Monday, February 20, 2012

Brown Butter Lemon Bars


If you know anything about my culinary passions, you know:

1. That I believe a little brown butter can make anything taste better.
2. Lemon desserts do not pass these lips. 
3. Ever.
4. Never Ever.
5. Unless...(see #1 above).

I heard your collective gasp, and I understand your confusion.  But let me help you understand, its pretty easy.  A little brown butter can make anything taste better.  Or even good.

I don't know what it is about me and lemons, but we just don't dig each other when it comes to desserts.  I 'll add lemon to risottos, pastas, roasted vegetables and dips.  But please, keep that fruit away from my sweets.  Except for this one time.

Here's the deal, I am not going to say I love these lemon bars and they are my new favorite dessert.  But, they were pretty good.  I ate a whole bar and I didn't even cry when I remembered I wasn't going to hit any chocolate. 

So, why, you ask, would I choose to make something I am so obviously at odds with in the first place?  I made them for this lady.  My mama. 


She and my dad were here visiting this past weekend and since her birthday was just a few days prior I had to make her something extra special.  Lemon bars were that thing.  More on that awesome visit to come, but now, without further ado...I present to you:

BROWN BUTTER LEMON BARS!


PRINT THIS RECIPE!

Brown Butter Lemon Bars
Adapted from Baking by James Peterson

16 servings

DOUGH
2/3 cup (94 grams) all-purpose flour
2/3 cup (94 grams) cake or pastry flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" cubes
1 egg

LEMON CURD
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)

Make the dough: combine the flours, powdered sugar and salt in a food processor and pulse until combined, about 5 pulses.  Add the butter and egg and process for 20-30 seconds or until the mixture just comes together.  Flatten into a disk shape, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter on medium heat until light brown and the butter has a nutty fragrance.  Watch the butter carefully and remove from the heat as soon as it browns to avoid burning.  Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 450F. 

Make the lemon curd: Bring a saucepan of shallow water to a simmer.  In a heatproof bowl that will fit over the saucepan, add eggs and sugar and whisk for 2 minutes until the mixture is pale yellow.  Whisk in lemon zest, juice and brown butter and then set the bowl over the simmering water.  Whisk constantly for 8-10 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken.  Remove from the heat and cover with plastic wrap.  Press the plastic wrap onto the surface of the curd to avoid forming a skin.  Set the lemon curd aside.

Roll the dough out into a 9" x 9" square and then press the dough into an 8"x8" baking dish.  Press the extra inch of dough up the sides and then trim any excess dough to form an even crust all the way around.  Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is light golden brown.  Let the crust cool for 15 minutes on a wire baking rack.

Spread the warm lemon curd over the warm pastry and let cool for 30 minutes at room temperature.  Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours and up to one week, before serving.

Cut into squares and...

Eat it!!
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38 comments:

  1. Leanne @ Around the TableFebruary 21, 2012 at 6:59 AM

    OMGOMGOMGOMG. I cannot wait to try these! Lemon bars are my FAVORITE and these look amazing. What a nice twist with the brown butter. Pinning these so I can make them ASAP!

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  2. PennieFebruary 21, 2012 at 8:37 AM

    Well, I actually LOVE lemon desserts--I love the juxtaposition of tart and sweet. And the idea of adding brown butter to the mix is just brilliant! These look wonderful and what a loving tribute to your mom. Putting this on my list!!

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  3. Jen @ JuanitasCocina.comFebruary 21, 2012 at 8:52 AM

    Me and lemons dig each other. BIG time.

    I can't wait to try these!

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  4. RavieNomNomsFebruary 21, 2012 at 9:08 AM

    These look amazing! I love lemon bars. My boyfriend's mom makes something like this and they are SO good!

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  5. Laura @ Sprint 2 the TableFebruary 21, 2012 at 9:12 AM

    I am the same way about lemon desserts - they don't belong there. Buuuuut... I'm also of the belief that brown butter is magical. :)

    These do look delicious. I love how you left the crust so thick! That makes these even more appealing - my problem with lemon bars is that imbalance when the lemon tartness takes over the buttery crust.

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  6. Crunchy Creamy SweetFebruary 21, 2012 at 9:32 AM

    Sweet Maggie! I am so making these ASAP! What a brilliant idea! Where is my mixing bowl?? Hugs!!!

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  7. Kiri W.February 21, 2012 at 9:46 AM

    Oh yum! This looks so refreshing and indulgent :) Great recipe, you'd have to hide the pan from me!

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  8. TinaRBKFebruary 21, 2012 at 10:07 AM

    Sweet of you to make this for your mom's birthday-Happy belated birthday to her! I am sure she enjoyed every bite, these do look delicious. I like that the bar and the lemon is a 50/50 balance. Definitely something I would like to have on my next birthday-yum!

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  9. Jo @ Jo in the KitchenFebruary 21, 2012 at 10:21 AM

    My husband is in love with all things lemon, but I'm with you on this. I'll definitely be giving these a try!

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  10. AmyFebruary 21, 2012 at 12:02 PM

    Even though you may not love lemon desserts, I'm glad you made these because I sure do! I made some meyer lemon bars a few weeks ago for Super Bowl. But, they didn't have brown butter in them and I love that nutty flavor! Bookmarked!

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  11. Liz That Skinny Chick Can BakeFebruary 21, 2012 at 12:57 PM

    Yeah, lemon desserts are never my first choice, but my hubby loves lemon bars. I need to try these...as you are so right about brown butter!

