Zesty Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust Recipe: Bright Bliss

Creamy, zesty lemon bars dance with a buttery shortbread crust that melts in your mouth.

Sunshine bursts through each delectable square, promising a tangy escape from ordinary desserts.

Sweet and tart flavors intertwine in a delightful balance that beckons you closer.

Crisp edges give way to a silky smooth filling that whispers of summer afternoons.

Delicate crumbs create a perfect foundation for the bright citrus sensation.

Rich yet light, these bars offer a sophisticated twist on classic comfort.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible treat.

Why Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust Are a Classic

• Savor Zesty Flavor Explosion: Burst with tangy lemon goodness that dances on your taste buds, creating a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy notes.
• Craft a Stunning Dessert Centerpiece: Impress family and friends with a gorgeous dessert that looks professionally made but requires minimal baking skills.
• Master Simple Baking Technique: Learn an easy two-layer technique that transforms basic ingredients into a delightful treat anyone can prepare at home.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for potlucks, afternoon tea, summer gatherings, or as a delicious after-dinner dessert that appeals to all ages.

What You’ll Need for Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure for the shortbread crust.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture in the crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the shortbread base.
• Cold Butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture and helps bind the crust ingredients together.

• Large Eggs: Provide structure and help thicken the lemon filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the lemon and sweetens the filling.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Delivers the signature tangy flavor of the bars.
• Lemon Zest: Adds intense citrus aroma and bright flavor to the filling.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder: Help stabilize and set the lemon filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides a classic decorative and sweet finishing touch to the lemon bars.

Step-by-Step for Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep the Pan

Crank your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.

Smooth out the paper to ensure it sits flat against the pan’s surface.

Step 2: Craft the Buttery Shortbread Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Cold unsalted butter

Pulse or mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

The texture should be like wet sand but hold together when pinched.

Step 3: Press and Bake the Crust

Transfer the crumbly mixture to the prepared pan.

Use your fingers or the back of a measuring cup to press the dough evenly across the bottom. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown.

Step 4: Whip Up the Zesty Lemon Filling

• Large eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder

Blend until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, with no flour lumps remaining.

Step 5: Layer and Finish the Lemon Bars

Pour the bright yellow lemon filling directly over the warm shortbread crust.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. The filling should look set but still have a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Serve with Flair

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. This helps the bars set properly.

Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares and dust generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Expert Tips for the Best Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust

• Chill the butter thoroughly for a flakier, more tender shortbread crust that melts in your mouth.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor that makes these bars sing.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for effortless removal and clean, perfect square bars every time.
• Sift powdered sugar over the cooled bars just before serving to create a beautiful, professional-looking finish.
• Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature to help the filling set properly and achieve the perfect texture.

Variations to Try on Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust

• Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Citrus Bars: Swap eggs with silken tofu or aquafaba, use coconut oil instead of butter, and add plant-based milk to maintain moisture.
• Lime Zest Variation: Substitute lemon juice and zest with fresh lime for a tangy tropical flavor profile.
• Lavender Lemon Bars: Infuse filling with dried lavender buds to create an elegant herbal undertone, complementing the classic citrus taste.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust

• Zesty Picnic Treat: Pack these lemon bars in individual containers for a refreshing outdoor dessert that travels perfectly.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve on a beautiful platter with delicate china teacups, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that feels like a special occasion.
• Brunch Showstopper: Arrange bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices for a stunning centerpiece that will impress breakfast guests.
• Summer Dessert Upgrade: Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh berries to transform the classic lemon bar into an elevated sweet treat.

Storage Tips for Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust

• Store lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain the delicate powdered sugar coating.
• Freeze the bars for long-term storage by wrapping individually in plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen lemon bars in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Use room temperature butter and press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Prebaking the crust helps create a barrier that keeps the lemon filling from making it wet.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is always recommended for the best flavor. Bottled juice can work, but it might lack the bright, zesty taste that fresh lemons provide.

• Why did my lemon bars crack on top?

Overbaking or sudden temperature changes can cause cracking. Bake until the filling is just set and let the bars cool gradually at room temperature to prevent cracks.

• How can I get clean, neat bar cuts?

Chill the bars completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut for precise, smooth edges.

Tangy Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon bars with shortbread crust offer a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors from Mediterranean culinary traditions. Silky lemon filling nestles atop a buttery crust, creating a delightful dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

Shortbread Crust:

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

Lemon Filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest

Thickening Agents:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

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Instructions

1. Arrange oven rack in the middle position and preheat to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
2. Combine shortbread ingredients into a crumbly mixture, pressing firmly and evenly into the prepared pan to create a compact base.
3. Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes until edges turn light golden brown and surface appears slightly dry.
4. While crust bakes, whisk eggs vigorously to create a smooth, uniform texture for the lemon filling.
5. Incorporate lemon juice, zest, and remaining filling ingredients, ensuring no lumps remain for a silky consistency.
6. Carefully pour lemon mixture over the hot, freshly baked shortbread crust, spreading evenly to cover the entire surface.
7. Return pan to oven and bake for an additional 20-22 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center that indicates proper setting.
8. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1-2 hours.
9. Using parchment paper edges, lift the entire dessert from the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
10. Slice into precise squares and dust generously with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Chill your butter before mixing to ensure a flaky, tender shortbread crust that crumbles perfectly.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant, bright citrus flavor that makes these bars sing.
• Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of the bars.
• Adjust sweetness by balancing lemon juice and sugar to suit your taste preference, creating a perfectly tangy-sweet dessert.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg