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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Combine shortbread ingredients into a crumbly mixture, pressing firmly and evenly into the prepared pan to create a compact base.
- Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes until edges turn light golden brown and surface appears slightly dry.
- While crust bakes, whisk eggs vigorously to create a smooth, uniform texture for the lemon filling.
- Incorporate lemon juice, zest, and remaining filling ingredients, ensuring no lumps remain for a silky consistency.
- Carefully pour lemon mixture over the hot, freshly baked shortbread crust, spreading evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Return pan to oven and bake for an additional 20-22 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center that indicates proper setting.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1-2 hours.
- Using parchment paper edges, lift the entire dessert from the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- 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