Zesty Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust Recipe: Sweet-Tart Joy

Zesty lemon bars dance with a buttery shortbread crust that promises pure delight.

Sunshine bursts from each vibrant square, tempting sweet tooths everywhere.

Crisp pastry cradles tangy citrus filling in a perfect harmony of flavors.

Memories of summer kitchens drift through this classic dessert, inviting comfort and joy.

Minimal ingredients create maximum pleasure in these irresistible treats.

Creamy and bright, these bars offer a simple yet elegant solution to dessert cravings.

You’ll want to slice into this lemony wonder and savor every crumbly, citrusy bite.

Storing Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

• Store lemon bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place wax paper or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve the delicate powdered sugar coating.
• Freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Thaw frozen lemon bars in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving to maintain texture and taste.

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 it may taste slightly less vibrant and can lack the natural zest that fresh lemons provide.

• How do I prevent the lemon filling from becoming soggy?

Make sure to pre-bake the shortbread crust until golden brown before adding the lemon filling. This creates a barrier that helps keep the crust crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy when the wet filling is added.

• What's the best way to get clean, neat cuts for the bars?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. For even more precise cuts, chill the lemon bars completely in the refrigerator before slicing, which helps them firm up and makes cutting easier.

Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust That Shine

• Delight in Simplicity: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making it accessible to everyone from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Zesty Crowd-Pleaser: Bursting with bright, tangy lemon flavor, these bars are guaranteed to impress at potlucks, family gatherings, and dessert parties, satisfying both sweet and citrus lovers.
• Versatile Treat: Adaptable for various occasions, from casual weekend baking to elegant dinner party desserts, these lemon bars bring a touch of sunshine to any event and can be easily prepared in advance.
• Quick Comfort Dessert: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe offers a delightful homemade dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings.

Ingredients for Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides a smooth texture and buttery flavor to the shortbread base.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure-building ingredient that gives the crust its classic shortbread consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture for the crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the shortbread.

• Eggs: The binding agent that helps set the lemon filling and creates a smooth, custard-like texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the classic lemon bar filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the lemon filling.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: These citrus ingredients deliver the bright, tangy flavor that defines lemon bars.

• Powdered Sugar: A sweet dusting that adds a beautiful visual touch and extra sweetness to the lemon bars.

Steps to Bake Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Crank up the oven to a toasty 350F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and line it completely with parchment paper, making sure the paper covers the bottom and sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Shortbread Crust

• Softened butter
• Flour
• Powdered sugar
• Salt

Mix everything until the mixture looks like delicate, loose crumbs that can hold together when pressed.

Step 3: Bake The Crust

Press the crumbly dough firmly into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 4: Whip Up Zesty Lemon Filling

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

Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well-blended.

Step 5: Combine And Finish Baking

Once the crust looks golden, pull it out of the oven. Immediately pour the bright lemon mixture over the hot crust.

Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the filling sets and looks slightly firm.

Step 6: Cool And Serve

Allow the lemon bars to cool completely at room temperature.

When cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar. Slice into squares and serve to eager dessert lovers.

Tricks for Flawless Lemon Bars with Crust

• Chill the butter before mixing to achieve 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 will make these bars sing.
• Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of perfect, picture-perfect bars.
• Check the bars at the 20-minute mark when baking the lemon filling to prevent over-browning and ensure a silky smooth texture.
• Dust powdered sugar just before serving to keep the top crisp and prevent it from dissolving too quickly.

Creative Takes on Lemon Bars with Crust

• Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour 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 Zingy Bars: Substitute lemon juice and zest with fresh lime juice and zest for a tangy tropical flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining sweetness.

Serving Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

• Zesty Brunch Delight: Serve these lemon bars alongside a fresh fruit salad and cappuccino for a sophisticated weekend morning treat.
• Sweet Afternoon Tea Companion: Arrange bars on a elegant platter with chamomile tea, creating a perfect mid-afternoon refreshment moment for guests.
• Picnic Perfect Dessert: Pack these portable bars in a cute container for outdoor gatherings, adding a bright citrusy touch to your summer picnic spread.
• Dessert Buffet Star: Include these lemon bars as a tangy option on a dessert table, allowing guests to enjoy a light and refreshing sweet bite among other richer treats.

Zesty Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Classic lemon bars with shortbread crust showcase zesty citrus delight on a buttery base. Tangy filling and crisp crust offer sweet-tart perfection you’ll savor to the last crumbly bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

Shortbread Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 pinch salt

Lemon Filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) fresh lemon juice
• 2 lemons, zested
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour

Finishing:

• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
2. Create the shortbread crust by blending butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt until a loose, sandy texture develops.
3. Firmly press the crumbly mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even, compact layer that reaches all corners.
4. Roast the crust in a 350F (175C) oven for 18-20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown coloration that indicates perfect doneness.
5. Simultaneously prepare the lemon filling by whisking eggs, granulated sugar, flour, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vibrant lemon zest until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Immediately after removing the hot crust from the oven, pour the lemon mixture evenly across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the filling sets and becomes slightly firm with minimal jiggle.
8. Allow the lemon bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling stabilize and makes cutting easier.
9. Finish by generously dusting the cooled surface with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, sweet exterior before slicing into rectangular bars.

Notes

• Chill the butter before mixing for a flakier, more tender shortbread crust that crumbles perfectly in your mouth.
• Zest lemons carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, using only the bright yellow outer layer for maximum citrusy flavor.
• Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for a brighter, more vibrant taste that makes these bars truly spectacular.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond flour or a certified gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 231 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 33 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg