Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust Recipe

If you're looking for a zesty dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, look no further than these irresistible Lemon Bars with a Shortbread Crust. These treats feature a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base, topped with a luscious lemon filling that adds a burst of freshness to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer get-together or craving a sweet snack with your afternoon tea, this recipe is a must-try! Read on to learn how to create the perfect lemon bars from scratch.

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What Are Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust?

Lemon bars are a classic dessert made up of two main layers: a buttery shortbread crust and a lemon-flavored filling. The crust serves as the foundation, providing a rich, slightly crumbly texture, while the lemon topping brings a refreshing citrus punch. These bars are typically dusted with powdered sugar, making them visually appealing and adding an extra touch of sweetness. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, lemon bars are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients List for Lemon Bars

Here are the ingredients you'll need for the shortbread crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

These simple ingredients come together to form a buttery, delicate shortbread crust that serves as the perfect base for your lemon bars.

Ingredients List for Lemon Filling

For the tangy lemon filling, you'll need the following:

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4–5 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional for extra zing)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

The fresh lemon juice and zest make all the difference in this recipe, giving your bars that bright, tangy flavor. The eggs help create a rich, creamy consistency, while the sugar balances out the tartness.

Substitutions and Variations

While this lemon bars recipe is fantastic in its classic form, there are a few ways you can switch things up to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

1. Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour in both the crust and filling for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for structure.
2. Dairy-Free Alternative: You can use dairy-free butter or margarine in place of regular butter for a completely dairy-free option. Coconut oil can also work in a pinch, although it will alter the flavor slightly.
3. Meyer Lemons: If you can find Meyer lemons, give them a try! They’re sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons, giving the bars a slightly different, more delicate flavor.
4. Add Coconut: For a tropical twist, sprinkle shredded coconut over the shortbread crust before pouring the lemon filling on top. The coconut adds a chewy texture and pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon flavor.
5. Almond Flour Crust: For a nutty flavor variation, use almond flour in place of some of the all-purpose flour in the crust. This will give the crust a slightly denser, more flavorful profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your perfect Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and ½ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt, mixing until the dough comes together.

Step 3: Press the Dough

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure to reach all the corners and create an even layer. You can use the back of a spoon or your hands to smooth it out. Once the dough is evenly spread, place it in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Filling

While the crust is baking, you can start preparing the lemon filling. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of sugar and 4 large eggs until smooth and well-combined. Add in ¼ cup of flour, whisking until there are no lumps. Finally, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and optional lemon zest.

Step 5: Pour the Filling

Once the shortbread crust is finished baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. Be careful not to overfill the dish, and spread the mixture evenly over the crust using a spatula.

Step 6: Bake Again

Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center. The top of the filling should have a slight golden hue but should not be browned.

Step 7: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar

Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to set. Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut them into squares and generously dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish.

How to Cook Lemon Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

This step-by-step guide makes it easy to create the perfect lemon bars. Here’s a quick recap:

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish.
2. Make the shortbread crust by creaming butter and sugar, then adding flour and salt.
3. Press the dough into the baking dish and bake until golden.
4. Prepare the lemon filling by whisking sugar, eggs, flour, lemon juice, and zest.
5. Pour the filling over the baked crust and return to the oven.
6. Bake until set, then cool completely and dust with powdered sugar.

With these simple steps, your lemon bars will come out perfectly every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking the Crust: Baking the crust for too long will result in a hard, crumbly base that doesn't hold together well. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven when it's just turning golden.
• Undercooking the Filling: Make sure the filling is fully set before removing the bars from the oven. If it's still jiggly in the center, bake it for a few more minutes.
• Using Bottled Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice makes all the difference in flavor. Avoid using bottled juice, which can taste artificial and less vibrant.
• Cutting Too Early: Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool completely and chill before slicing, or they may not hold their shape.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation matters, especially when serving these delicious lemon bars at a special occasion. Here’s how you can make them look as good as they taste.

How to Serve Lemon Bars

Lemon bars are best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. If you're making these for a gathering, you can serve them on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for extra color. Alternatively, arrange them on individual plates with a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries for a more upscale dessert presentation.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Bars

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but also gives the bars a clean, elegant finish.
• Garnish with Lemon Slices: Thinly sliced lemon wheels can be placed on top of each square for a decorative touch.
• Add Fresh Herbs: A sprig of mint or thyme placed beside the lemon bars on the serving plate adds a sophisticated, fresh element to the presentation.

Lemon Bars Recipe Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before you begin.
• Adjust Lemon Intensity: If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon zest in the filling. For a milder flavor, use less zest or consider mixing in a bit of orange zest for a citrusy blend.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Lemon bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, they often taste even better after chilling overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze lemon bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze lemon bars! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Q: Why is my filling runny?
A: If your filling is runny, it likely wasn’t baked long enough. Make sure the filling is set and no longer jiggles before removing the bars from the oven.

Q: How long do lemon bars last?
A: Lemon bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
A: Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar helps balance the tartness of the lemons and contributes to the texture of the filling.

Conclusion

These Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust are the perfect dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth while offering a refreshing citrus twist. With their buttery base and tangy lemon filling, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any event or family gathering. By following these simple steps and tips, you can create lemon bars that are not only delicious but also beautifully presented. Don’t forget to experiment with variations to make the recipe your own, and enjoy every zesty bite!

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