Lemon bars with shortbread crust are a classic dessert that combines a buttery, crumbly shortbread base with a luscious, tangy lemon filling. If you’re a fan of citrusy flavors and crave something that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, this is the recipe for you. Whether you're baking for a party, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your own sweet tooth, these lemon bars are sure to impress. Follow along with this detailed guide, and you'll have a delicious batch of lemon bars with a perfect shortbread crust in no time!
What are Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust?
Lemon bars with shortbread crust are a two-layered dessert made up of a buttery shortbread base and a tangy lemon filling. The base is made from a simple dough of butter, sugar, and flour, which is baked until golden and firm. The lemon topping consists of a bright mixture of lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and a bit of flour to help it set. Together, these layers create a mouthwatering treat that’s both rich and refreshing.
Ingredients List for the Shortbread Crust
Before diving into making the lemon bars, let’s go over the ingredients needed to make the perfect shortbread crust. This crust is crucial to balancing the intense tang of the lemon filling. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened – The butter needs to be at room temperature so it blends smoothly into the dough.
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour – This provides the structure for the crust.
- ½ cup of granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the shortbread base.
- ¼ teaspoon of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the shortbread.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional) – Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the crust.
Ingredients List for the Lemon Filling
The star of this recipe is, of course, the tangy lemon filling. To make it, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar – This helps balance the tartness of the lemon juice.
- 4 large eggs – Eggs add richness and help the lemon filling set into a custard-like consistency.
- ⅔ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice is key to getting that bright, zesty flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
- 2 tablespoons of lemon zest – Lemon zest adds a concentrated lemon flavor.
- ¼ cup of all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the filling and gives it structure.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting – A light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the finished bars adds sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’d like to customize this lemon bars recipe, here are a few simple substitutions and variations you can try:
1. Gluten-Free Option:
- Substitute the all-purpose flour in both the shortbread crust and the filling with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to ensure a sturdy crust.
2. Dairy-Free Option:
- Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative such as vegan butter or margarine. Ensure it’s a solid fat at room temperature for the crust to set properly.
3. Lime Bars:
- For a twist on this recipe, substitute the lemon juice and zest with lime juice and zest. This creates lime bars that are equally refreshing and delicious.
4. Orange Bars:
- Swap out the lemon juice for freshly squeezed orange juice, and use orange zest for a sweeter, more mellow citrus flavor.
5. Coconut Shortbread Crust:
- Add ¼ cup of shredded coconut to the shortbread dough for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the lemon filling.
6. Berry Swirl Lemon Bars:
- Add a few dollops of berry puree (raspberry or blueberry) on top of the lemon filling before baking. Use a toothpick to swirl the puree into the lemon layer for a burst of color and added flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down the process for making these delicious lemon bars with shortbread crust.
1. Prepare Your Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang on the sides to make lifting the bars out easier after baking. Lightly grease the parchment or foil with cooking spray or butter.
2. Make the Shortbread Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Once smooth and fluffy, gradually mix in the flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Be sure to spread it out evenly and press down firmly to create a solid layer.
- Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the lemon filling.
3. Prepare the Lemon Filling:
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour to combine. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Pour and Bake:
- Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled shortbread crust. Spread it out evenly using a spatula if necessary.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center. The edges may start to turn a light golden color.
5. Cool and Chill:
- Once baked, remove the lemon bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. After cooling, transfer the pan to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set properly and makes the bars easier to cut.
6. Dust with Powdered Sugar and Serve:
- Once chilled, lift the lemon bars out of the pan using the parchment or foil overhang. Transfer them to a cutting board, dust the top with powdered sugar, and slice into squares or rectangles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making lemon bars with shortbread crust, a few common mistakes can affect the outcome of your dessert. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your lemon bars turn out perfectly every time.
1. Overmixing the Shortbread Dough:
- Be careful not to overmix the shortbread dough, as this can result in a tough, chewy crust instead of a tender, crumbly one.
2. Not Chilling the Bars:
- Don’t skip the step of chilling the bars after baking. This allows the lemon filling to fully set and makes slicing much easier.
3. Using Bottled Lemon Juice:
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a significant difference in flavor. Bottled lemon juice lacks the same vibrant, fresh taste and can make your bars taste off.
4. Cutting the Bars Too Soon:
- Wait until the bars are fully chilled before slicing. Cutting them too early can result in messy, uneven squares.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Lemon bars are delicious on their own, but with a few simple touches, you can elevate their presentation for special occasions.
How to Serve Lemon Bars
- Serve your lemon bars chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
- Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- For a summer picnic, serve lemon bars alongside fresh berries for a refreshing treat.
Presentation Ideas for Lemon Bars
- Dust the tops with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for a classic, elegant look.
- Add thin slices of lemon or small twists of lemon zest on top of each bar for a decorative touch.
- Serve the bars on a cake stand or arrange them neatly on a platter lined with parchment paper for a bakery-style display.
Lemon Bar Recipe Tips
- Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing them into the filling. This ensures a smoother consistency.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper or foil makes it much easier to lift the bars out after baking, ensuring clean edges.
- Powdered Sugar Right Before Serving: Dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving to prevent the sugar from absorbing moisture and disappearing into the bars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze lemon bars?
- Yes! Lemon bars freeze beautifully. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
2. How long do lemon bars last?
- Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, lemon bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
3. Can I make lemon bars ahead of time?
- Absolutely! In fact, lemon bars taste even better the next day, once they’ve had time to fully set in the fridge.
4. What’s the best way to cut lemon bars?
- For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices. Chilling the bars first makes cutting much easier.
Conclusion
Lemon bars with shortbread crust are a timeless dessert that is both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. The combination of the buttery shortbread base with the tart lemon filling is pure magic. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some variations, these lemon bars are sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow this step-by-step guide, and enjoy this delightful treat!
PrintLemon Bars With Shortbread Crust Recipe
This Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust recipe combines a buttery shortbread base with a tangy lemon filling. Perfect for those who love citrus desserts, this easy recipe is ideal for parties or afternoon snacks. Made with fresh lemons, sugar, and butter, it's the ultimate sweet and sour treat that melts in your mouth. The golden shortbread crust is a perfect complement to the luscious lemon topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the shortbread crust:
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Unsalted butter, cold
- Salt
- For the lemon filling:
- Eggs
- Granulated sugar
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter to create the shortbread crust.
- Press the mixture into the pan and bake until golden brown.
- While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, and baking powder for the filling.
- Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust and bake until set.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
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