Name: Buttermilk Chess Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup cold salted butter (cubed); 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup whole buttermilk; 1/2 cup salted butter (melted); 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons plain yellow cornmeal; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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There’s something uniquely delightful about Buttermilk Chess Bars. With their rich, creamy texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, these bars are a treat that everyone will adore. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a casual brunch, or simply indulging yourself, these bars bring a burst of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, combining simple ingredients to create a decadent dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Buttermilk Chess Bars are a unique twist on traditional chess pie, delivering a luscious filling atop a buttery crust. Here’s what makes this recipe a standout:

Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have these bars in the oven in no time.
Rich Flavor: The combination of buttermilk, butter, and lemon gives these bars a rich, tangy flavor that’s hard to resist.
Great Texture: The creamy filling paired with a crumbly crust creates a delightful contrast that is incredibly satisfying.
Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic or a cozy winter night in.
Make Ahead: These bars can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy dessert without the last-minute rush.

Ingredient Breakdown

To whip up these delicious Buttermilk Chess Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base for the crust, creating a tender yet sturdy structure.
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust while keeping it light and crumbly.
3/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
1 cup cold salted butter, cubed: The star of the crust, giving it a rich buttery flavor.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps achieve that perfect, creamy texture.
1 cup whole buttermilk: Adds moisture and a tangy flavor, making the filling luscious.
1/2 cup salted butter, melted: Used in the filling to enhance richness.
3 large eggs: Provide structure and stability to the filling.
2 teaspoons lemon zest: Offers a refreshing brightness to the overall flavor.
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds acidity and enhances the tanginess.
2 tablespoons plain yellow cornmeal: Helps thicken the filling and adds a slight texture.
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Aids in setting the filling.
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Complements the other flavors beautifully.

Equipment Breakdown

Before you start baking, gather the following equipment:

Mixing Bowls: One large for the filling and one medium for the crust.
9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for these bars, allowing for even baking.
Whisk: To combine the filling ingredients smoothly.
Rubber Spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding ingredients.
Parchment Paper: Optional, but helps with easy removal of the bars.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.

Cooking Buttermilk Chess Bars: The Process

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these delicious Buttermilk Chess Bars. Follow these steps for a foolproof recipe:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and thoroughly.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed salted butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Press the Crust into the Baking Dish

Transfer the crumbly mixture into the 9×13-inch baking dish. Press it down firmly and evenly across the bottom to form a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, whole buttermilk, melted salted butter, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, cornmeal, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Pour Filling Over the Crust

Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the filling mixture over the hot crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top. The bars should jiggle slightly in the center when done.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, cut into squares and serve. For an extra touch, dust the tops with additional confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas

Buttermilk Chess Bars are versatile and can be enjoyed year-round. Here are some ideas to enhance your experience:

Spring: Serve with fresh berries for a delightful contrast.
Summer: Pair with ice cream or whipped cream for a refreshing treat.
Fall: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal twist.
Winter: Drizzle with a warm lemon glaze for added comfort.

Notes on Ingredients

Using cold butter for the crust is crucial for achieving that flaky texture.
Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the bars, so opt for fresh over bottled for the best flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different flavorings, such as orange zest or almond extract, to customize your bars.
Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother filling.

Save It for Later

If you find yourself with extra Buttermilk Chess Bars, they store beautifully!

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months.
Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Common Questions

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

While you can use regular milk, the tangy flavor and richness of buttermilk are key to achieving the signature taste of Buttermilk Chess Bars. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

Can I add chocolate to the filling?

Absolutely! You can fold in some chocolate chips or cocoa powder into the filling for a delightful chocolate twist on the classic recipe.

Why did my filling crack?

Cracking can occur if the filling is overbaked or if it cools too quickly. To prevent this, avoid opening the oven door frequently and allow the bars to cool gradually after baking.

How do I know when my bars are done baking?

The filling should be set with a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. The edges will look firm and slightly golden.

Keep Cooking

If you enjoyed making Buttermilk Chess Bars, here are some more delightful recipes to try:

Sally’s Baking Addiction for more delicious dessert ideas.
Pinch of Yum for tasty meal inspirations.
Minimalist Baker for quick and easy recipes with wholesome ingredients.

Serve & Enjoy

Once your Buttermilk Chess Bars are baked and cooled, serve them up at your next gathering, and watch them disappear! With their creamy filling and buttery crust, these bars are sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy each bite, savoring the delightful blend of flavors that make Buttermilk Chess Bars a truly irresistible treat.