisfaction to a whole new level. 💗Sheryl