65

min
  • desserts

Loss Function Lemon Bars

Embark on a culinary journey with our Loss Function Lemon Bars, a perfected blend of tangy lemon filling on a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar. This unique dessert merges classic and modern baking techniques to create a treat that is both familiar yet delightfully unique.

  • SERVES
    16 people
  • PREP TIME
    20 minutes
  • Cook TIME
    45 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Directions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
  3. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  4. While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder. Pour this mixture over the hot crust.
  5. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly browned.
  6. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

The Loss Function Lemon Bars were inspired by a love for the classic dessert, but with a personal twist. They are named after a concept in machine learning, where "loss functions" are used to measure how well a model is performing. Just as a good loss function can create a successful model, careful attention to ingredients and technique can create a successful dessert.

The idea behind this recipe was to take something classic and give it a modern twist, just like how AI and machine learning are modern takes on classic concepts of problem-solving and data analysis.

The tangy lemon filling in this recipe is made extra flavorful with the addition of fresh lemon zest, which gives the bars a bright, zesty flavor that is a perfect contrast to the rich, buttery shortbread crust. The crust itself is made with unsalted butter and a touch of salt, allowing you to control the amount of salt to your taste. The end result is a dessert that is rich, tangy, and perfectly balanced.

These lemon bars are a fun and delicious way to explore the world of baking. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, you'll love the process of making these bars and the delightful burst of flavors that they bring. So why not take a break from your usual recipes and try something new? The Loss Function Lemon Bars might just become your new favorite dessert.

desserts