Irresistible Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust Recipe

Zesty lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust can turn an ordinary afternoon into a delightful culinary adventure.

Bright citrus notes dance across a silky smooth filling that promises pure happiness.

Sweet and tangy flavors blend perfectly in this classic dessert.

Crumbly, golden shortbread provides a delicate foundation for the vibrant lemon layer.

Each bite balances richness with a refreshing punch of citrus.

Subtle hints of vanilla complement the sharp lemon brightness.

Slice into these tempting bars and feel your taste buds celebrate the perfect dessert harmony.

Shortbread Lemon Bars Keep Them Fresh After Serving

• Store lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm bars briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for the best texture. Avoid overheating to prevent soggy crust.
• Dust with fresh powdered sugar after reheating to restore the beautiful white topping and enhance visual appeal.

Side Ideas for Lemon Bars

• Pair Zesty Lemon Bars with Complementary Flavors
• Refresh with Lavender Tea: Light, floral lavender tea balances the tangy lemon bars, creating a delicate and sophisticated dessert experience that cleanses the palate.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio whose citrusy undertones and bright acidity perfectly enhance the lemon bars' vibrant flavor profile.
• Serve with Creamy Vanilla Gelato: Smooth, rich vanilla gelato provides a cool, silky counterpoint to the bars' sharp lemon filling, creating a luxurious dessert combination.
• Complement with Fresh Berries: Scattered raspberries or blueberries add natural sweetness and a burst of color, cutting through the bars' intense citrus notes while providing a fresh, light finish.

Lemon Bars with a Shortbread Spin

• Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic tangy flavor.
• Vegan Citrus Bars: Swap eggs with silken tofu or aquafaba, use coconut oil instead of butter, and opt for plant-based sweeteners to create a dairy-free and egg-free dessert.
• Low-Sugar Lemon Squares: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content, and maintain the bright citrus profile for a lighter treat.
• Lime Alternative Bars: Swap lemon juice and zest with fresh lime for a tropical-inspired variation that offers a slightly different zingy flavor profile.

FAQs

• Are lemon bars difficult to make?

No, they’re quite simple! The recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward steps. Even beginner bakers can create delicious lemon bars with some careful attention.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but it lacks the bright, vibrant taste of freshly squeezed lemons and can taste slightly artificial.

• How do I prevent my lemon bars from being too runny?

Make sure to bake the filling until it’s just set. The edges should look slightly firm, and the center should have a gentle jiggle. Overbaking can make them dry, while underbaking leads to runny bars.

• What kind of sugar works best for the filling?

Granulated white sugar is perfect for lemon bars. It dissolves easily and provides the right level of sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemons.

Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust Bring Tangy Joy In Every Bite

• Zesty Quick Dessert: Perfect for busy home bakers who want a delightful treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Burst: Tangy lemon filling and buttery shortbread crust create an irresistible combination that appeals to all ages.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for novice bakers, requiring minimal technical skills and basic kitchen tools.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Great for potlucks, summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal, these lemon bars always impress guests.

Lemon Bars With Shortbread Base

• All-Purpose Flour, Unsalted Butter, Salt: Classic shortbread foundation with rich, buttery texture and subtle seasoning.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create crisp crust structure.

• Fresh Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright, tangy citrus flavor with intense aromatic qualities.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps create smooth, silky lemon custard filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances lemon's tartness and sweetens the filling.

• Powdered Sugar: Light, delicate dusting that adds visual appeal and subtle sweetness.

Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch pan and line it with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your lemony masterpiece.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

Work the cold butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse, crumbly sand.

Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan, creating a golden foundation for your bars.

Step 3: Bake the Shortbread Foundation

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes.

You’re looking for a light golden color that hints at the deliciousness to come.

Step 4: Whip Up the Zesty Filling

• Eggs
• Sugar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Bright lemon zest
• Flour

Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Layer the Liquid Sunshine

Once the crust comes out of the oven, pour the lemony filling directly over the hot surface.

This helps create a seamless connection between crust and filling.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

The filling should look set but still have a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

When they’ve reached room temperature, dust with a snowy layer of powdered sugar.

Slice into squares and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite.

Shortbread Crusts Like The Pros Prefer

• Ensure your butter is cold and cut into small pieces for a perfectly crumbly and crisp shortbread base.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant and bright citrus taste that really makes these bars pop.
• Watch the filling carefully and remove from the oven when it's just set but still slightly jiggly in the center to maintain a silky smooth texture.
• Dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving to keep the topping light and prevent it from melting or absorbing into the filling.
• Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to create neat, clean-edged lemon bar squares that look professionally made.

Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust bring sunshine to classic dessert lovers. Tangy citrus filling nestled on a crisp, golden base creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest

Topping:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
2. Craft the foundational shortbread layer by meticulously blending flour, sugar, and salt until uniformly combined.
3. Incorporate cold butter into the dry mixture, using a pastry cutter or fingertips to create a textured, sandy consistency.
4. Gently compress the crumbly mixture into the prepared pan, establishing an even, compact base for the dessert.
5. Transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 350°F and bake until the crust achieves a delicate golden hue, approximately 20 minutes.
6. While the crust transforms, whisk together eggs and sugar until smooth and pale, creating a luxurious foundation for the citrus layer.
7. Integrate fresh lemon juice and zest into the egg mixture, infusing the filling with vibrant, tangy notes.
8. Sprinkle flour into the liquid ingredients, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture.
9. Carefully pour the luminous lemon filling over the freshly baked, still-warm crust, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
10. Return the pan to the oven, allowing the filling to set and develop a subtle, wobbling consistency, roughly 20-25 minutes.
11. Remove from the oven and permit the bars to cool completely at room temperature, allowing flavors to meld and structure to stabilize.
12. Generously dust the cooled surface with a delicate veil of powdered sugar, creating an elegant, festive finish.
13. Slice into precise squares, revealing the layers of buttery crust and bright, zesty filling.

Notes

• Prevent a soggy crust by ensuring the shortbread base is fully baked and golden before adding the lemon filling.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant, bright citrus flavor that makes these bars sing.
• Chill the bars completely before cutting to get clean, precise squares that hold their shape perfectly.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg