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Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Dessert Bars

These dessert bars are a delightful blend of zesty lemon flavor and nutty poppy seeds, topped with a sweet citrus glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 12 tablespoons fresh lemon juice for glaze

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, softened butter, and lemon zest until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, followed by the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
  5. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the buttermilk and sour cream. Mix gently until just combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
  9. Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and let it set before slicing.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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