Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional for extra crunch)
Feel free to substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed, and adjust the sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet treat. The nuts add a lovely texture, reminiscent of the layered flavors my grandmother taught me to appreciate in every dish.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a separate bowl.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the partially baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the crushed graham crackers and chopped nuts over the top, pressing them gently into the lemon layer.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. I find that chilling them in the refrigerator for an hour makes slicing even easier.
These steps are infused with the kind of practical guidance I learned from my family — straightforward yet attentive, ensuring each ingredient shines in its own right. As my abuela always said, “Cook with love and patience, and the food will speak for itself.”
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International