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  12. Jackie @ Domestic FitsFebruary 21, 2012 at 1:00 PM

    I did gasp a little! I heart lemons, and brown butter so that makes you a genius, even if you don't heart lemons as much as I do.

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  13. shannonFebruary 21, 2012 at 1:13 PM

    maggie, i'm so excited about these! i love lemon desserts, and it never occurred to me to pair them with a brown butter crust. awesome, i'm so trying this.

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  14. Cucina49February 21, 2012 at 1:22 PM

    Those are gorgeous! I love lemon bars and am intrigued by the addition of the brown butter.

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  15. Marina MomotokFebruary 21, 2012 at 2:07 PM

    These look fantastic!!! I found your blog thru pinterest and I love all of your recipes :)

    http://eatandtheneatsomemore.blogspot.com

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  16. lisa is cookingFebruary 21, 2012 at 2:17 PM

    Brown butter does make everything better! And, I love lemon sweets, so these sound divine. Your mom must have loved them.

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  17. The Smart Cookie CookFebruary 21, 2012 at 4:32 PM

    Oh my gosh, I am completely with you on all five of those things! I don't much care for lemon stuff. But brown butter? I could freakin' drink it. These bars look divine and they would be the only way I'd be happy to eat lemon!

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  18. Vicki WildeFebruary 21, 2012 at 6:18 PM

    These look fantastic! I love the addition of browned butter (to anything really!) and I want these right now!

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  19. kaleFebruary 21, 2012 at 8:20 PM

    You are so cute! I admire you for making & posting something you weren't crazy about, but that you knew your mama would love. :)

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  20. Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love.February 21, 2012 at 8:48 PM

    Well, I love lemon desserts! If you have any extra, feel free to send them my way! :)

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  21. ZoeFebruary 21, 2012 at 9:59 PM

    What a sweet thought to dedicate this bake to your mum. These bars are very beautifully made.

    This is my time visiting your blog and it is fantastic with lots of mummy kind of cooking and baking. I would love to follow you for more in the future.

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  22. Choc Chip UruFebruary 21, 2012 at 11:46 PM

    What a wonderful twist on the traditional bar - looks fantastic :D
    And such a sweet thought towards your beautiful mum :)

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru
    Latest: 5 Minute Wrap Pizza

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  23. AnonymousFebruary 22, 2012 at 12:11 AM

    These bars look terrific (I love lemon in desserts) and your photo is terrific! I can't wait to hear about their visit!

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  24. BananamondaesFebruary 22, 2012 at 12:26 AM

    I've awarded you The Versatile Blogger Award...really enjoy reading your blog... Jules x

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  25. AlyssaFebruary 22, 2012 at 1:03 AM

    Those look great! I've never been successful at making brown butter (the few times I tried I ended up iwth burnt butter.) I love the idea of using it though in a lemon bar, which by definition are buttery. Great recipe!

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  26. Angie's RecipesFebruary 22, 2012 at 1:07 PM

    Brown butter...mm...bet these lemon bars are especially delicious!

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  27. Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and DessertsFebruary 23, 2012 at 9:23 AM

    What a great idea! I just made lemon curd for the first time, which I had thought about the browned butter idea!

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  28. Jennifer KendallFebruary 23, 2012 at 11:46 AM

    i adore brown butter, what a delicious and creative addition to lemon bars!

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  29. JanFebruary 23, 2012 at 2:10 PM

    I have been looking for a lemon bar recipe, and since yours has brown butter, this might be the one for me ;) Looks fantastic!

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  30. Britne @ Shabbott's HabitsFebruary 23, 2012 at 2:29 PM

    Yessssssss. I just love lemon bars! What a great way to brighten up winter.

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  31. RachelFebruary 24, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    Oh I love lemon and in bar form they are so much better (and portable). I am glad you broke one of your cardinal rules to produce these and share them with us.

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  32. ShannonFebruary 25, 2012 at 6:54 AM

    Mhmm, those lemon bars look so delicious! I'm craving one (or 5?) right now! :)

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  33. Dream of cakesFebruary 26, 2012 at 12:29 PM

    I like lemon flavor in everything. I am sure that those bars were delicious. Thanks for transferring this recipe to us!

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  34. Sandra LeeMarch 1, 2012 at 2:03 PM

    I would love to make these, I've never tried anything with browned butter. Hope your mom had a wonderful birthday.

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  35. AprilMarch 8, 2012 at 10:40 AM

    yum these look delicious! i have been wanting to make lemon bars for awhile, and yes brown sugar makes everything smell and taste better!

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  36. UnknownMarch 16, 2012 at 3:14 PM

    OMG! I glanced over your recipe here and saw "lemon curd" and got too excited to even finish reading the recipe. I LOVE lemon curd and would LOVE to make it myself rather than try to find it in the grocery store! Thank you just for that! The bars look really good too. I'm not crazy about lemon desserts either unless they're more sweet than tart. These look like something my whole family would enjoy. Thanks for sharing! :-)

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  37. Caroline TaylorAugust 20, 2012 at 6:29 AM

    Haha! It's a good job that your number 1 rule existed! These sound great.

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  38. QembarDelitesAugust 22, 2012 at 12:25 AM

    Hi! I love your header:) and your brown butter lemon bars look delicious! Your mom must be a very happy lady!

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