Introduction to Lemon Bars with Olive Oil and Pistachios

Lemon bars are prized for their tangy-sweetness, but the bright acidity of lemon juice can overwhelm other nuanced flavors and read as a little one-note.

Balancing Flavors in Lemon Bars

In our book, “Milk Street Bakes,” we bring balance to the sunny dessert by incorporating a small measure of fruity, savory olive oil in both the custard and crust. If you have a bottle of top-shelf olive oil, this is the time to use it, though high-quality supermarket brands work well, too. Just be sure to use extra-virgin olive oil, which has far more character than refined regular and light olive oils.
This image released by Milk Street shows a recipe for lemon and pistachio bars. (Milk Street via AP)

Enhancing Texture and Flavor

Using egg yolks in addition to whole eggs boosts both richness and color. Don’t vigorously whisk the eggs and sugar when making the filling or the mixture will become aerated, which will result in a bubbled surface on the baked bars. Whisk gently and only until the eggs and sugar are combined. For incorporating the flour and liquids into the filling base, we prefer to stir with a silicone spatula to avoid additional aeration.

Incorporating Pistachios and Lemon Zest

Buttery pistachios and fragrant lemon zest are mixed into the shortbread base, providing citrusy and nutty notes. With their subtle sweetness and vivid green hue, raw pistachios are worth seeking out. If you can’t find them, the bars still are delicious made with roasted pistachios — just be sure they’re unsalted.

Adding a Touch of Creaminess

A little heavy cream in the lemon filling tamps down any harsh, brassy notes and lends a smooth, round richness. The bars hold well at room temperature for up to three days. For the cleanest cuts, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. Dust them with powdered sugar only just before serving, or the sugar will dissolve.
This image released by Milk Street shows a recipe for lemon and pistachio bars. (Milk Street via AP)

Recipe Details

Preparation Time and Yield

Start to finish: 1¾ hours (30 minutes active), plus cooling
Makes 24 bars

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 113 grams (8 tablespoons) cold salted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes, plus softened butter for the pan
• 145 grams (1 cup) raw pistachios (see headnote)
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 195 grams (1½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 161 grams (¾ cup) white sugar
• ¾ teaspoon table salt
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large egg white, beaten
  For filling and finishing:
• 5 large eggs, plus 3 large egg yolks
• 375 grams (1¾ cups) white sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest, plus 1 cup lemon juice
• 33 grams (¼ cup) all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon table salt
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Powdered sugar, to serve

Directions

1. To make the crust, butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan or glass baking dish. In a food processor, process the pistachios and lemon zest until finely chopped, about 30 seconds. Add the flour, sugar and salt; process until well combined, 10 to 20 seconds. Scrape the bowl and pulse a few times to ensure no dry, floury patches remain. Scatter the butter over the mixture and drizzle in the oil, then process until large, evenly moistened clumps form, 45 to 60 seconds.
2. Crumble the dough clumps into the prepared pan, evenly scattering the bits. Using your fingers, press into an even layer. Lightly brush with the beaten egg white and refrigerate, uncovered, until cold and firm, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the middle position.
3. Bake the crust until golden brown, 22 to 26 minutes. While the crust bakes, make the filling. In a large bowl, combine the whole eggs and yolks, sugar and lemon zest; whisk gently just until smooth (avoid aerating the mixture). Add the flour and salt; stir with a silicone spatula until combined. Stir in the lemon juice, cream and oil.
4. When the crust is done, remove the pan from the oven. Gently stir the filling to recombine, then pour it onto the hot crust; if any large bubbles rise to the surface, pop them with a toothpick or skewer. Return to the oven and bake until the filling is set, 24 to 27 minutes. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 3 hours.
5. Using a sharp knife, cut the bars in the pan lengthwise into quarters, then crosswise into sixths, creating 24 squares. Remove from the pan with an offset spatula. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Conclusion

The combination of lemon, pistachio, and olive oil in these bars offers a unique and refreshing twist on traditional lemon bars. With their balance of tangy and sweet flavors, along with the crunch of pistachios, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of lemon desserts or just looking to try something new, these lemon bars with olive oil and pistachios are sure to delight.

FAQs

• Q: Can I use roasted pistachios instead of raw?
  • A: Yes, you can use roasted pistachios, but make sure they are unsalted to avoid altering the flavor profile of the bars.
• Q: How do I ensure the cleanest cuts?
  • A: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This will help you achieve clean cuts.
• Q: Can I store the bars at room temperature?
  • A: Yes, the bars can be stored at room temperature for up to three days.
• Q: Why is it important to use extra-virgin olive oil?
  • A: Extra-virgin olive oil has a more robust flavor than regular olive oil, which complements the other ingredients in the recipe.
• Q: Where can I find more recipes like this?
  • A: For more recipes, visit Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street at 177milkstreet.com/ap.
    Originally Published: March 12, 2025 at 1:49 PM EDT