Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

Sweet lemon bars with a shortbread crust are a delightful dessert that brings sunshine to your table. These Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!) are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or simply treating yourself. Their gooey and buttery texture combined with the tangy lemon flavor makes them irresistible. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this delicious treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort with simple steps that anyone can follow.
• Delicious Flavor: The balance of sweet and tart from fresh lemons creates a vibrant taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 20 bars in one batch, they are great for gatherings or potlucks.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with whipped cream.
• No Special Tools Needed: You can make these bars with common kitchen equipment.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will help streamline the experience and ensure a successful outcome.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is key for combining your ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: This tool helps achieve a smooth batter by blending eggs and sugar well.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: Ensures even baking and the right size for cutting into 20 bars.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down sides and ensuring no ingredients are left behind.

Ingredients

To make these delightful lemon bars, you will need 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 cups sugar

How to Make Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

Now that you have gathered all your ingredients and tools, let’s start making those delicious lemon bars!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your lemon bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup softened butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt.
2. Mix until crumbly and well combined.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Filling

1. While the crust is baking, whisk together 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 2/3 cup lemon juice, 4 large eggs, and 2 cups sugar in another bowl until smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Bake Again

1. Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust once it has finished baking.
2. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until set.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow your lemon bars to cool completely at room temperature. Dust with extra powdered sugar before cutting into squares to serve. Enjoy your refreshing dessert!

How to Serve Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

Lemon bars with a shortbread crust are a delightful treat that can brighten up any occasion. These sweet and tangy bars can be served in various ways to enhance their appeal and enjoyment.

Casual Gatherings

• Chilled Slices: Serve the lemon bars chilled for a refreshing dessert on warm days. They are perfect for summer picnics or barbecues.
• With Fresh Berries: Garnish each slice with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to add a burst of color and flavor.

Celebratory Events

• Elegant Platters: Arrange the lemon bars on a decorative platter for special occasions like birthdays or holidays. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
• Mini Portions: Cut the bars into small squares for bite-sized treats at events like bridal showers or tea parties.

Family Dessert Night

• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve warm lemon bars alongside a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a comforting dessert experience.
• Coffee Pairing: Offer lemon bars as a sweet complement to coffee or tea during family gatherings, enhancing the overall experience.

How to Perfect Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

To ensure your lemon bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best flavor, making your bars taste bright and zesty.
• Chill Before Cutting: Allow the lemon bars to cool completely before cutting them. This helps achieve clean edges and prevents them from falling apart.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can lead to a dry texture. Aim for a slightly jiggly center when you take them out of the oven.
• Add Extra Zest: Incorporate more lemon zest into the filling for an intensified citrus flavor that will impress your guests.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

Lemon bars pair well with various side dishes that complement their sweet-tart flavor. Here are some delicious options:

1. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the lemon bars beautifully.
2. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds richness, making each bite more indulgent.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit makes for a delightful contrast to the texture of lemon bars.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs well and offers a savory balance to the dessert.
5. Mint Tea: Serving mint tea alongside enhances the flavors while providing a soothing beverage option.
6. Pistachio Cookies: These nutty cookies provide a crunchy texture that complements the creamy filling of lemon bars nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making lemon bars can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid when preparing this delightful dessert.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough lemon bars. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Not using fresh lemons: Bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrant flavor of fresh lemons. Always use fresh juice and zest for the best taste.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling allows the bars to set properly. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the texture and flavor.
• Using a dull knife: A dull knife can ruin the presentation by tearing the bars. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts after chilling.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your bars as they bake to ensure they don’t overcook or undercook.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid to warm evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries related to making Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!).

Can I use other citrus fruits?

Yes! You can substitute lime or orange juice for a different flavor profile while keeping the same recipe structure.

How do I know when my lemon bars are done?

The edges should be set, but the center will still have a slight jiggle when you shake the pan gently.

Can I make lemon bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for delicious gluten-free lemon bars.

What’s the best way to garnish lemon bars?

A dusting of powdered sugar adds visual appeal and sweetness. You can also add thin slices of lemon or mint leaves for decoration.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!) are a delightful treat that combines tartness and sweetness with a buttery crust. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night at home. Feel free to customize them by adding different citrus flavors or toppings like berries or whipped cream!

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Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x

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Description

Lemon Bars with a Shortbread Crust are the ultimate sweet and tangy dessert that brings a burst of sunshine to any occasion. With their gooey, buttery filling and zesty lemon flavor, these bars are irresistibly delicious. Perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or simply indulging yourself, they are easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. The combination of a rich shortbread crust and a bright lemon filling creates a delightful contrast that will have everyone asking for seconds. Serve them chilled or warm, dressed up with a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries for an extra touch. These Lemon Bars are sure to impress!

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for garnish)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt until crumbly.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. While the crust bakes, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, eggs, and sugar in another bowl until smooth.
5. Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust and return to the oven to bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set.
6. Allow to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares and dusting with powdered sugar.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 50mg