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1946-1969 - Home bakers participating in booster clubs, tailgates, and church gatherings
Lemon bars are a popular American dessert featuring a shortbread crust topped with a bright, tangy lemon custard. Widely enjoyed at tailgates, booster clubs, and church gatherings from the 1970s to 1980s, lemon bars combine convenience with fresh citrus flavor.
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Difficulty
Medium
Prep time
20 minutes
Cook time
25 minutes
Total time
45 minutes
Servings
16 bars
Region
Minneapolis, Minnesota Betty Crocker test kitchens
Era introduced
1946-1969
Introduced by
Home bakers participating in booster clubs, tailgates, and church gatherings
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Lemon bars became a favored dessert in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, especially at tailgates, booster clubs, and church events where easy-to-serve sweets were popular. The combination of a buttery shortbread crust and tangy lemon filling offered a balance of rich and bright flavors. This treat reflects trends in convenience and fusion of fresh fruit with accessible homemade baking during that era.
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