Sweet lemon bars with a shortbread crust are a delightful treat that brings sunshine to any occasion. These Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!) are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or even as a simple dessert at home. With their gooey filling and buttery crust, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. The combination of tangy lemon and rich shortbread creates a unique flavor profile that stands out from typical desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these lemon bars in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The balance of sweet and tangy in the lemon filling is irresistible.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
- Gooey Texture: The creamy filling paired with the crumbly shortbread crust creates a satisfying bite.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun dessert that kids will love helping to make and eat!
Tools and Preparation
To achieve the best results when making Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!), having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These help combine your ingredients efficiently without mess.
- Whisk: Ideal for blending the eggs and sugar smoothly for the filling.
- 9×13 inch baking pan: The perfect size for these lemon bars, ensuring even cooking.
- Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of bowls to incorporate all ingredients.
Ingredients
To create these delicious Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!), gather the following ingredients:
For the Shortbread Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter (unsalted, softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more to garnish)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Filling
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2/3 cup lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons total for juice)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cup sugar
How to Make Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even baking temperature for your lemon bars.
Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the softened butter into the dry mixture. Use a fork or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until fully combined.
- Pour this mixture over the baked shortbread crust.
Step 4: Bake Again
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until set in the center.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow your lemon bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, garnish with extra powdered sugar before cutting into squares. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)!
How to Serve Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)
Lemon bars with a shortbread crust are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you want a casual dessert for a family gathering or a special touch for a party, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.
Casual Presentation
- Cut the lemon bars into squares and place them on a colorful plate for a fun, laid-back vibe.
- Serve alongside fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a pop of color and added freshness.
Elegant Touch
- Dust the tops of the lemon bars with powdered sugar before serving to give them a refined look.
- Garnish with thin slices of lemon or lemon zest to enhance visual appeal and add an aromatic hint.
Party Style
- Serve lemon bars individually wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming party favor.
- Pair the bars with creamy whipped coconut cream for an extra layer of indulgence.
Family Style
- Arrange the lemon bars in a stack on a wooden board, inviting everyone to help themselves.
- Offer cups of herbal tea or iced tea alongside for a refreshing drink option.
How to Perfect Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)
To ensure your lemon bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives your bars the best flavor compared to bottled options.
- Chill before cutting: Allow the lemon bars to cool completely, then chill in the fridge to set before slicing for clean edges.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your baking time; overbaking can lead to tough bars instead of the desired gooey texture.
- Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar amount based on your taste preferences and the tartness of your lemons.
- Experiment with flavors: Add herbs like mint or basil to the filling for an unexpected twist on classic lemon flavor.
- Store properly: Keep leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)
Lemon bars are delicious on their own but can be enhanced when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of lemon bars.
- Herbal Iced Tea: A light herbal tea pairs well, balancing the tartness while keeping things refreshing.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: This dairy-free option adds creaminess and enhances the citrusy flavor of the bars.
- Light Sorbet: A scoop of lemon or raspberry sorbet provides an extra layer of coolness and fruit flavor.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can create an interesting flavor combination paired with sweet treats.
- Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy mix of nuts and seeds offers texture that complements the softness of lemon bars.
- Mini Cheesecakes: These rich bites can contrast nicely with the citrusy zing of your dessert.
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: The sweetness of chocolate balances out tart flavors beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making lemon bars with a shortbread crust, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Ignoring the chilling time: Not allowing the shortbread crust to chill can result in a soggy base. Always chill the crust for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Using too much lemon juice: Adding excessive lemon juice can make the filling too tart. Stick to the recommended amount for balanced flavor.
- Overbaking: Keeping your lemon bars in the oven too long will lead to a dry texture. Bake just until the filling is set but still slightly jiggles in the center.
- Not straining the filling: Failing to strain your lemon juice mixture can leave pulp in your bars. Strain it for a smoother texture.
- Skipping powdered sugar garnish: Not dusting with powdered sugar before serving can make your dessert look less appealing. A light dusting adds both sweetness and visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store lemon bars in an airtight container.
- They can last up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, where they will keep for up to three months.
Reheating Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place in a covered pan over low heat for about 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making lemon bars with a shortbread crust.
Can I use other citrus fruits for my Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)?
Yes! You can substitute lime, orange, or grapefruit juice for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when my lemon bars are done?
The edges should be set, while the center will still have a slight jiggle when you shake the pan gently.
Can I adjust the sweetness of my Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)?
Absolutely! Feel free to reduce or increase sugar according to your taste preferences.
What should I serve with Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)?
These bars pair well with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Final Thoughts
Lemon bars with a shortbread crust are not only delicious but also versatile. This dessert is perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as an afternoon treat. Feel free to customize it by adding fresh herbs like mint or experimenting with different citrus flavors. Try making these delightful treats today!
Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of homemade Lemon Bars with a Shortbread Crust! These delightful treats combine a buttery, crumbly shortbread base with a gooey, tangy lemon filling that is both refreshing and satisfying. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a summer picnic, family gathering, or a cozy evening at home—these bars will impress everyone with their irresistible balance of sweetness and tartness. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, they’re a fun dessert that even kids can help make. Garnished with powdered sugar and served chilled, these lemon bars are sure to brighten any dessert table!
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter (unsalted, softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more to garnish)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2/3 cup lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons total for juice)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cup sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- For the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Press into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for 15 minutes until golden.
- For the filling: Whisk eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in another bowl until well combined. Pour over the baked crust.
- Bake again for 30-35 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 60g)
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Chill bars in the refrigerator after cooling for cleaner cuts. Experiment by adding herbs like mint for a unique twist.