Zesty Tangy Lemon Chocolate Bars In 5 Simple Steps

When the opposites attract, the result is nothing less than a visceral symphony. Combine the contrasting flavors of lemon and chocolate together in one dessert recipe to enjoy both the deep and bright flavors in every bite. This recipe brings together two of the most contrasting flavors together to create a beloved dessert that is cherished by many across the globe. Follow the recipe and make these easy bars today for picnics, house parties, and more.

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Layer:

• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 large egg yolks
• Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Base:

• 1 ½ cups crushed Oreo cookies or chocolate cookies
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 tbsp sugar

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

• ½ cup dark or milk chocolate chips
• 1 tsp coconut oil

Method:

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cookie Crust

Start off by mixing crushed Oreo cookies with melted butter and sugar. Combine until it looks like wet sand. Like an 8x8 cake pan with parchment paper and press this cookie mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake it at 175°C for about 8 to 10 minutes until it firms up. Once baked, let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Whisk the Lemon Filling

Take a different bowl and in it combine sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, egg yolks, and a pinch of salt. Mix until it becomes smooth and silky. After mixing, pour this mixture over the cooled cookie crust.

Step 3: Bake Until Set

After pouring, bake this for about 15 to 20 minutes at 160°C until the center is just set but a little bit jiggly. Once baked, let it cool completely at room temperature first then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. It is also best if you let it sit in the fridge overnight.

Step 4: Slice the Bars

Once the mixture is baked and set, it is time to chop it into bars and decorate. Take the set mixture out of the fridge and chop it into bite size bars.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Drizzle

Combine chocolate chips with coconut oil in a heat proof. Heat up water in a saucepan until it starts to steam. Place the bowl over the saucepan so that the steam from water could help melt the chocolate. Stir it until it becomes smooth and evenly melted. Do not let it overheat. Drizzle this melted chocolate over the chilled bars in zig zag strokes or cover it fully. Let the chocolate firm up in the fridge or decorate even more as you like.

Step 6: Slice & Serve

Serve the bars right away. If you want to introduce more texture, you can add a few chopped nuts over the drizzle. You can store these bars in the fridge for up to 5 days and enjoy it whenever you want.

Tips and Tricks to make Tangy Lemon Chocolate Bars extra delicious:

Tip 1: Zest First, Juice Later

Before juicing the lemons, zest it first. Zest holds all the oil and it gets squeezed away when you take the juice out first. Add a little extra zest if you want a tangy punch in the lemon chocolate bars.

Tip 2: Use Fresh Lemon Juice

Bottled juice doesn't taste as good and as refreshing as freshly squeezed lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice gives the bright flavor and tarty kick that you need to complement with chocolate base.

Tip 3: Use Dark Chocolate Base

For a heightened flavor, always use a darker chocolate flavor. Oreo cookies are the best option if you want a concentrated chocolate flavor. If you want to enhance it a bit more, add some melted dark chocolate into the crust mixture.

Tip 4: Add a Pinch of Salt

A pinch of sea salt in both the crust and lemon filling makes the flavor concentrated and bright. Salt also balances the sweetness in the bars so it tastes more sharp and refined.

Tip 5: Strain the Lemon Filling

Lemon filling may get a few lumps and uneven texture which can ruin the experience. To avoid this, always run the lemon mixture through a sieve after whisking. This step removes lumps and zest clumps from the mixture, giving you a smooth finish.

Tip 6: Chill Overnight

Let the lemon chocolate bars freeze overnight if you want to enjoy the refreshing flavors for a long time. With time, the flavors get combined and melded evenly which enhances the experience and gives a satisfying bite.