Bee’s Knees Lemon Bars

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These Bee’s Knees Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar, inspired by the famous Bee’s Knees cocktail. Combining the zing of fresh lemon with the smoothness of honey, these bars capture the essence of a refreshing gin-based cocktail, perfect for summer or any time of the year.

What is this Recipe?

The Bee’s Knees Lemon Bars recipe is a unique fusion of flavors inspired by the Bee’s Knees cocktail. The classic Bee’s Knees drink combines gin, lemon juice, and honey, creating a deliciously refreshing and subtly sweet experience. Translating these flavors into a dessert, these lemon bars offer the same zingy citrus punch complemented by a honey-sweet finish. They’re a versatile treat for dessert tables, brunches, and afternoon tea or to indulge in a sweet, citrusy delight any time you need a refreshing pick-me-up.

Recipe Card

Recipe Name:
Bee’s Knees Lemon Bars

Description:
Inspired by the classic Bee’s Knees cocktail, these lemon bars bring together fresh lemon juice, honey, and a buttery shortbread crust for a refreshing, tangy treat.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Yield
15 minutes	25 minutes	40 minutes	16 bars	16 lemon bars

Ingredients

Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ cup powdered sugar
Pinch of salt

Filling:

¾ cup fresh lemon juice
Zest of 2 lemons
½ cup honey
½ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt

Directions

Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, forming a smooth layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Make the Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, granulated sugar, eggs, flour, and salt. Mix until smooth and no lumps remain.
Bake the Lemon Bars:
Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the center is set and slightly firm to the touch.
Cool and Chill:
Allow the lemon bars to cool in the pan for about 1 hour. Then, place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for achieving a firm, sliceable consistency.
Cut and Serve:
Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the chilled lemon bars out of the pan. Cut them into 16 squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1 bar)

Calories: 160
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 40mg
Total Carbohydrates: 21g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 15g
Protein: 2g

Why You’ll Love These Bee’s Knees Lemon Bars

Unique Twist: These lemon bars are inspired by the refreshing Bee’s Knees cocktail recipe, a classic gin-based drink. The use of honey in the filling gives them a natural sweetness with a floral hint.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most ingredients, like lemon, honey, butter, and flour, making these lemon bars easy and affordable to whip up.
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy: The combination of honey and lemon creates a deliciously balanced filling that is both tangy and sweet.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice is essential for a bright, tangy flavor. Use the zest to enhance the citrusy punch.
Honey: This natural sweetener replaces part of the sugar and brings a subtle floral sweetness. Maple syrup can be used as a substitute but will add a different flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the crust and the filling, it gives structure. For a gluten-free version, replace it with almond flour for the crust and a gluten-free flour blend for the filling.
Eggs: These help bind the filling, creating a creamy texture when baked.

How to Make Bee’s Knees Lemon Bars (Step-by-Step)

1.Mix and Press the Crust: Combine flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter in a bowl. Press this mixture into the pan to form an even base.

2.Bake the Crust: Bake until lightly golden. This will create a solid base to hold the lemon filling.

3.Prepare the Filling:

Whisking lemon juice, zest, honey, and eggs to make the filling for Bee’s Knees Lemon Bars

Whisk lemon juice, zest, honey, sugar, and eggs. Add flour and salt to ensure a creamy, smooth filling.

4.Bake the Bars: Pour the filling over the crust and bake until set.

5.Cool, Chill, and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely before chilling them. Once chilled, slice into squares and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Success

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best flavor. Bottled juice can alter the taste.
Chill Before Cutting: These bars will set fully once chilled, making them easier to slice cleanly.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: For an elegant finish, dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Add Gin: For a more literal Bee’s Knees-inspired dessert, add a tablespoon of gin to the filling.
Lemon-Lavender Bars: Add a teaspoon of dried lavender to the crust for a floral twist that complements the honey and lemon flavors.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for almond flour in the crust and use a gluten-free flour blend in the filling.

Storage and Freezing

Storage: Keep leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze lemon bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Bee’s Knees Lemon Bars with a side of whipped cream, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of additional lemon zest for extra flavor. They’re also perfect with a glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a Bee’s Knees cocktail for a complete experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.
Why is honey used in this recipe?
Honey adds a floral sweetness that mirrors the Bee’s Knees cocktail’s unique taste.
How can I make these lemon bars gluten-free?
Use almond flour in the crust and a gluten-free flour blend in the filling.
What makes this recipe different from traditional lemon bars?
This recipe uses honey, inspired by the Bee’s Knees cocktail, giving it a floral sweetness unique to this dessert.
Can I add gin to the filling?
Yes! Adding a tablespoon of gin will give these lemon bars an adult twist and a more authentic Bee’s Knees flavor.

You’ll Also Love:

If you enjoy these Bee’s Knees Lemon Bars, you might also love:

Lemon Drizzle Cake: A moist, tangy lemon cake with a sweet glaze.
Gin & Tonic Cupcakes: Gin lovers will enjoy this fun twist on the classic cocktail in cupcake form.
Classic Lemon Bars: A more traditional version of lemon bars, made with a buttery shortbread crust and lemony filling.

These Bee’s Knees Lemon Bars offer a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and floral flavors that mimic the famous Bee’s Knees cocktail. They’re the perfect dessert for spring gatherings, summer picnics, or simply when you crave something citrusy and refreshing. Give them a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of this inspired recipe!

Give it a try, and delight in the rich sweetness and refreshing zest of these Bee’s Knees Lemon Bars! Perfect for sharing at brunch or as a delightful treat. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your #BeesRecipes creations on Instagram – we can’t wait to see your unique take on this citrusy dessert.