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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
- Create the shortbread crust by blending butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt until a loose, sandy texture develops.
- Firmly press the crumbly mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even, compact layer that reaches all corners.
- Roast the crust in a 350F (175C) oven for 18-20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown coloration that indicates perfect doneness.
- Simultaneously prepare the lemon filling by whisking eggs, granulated sugar, flour, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vibrant lemon zest until smooth and well-integrated.
- Immediately after removing the hot crust from the oven, pour the lemon mixture evenly across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- 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.
- Allow the lemon bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling stabilize and makes cutting easier.
- 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