Delightful Upper Crust Bakery Mini Lemon Bites Recipe
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
The Upper Crust Bakery, a well-known institution in the world of artisanal baked goods, has perfected the lemon bite recipe over the years. This delectable treat has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many, and we're about to break down the iconic recipe for you to try at home. The traditional lemon bite is a masterclass in balancing flavors and textures, with a tangy lemon curd sandwiched between two layers of flaky pastry, which is then topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Our recipe will guide you through the process of crafting this sweet and tangy delight in bite-sized portions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 lemon, zested
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup lemon curd (or homemade, see below)
- Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
- Additional lemon zest, for garnish
- Lemon jam or sprinkle (optional)
Preparing the Pastry Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the softened butter and, using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be cautious not to overmix. Set aside.

The Ultimate Lemon Curd Recipe
- Grate the zest of 2 lemons and set aside for garnish.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, lemon juice, and eggs. Whisk until smooth.
- Place the saucepan over low heat, cooking and stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes.
- Strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any remaining egg bits.
- Stir in the grated lemon zest into the curd. Set aside to cool.
Assembly and Enjoy
| Step 1: | Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm). Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles of pastry, about 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) in diameter. |
|---|---|
| Step 2: | Transfer a spoonful of lemon curd to one half of each pastry circle, leaving a 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) border around the edges. |
| Step 3: | Brush the edges with a small amount of water and fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing gently with a fork to seal. |
| Step 4: | Place the assembled bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch (2.54 cm) of space between each bite. Brush the tops with a little water and sprinkle with powdered sugar. |
| Step 5: | Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. |
Presenting Your Masterpieces
Once the bites have cooled slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, arrange on a serving platter or individual plates and garnish with additional lemon zest, lemon jam, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. These delightful Upper Crust Bakery Mini Lemon Bites are best served warm, but they can be enjoyed at room temperature or even refrigerated for up to 3 days.
As you indulge in the exquisite taste and texture of these bite-sized treats, you'll understand the magic behind the creation of every Upper Crust Bakery original. Replicate this indulgent masterpiece at home and treat yourself, your friends and family, to a delightful experience you'll relish for a long time.