Dreamy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust Recipe for Sweet Fans

Crafting delectable lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust brings pure sunshine to your dessert table.

Zesty citrus notes dance across a golden, crumbly base that melts in your mouth.

Sweet tanginess creates a perfect balance of flavors that surprise and delight.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike adore this classic treat for its simplicity and elegance.

Minimal ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks impressive yet requires little effort.

Each bite promises a refreshing burst of brightness that cuts through rich sweetness.

We promise this recipe will become your go-to summer indulgence.

Storing Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust

• 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 place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
• Warm slightly in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness of the crust. Dust with fresh powdered sugar after reheating for extra appeal.

FAQs

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

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor and brightness. Bottled juice works in a pinch but might taste slightly less vibrant and can lack the natural zest that fresh lemons offer.

• How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Make sure to pre-bake the shortbread crust until it’s lightly golden before adding the lemon filling. This helps create a crisp base that won’t absorb too much moisture from the filling.

• Why did my lemon bars turn out too runny?

This usually happens if the bars aren’t baked long enough. Ensure you bake the filling until it’s just set and doesn’t jiggle when gently shaken. The edges should look slightly firm while the center might be slightly soft.

• How can I get clean, sharp cuts when slicing the bars?

Why Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust Are Classic

• Zest Up Your Dessert: Bursting with bright, tangy lemon flavor that dances on your taste buds and brings a refreshing twist to classic desserts.
• Foolproof Baking Adventure: Perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, with simple steps that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: A versatile dessert that works beautifully for family gatherings, potlucks, or when you want to impress friends with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe that allows for simple variations like adding extra zest, experimenting with different citrus fruits, or adjusting sweetness to your liking.

Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust Ingredients

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides a tender and flaky texture to the shortbread crust.
• Flour: The main structural component that helps create a crisp and sturdy shortbread foundation.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality of the crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the shortbread.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the lemon filling.
• Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to help the lemon filling set properly.
• Eggs: Bind the filling together and create a smooth, custard-like texture.
• Lemon Juice: Delivers a bright, tangy flavor that is the signature taste of the dessert.
• Lemon Zest: Adds intense citrus aroma and deepens the lemon flavor profile.

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting that adds a sweet decoration and subtle sweetness to the completed lemon bars.

How to Bake Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and generously coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Shortbread Crust

• Softened butter
• All-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar
• Pinch of salt

Work the ingredients until a crumbly dough forms.

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth base.

Step 3: Bake Crust Foundation

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake the shortbread crust for 18-20 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden color.

Step 4: Whip Up Lemon Filling

• Granulated sugar
• Flour
• Eggs
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture becomes silky smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 5: Bake Lemon Layer

Pour the vibrant lemon mixture over the golden shortbread crust.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the filling sets and looks slightly firm.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the pan from the oven and let the lemon bars cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, slice into squares.

Optional: Dust the tops with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips for Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust

• Use cold, cubed butter for a flakier, more tender shortbread crust that melts in your mouth.
• Grate only the bright yellow part of the lemon zest, avoiding the bitter white pith for a pure, vibrant citrus flavor.
• Use parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal and clean, perfect-cut bars.
• Bring eggs to room temperature to ensure a smoother, more evenly blended lemon filling.
• Adjust powdered sugar dusting based on personal preference or dietary needs, using less for a tangier treat.

Variations of Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust

• Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Lime Zest Variation: Swap lemon juice and zest with lime for a tangy tropical flavor profile.
• Vegan Citrus Bars: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with silken tofu or aquafaba, and choose plant-based sugar for a dairy-free option.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweet lemony taste.

Serving Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust

• Citrus Brunch Delight: Serve these lemon bars alongside fresh berries and a light yogurt parfait for a refreshing morning spread.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Pair the bars with Earl Grey tea and delicate lace cookies for a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack these bars in a cute container for outdoor gatherings, offering a zesty sweet bite that travels well and impresses friends.
• Dessert Garnish Upgrade: Sprinkle extra lemon zest or edible flowers on top to add a beautiful, gourmet touch that enhances visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon bars dance with buttery shortbread in this classic dessert that balances tangy citrus and sweet comfort. Silky smooth filling nestles on a crisp golden crust, promising a delightful slice of sunshine you’ll crave with every bite.

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Ingredients

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Shortbread Crust Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 pinch of salt

Lemon Filling Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
2. Create the shortbread crust by blending butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt until a cohesive dough forms, then firmly press the mixture into the prepared pan.
3. Roast the shortbread crust in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 18-20 minutes, watching for a delicate golden hue.
4. Craft the lemon filling by whisking granulated sugar and flour, then incorporating eggs, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and fragrant zest until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Gently cascade the lemony mixture over the baked crust, returning the pan to the oven for an additional 20-25 minutes until the filling sets and becomes slightly firm.
6. Allow the baked dessert to cool completely at room temperature, ensuring a stable structure for cutting.
7. Slice into elegant squares and optionally dust with a light veil of powdered sugar just before serving to enhance visual appeal and add a touch of sweetness.

Notes

• Chill the butter before mixing to achieve a crumbly, tender shortbread crust that melts in your mouth.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, vibrant citrus flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature to ensure clean, precise cuts and prevent a runny filling.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 268
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 36 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 77 mg