Lemon bars with shortbread crust are a delightful combination of tangy, sweet, and buttery flavors. This classic dessert features a rich, buttery shortbread crust paired with a smooth and tangy lemon filling that will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you're hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply craving a sweet treat at home, these lemon bars will surely impress. Keep reading to discover how to make this delicious dessert step by step, along with tips and variations to make it your own.
What Are Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust?
Lemon bars with shortbread crust are a layered dessert made from two main components: a crumbly, buttery shortbread crust and a tangy lemon custard filling. The shortbread crust serves as the perfect base for the bright and zesty lemon layer, creating a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. The dessert is typically finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic presentation. These bars are easy to make, but their flavor is anything but simple.
Ingredients List for Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust
To make these lemon bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3-4 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional, for serving)
Substitutions and Variations
While the basic lemon bars recipe is delicious as-is, there are several substitutions and variations you can try to customize this dessert to your taste:
- Crust Variations: Instead of traditional shortbread, try using a graham cracker crust for a different texture and flavor. Alternatively, almond or coconut flour can be used for a gluten-free crust.
- Citrus Twist: If you want to experiment with different flavors, substitute some or all of the lemon juice with lime, orange, or grapefruit juice to create citrus bars with a different zing.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter in the shortbread crust with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative to make the bars dairy-free.
- Add Coconut or Almonds: Mix shredded coconut or finely chopped almonds into the shortbread crust for extra texture and flavor.
- Extra Tang: For an extra tart lemon flavor, add an additional tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling or reduce the sugar slightly for a more pronounced tang.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ready to make the best lemon bars with shortbread crust? Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out after baking.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, ensuring that it covers the entire bottom in an even layer. Use your hands or the back of a measuring cup to flatten and smooth it out.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Bake the shortbread crust in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the lemon filling.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour. This helps prevent lumps in the filling. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and whisk until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Step 5: Pour the Filling Over the Crust
Once the shortbread crust has cooled slightly, pour the lemon filling over the top, spreading it out evenly.
Step 6: Bake Again
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch. The edges may turn a light golden color, but the center should remain mostly pale.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, transfer them to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to fully set.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once the lemon bars are chilled and set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Dust the top with powdered sugar, then slice into squares or rectangles. Enjoy!
How to Cook Lemon Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking lemon bars is a straightforward process, but achieving the perfect balance between the crust and filling requires attention to detail. Follow these guidelines for the best results:
- Prepare the Crust: The shortbread crust should be fully baked and slightly cooled before adding the filling. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
- Whisk the Filling Well: Ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated with the sugar and lemon juice. This will give you a smooth, custard-like filling.
- Avoid Overbaking the Filling: The filling should be set but still soft and slightly jiggly in the center when removed from the oven. Overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Soggy Crust: Failing to bake the shortbread crust fully before adding the lemon filling can result in a soggy bottom layer. Make sure the crust is golden and firm before proceeding.
- Overmixing the Filling: Whisk the lemon filling ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can introduce air bubbles, which can affect the texture of the final product.
- Cutting the Bars Too Soon: Allow the bars to cool completely and chill in the refrigerator for the best texture. Cutting too early can cause the filling to ooze.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To make your lemon bars even more irresistible, consider the following tips for serving and presentation:
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: Dust the lemon bars with powdered sugar right before serving for a classic look. The contrast of the white sugar on the yellow filling adds visual appeal.
- Lemon Zest Garnish: For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle some fresh lemon zest over the bars after dusting with powdered sugar.
- Cut Clean Lines: Use a sharp knife, and wipe it clean between cuts to get neat, professional-looking squares or rectangles.
How to Serve Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed on their own, but you can also pair them with other treats to create a full dessert spread. Consider serving them with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Presentation Ideas for Lemon Bars
- Classic Grid: Slice the bars into uniform squares or rectangles for a neat and classic presentation.
- Diagonal Cuts: Try cutting the lemon bars diagonally for an elegant twist, creating diamond-shaped pieces.
- Layered Dessert Tray: Arrange the lemon bars on a tiered serving tray alongside other desserts like brownies, cookies, or fruit tarts for a stunning visual display.
Lemon Bars Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled juice. Fresh juice provides a brighter, more authentic citrus flavor.
- Chill for Easy Cutting: Chilling the bars before cutting them helps the filling set and ensures clean, sharp edges.
- Storage: Store lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make lemon bars ahead of time?
A: Yes! Lemon bars can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze lemon bars?
A: Absolutely. Freeze them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: How can I prevent my lemon bars from cracking?
A: Overbaking can cause cracks in the filling. To avoid this, bake the bars just until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Q: Can I use a different type of citrus?
A: Yes, you can substitute the lemon juice with lime, orange, or grapefruit juice for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
Conclusion
Lemon bars with shortbread crust are a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a rich, buttery crust and a tangy lemon filling, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips outlined in this article, you can create the perfect lemon bars every time. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the suggested variations, your taste buds are in for a treat. So go ahead and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
PrintLemon Bars With Shortbread Crust Recipe
Lemon bars with shortbread crust combine a buttery, crumbly base with a vibrant lemon filling. This recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, creating an irresistible dessert that is ideal for any occasion. Keywords: lemon bars, shortbread crust, lemon dessert, easy lemon bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- For the crust, mix softened butter, flour, and powdered sugar until crumbly. Press into a 9x13-inch pan.
- Bake crust for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, whisk eggs, sugar, ¼ cup flour, baking powder, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for another 20-25 minutes until set.
- Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar. Slice into bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the crust is fully baked before adding the lemon filling to avoid a soggy bottom.
- Adjust the lemon juice for desired tartness.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 70mg
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