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Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Bars

Delightful bars combining zesty lemon flavor and crunchy poppy seeds, perfect for springtime gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 9 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest Freshly grated for best flavor.
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice Use fresh juice for an authentic taste.
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, ensuring everything is well combined.
  6. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined, then gently mix in the poppy seeds.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Baking
  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Allow to cool in the pan.
Glaze
  1. While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, then slice them into squares or rectangles.

Notes

For the best flavor, use freshly grated lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They freeze well for up to one month.