Lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust are a timeless dessert that combines tangy lemon flavor with the rich, crumbly texture of shortbread. Whether youโre hosting a gathering, craving a sweet treat, or looking for a dessert that can impress at a dinner party, lemon bars are a crowd-pleaser. In this article, weโll dive deep into the world of lemon bars, covering everything from the ingredients list to expert tips on perfecting this dessert. Keep reading to master this recipe and wow your guests with every bite!

What Are Lemon Bars?
Lemon bars are a dessert that balances the sweet and tart flavors of lemon custard on top of a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust. The contrast between the tangy lemon filling and the rich, crisp crust makes for a delightful dessert experience. The combination of these layers is what makes lemon bars a staple at parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients List for the Shortbread Crust
Before we dive into the cooking process, it's essential to gather all the ingredients youโll need to make the perfect shortbread crust. The crust is the foundation of this dessert, and its buttery, slightly sweet flavor complements the lemon filling beautifully. Hereโs what youโll need:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- ยฝ cup of powdered sugar
- ยผ teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
The simplicity of these ingredients allows the rich, buttery flavor to shine, making it the perfect base for the lemon filling.
Ingredients List for the Lemon Filling
The star of this dessert is, of course, the lemon filling. Itโs what gives the lemon bars their bright, zesty flavor. For the lemon layer, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ยฝ cups of granulated sugar
- ยฝ cup of all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- ยพ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 3โ4 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon zest (optional, for extra lemony flavor)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting the top after baking)
The freshness of the lemon juice and zest makes all the difference in the flavor of your lemon bars, so avoid using bottled lemon juice if possible.
Substitutions and Variations
There are a few variations and substitutions you can consider if you're looking to customize your lemon bars:
- Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and filling. Ensure your flour mix contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter substitute in place of traditional butter to make the recipe dairy-free.
- Orange or Lime Bars: For a different citrus flavor, you can swap out the lemon juice with orange juice or lime juice, adjusting the zest accordingly. This offers a refreshing twist on the classic lemon bars.
- Thicker Filling: If you prefer a thicker, more substantial lemon filling, simply increase the number of eggs to five and the amount of sugar to 2 cups. This will create a heartier, custard-like layer.
- Extra Tartness: For those who enjoy a very tangy dessert, you can add a bit more lemon juice (up to 1 cup), though you may need to adjust the sugar to balance the extra acidity.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, letโs walk through the step-by-step instructions to ensure your lemon bars turn out perfect every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Parchment paper ensures your lemon bars wonโt stick to the pan and will give you nice, clean edges when slicing.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
In a medium mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Once smooth and creamy, add the all-purpose flour, salt, and vanilla extract (if using). Continue mixing until the dough comes together into a soft, crumbly mixture.
Press this dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure it covers the entire surface evenly, and use your fingers or the bottom of a glass to smooth it out. Bake the crust for 18โ20 minutes or until itโs light golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Filling
While the crust is baking, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour in a large mixing bowl. This step ensures there are no lumps in your filling. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Finally, whisk in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest until fully combined.
Step 4: Pour the Filling Over the Crust
Once your shortbread crust has cooled slightly (about 5 minutes), pour the lemon filling mixture evenly over the top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20โ25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center. The top should be lightly golden.
Step 5: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Allow the lemon bars to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. Once cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for another hour before slicing.
How to Cook Lemon Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare your baking dish.
- Step 2: Mix and press the shortbread crust into the pan, bake it until golden brown.
- Step 3: Whisk together the sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, and zest to form the filling.
- Step 4: Pour the filling over the baked crust and return to the oven until set.
- Step 5: Cool the bars completely, dust with powdered sugar, and slice into squares.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Bottled Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor. Bottled juice can make the bars taste artificial and too sour.
- Overbaking: Be careful not to overbake the lemon bars, or the filling will become dry and lose its creamy texture. You want the filling to be just set but still soft.
- Not Letting Them Cool: Cutting the lemon bars before they have fully cooled can result in a runny filling. Patience is key!
- Uneven Crust Thickness: Make sure to press the shortbread crust evenly across the pan to avoid uneven baking.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key when serving lemon bars, especially if you want to impress your guests. Hereโs how to make your lemon bars look as good as they taste:
- Clean Slices: For perfectly square slices, refrigerate the bars for at least an hour before cutting. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for smooth edges.
- Powdered Sugar Finish: Dusting the bars with powdered sugar just before serving adds a decorative and flavorful touch. However, if youโre storing the bars for later, wait until just before serving to add the powdered sugar as it can dissolve over time.
- Garnish with Lemon Zest or Slices: To add extra visual appeal, garnish the top of each square with a thin slice of lemon or a sprinkle of lemon zest.
How to Serve Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a dessert platter, arrange them alongside other citrus-based treats or fruit-based desserts for a bright and refreshing contrast.
Presentation Ideas for Lemon Bars
- Tiered Display: Arrange lemon bars on a tiered dessert stand for a more elegant presentation at events like bridal showers or afternoon tea.
- Decorative Plates: Serve the bars on decorative plates with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of a raspberry sauce on the side.
- Rustic Style: Place the bars on a wooden cutting board with lemon slices and fresh mint for a casual, rustic presentation.
Lemon Bars Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest are crucial for the best flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the bars makes them easier to slice and enhances the flavor.
- Make Ahead: Lemon bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, making them a convenient dessert for entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze lemon bars?
A: Yes, lemon bars freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Q: How long do lemon bars last?
A: Lemon bars will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Q: Can I use a different citrus fruit?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute lime or orange juice for the lemon juice to create different citrus-flavored bars.
Q: Do I need to refrigerate lemon bars?
A: Yes, because of the egg content in the filling, itโs best to store lemon bars in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Lemon bars with shortbread crust are a delightful dessert that combines buttery richness with a refreshing tang. Whether you're making them for a family gathering or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit. By following these simple steps and tips, youโll be able to create perfectly balanced lemon bars every time. Don't forget to experiment with variations and make the recipe your own! Happy baking!
PrintLemon Bars With Shortbread Crust Recipe
These tangy lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust are the perfect blend of sweet and zesty. The shortbread base adds richness to the citrusy lemon filling, making these bars an irresistible dessert. Keywords: lemon bars, shortbread crust, lemon filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 55 minutes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ยฝ cup powdered sugar
- ยผ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Lemon Filling:
- 1 ยฝ cups granulated sugar
- ยฝ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- ยพ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (3โ4 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare Shortbread Crust: Preheat oven to 350ยฐF. Combine butter, flour, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla (if using) until a dough forms. Press into a greased baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Make Lemon Filling: In a bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour the mixture over the hot crust.
- Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the filling sets.
- Cool and Serve: Let the lemon bars cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add the optional vanilla to the crust and lemon zest to the filling.
- Let the bars cool fully to ensure clean slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 80mg
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