Sweet and tangy Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!) are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a sunny picnic, a family gathering, or a cozy night in, these bars deliver a burst of flavor that everyone will love. With a rich buttery crust and gooey lemon filling, they are not only easy to make but also irresistible. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these lemon bars without any fuss.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet and tart makes every bite refreshing and satisfying.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares and share with friends at gatherings or potlucks.
- Versatile Dessert: Suitable for various occasions, from holidays to casual brunches.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding berries or adjusting the sweetness.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Zester
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 inch baking pan: This size is ideal for creating perfectly baked lemon bars that are easy to cut into squares.
- Mixing bowls: Using multiple bowls helps keep ingredients organized and ensures thorough mixing.
- Whisk: A whisk is essential for combining ingredients smoothly, especially when incorporating eggs into the lemon mixture.
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!)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Add in the softened butter, mixing until crumbly.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Filling
- While the crust is baking, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in another bowl until well combined.
- Once the crust has baked, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon mixture over it.
Step 4: Bake Again
Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set. The edges should be lightly browned but still soft in the center.
Step 5: Cool and Garnish
Allow your lemon bars to cool completely before dusting with additional powdered sugar as garnish. Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy!
How to Serve Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)
Lemon bars (with shortbread crust) are a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance their appeal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these sweet treats.
Classic Presentation
- Serve chilled: Present the lemon bars straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat on warm days.
- Dust with powdered sugar: A light sprinkle adds a beautiful finish and extra sweetness.
Accompaniments
- Pair with whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream balances the tangy lemon flavor perfectly.
- Add fresh berries: Strawberries or blueberries add color and a burst of flavor that complements the lemon.
Creative Serving Ideas
- Use cookie cutters: Cut lemon bars into fun shapes for kids’ parties or special occasions.
- Serve in mini cups: Cut small squares and place them in cupcake liners for easy, mess-free servings.
How to Perfect Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)
Perfecting your lemon bars (with shortbread crust) is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out just right.
- Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the flavor compared to bottled juice.
- Chill before cutting: Letting the bars cool completely in the fridge helps achieve cleaner cuts.
- Watch your baking time: Overbaking can lead to a dry texture; aim for a slight jiggle in the center when removing from the oven.
- Experiment with flavors: Add herbs like thyme or basil for a unique twist on traditional lemon bars.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)
Lemon bars (with shortbread crust) pair well with various side dishes that enhance their bright flavor. Here are some great options to serve alongside them.
- Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of sweetened iced tea complements the tartness of lemon bars beautifully.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the dessert.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast to the sweet lemon bars.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a rich counterpart to the tangy bars.
- Minted Yogurt Dip: This light dip offers a cool and creamy element that pairs well with citrus flavors.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over lemon bars can create an enticing flavor combination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making lemon bars with a shortbread crust can seem simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Using cold butter: Cold butter will not incorporate well into the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Always use softened butter for the best texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and incorrect measurements can affect your lemon bars. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
- Skipping the lemon zest: Lemon zest adds essential flavor to your bars. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste significantly.
- Overbaking: Overbaking can cause your lemon bars to become dry and lose their gooey texture. Keep an eye on them in the oven, and remove them as soon as they are set.
- Not allowing cooling time: Cutting into warm bars can result in messy servings. Let the lemon bars cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your lemon bars in an airtight container.
- They will last up to one week in the fridge.
- For best results, place parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Freezing Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)
- Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months without loss of flavor.
Reheating Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on medium power for 20-30 seconds; check regularly to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place a bar in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for 5-7 minutes until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!) more tangy?
You can increase the amount of lemon juice or add extra lemon zest to enhance the tanginess of your lemon bars.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Bars?
Yes! You can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour or swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
What type of lemons are best for making Lemon Bars?
Freshly squeezed lemons provide the best flavor. Look for juicy, bright yellow lemons that feel heavy for their size.
How long do homemade Lemon Bars last?
Lemon bars typically last about one week in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
These delicious lemon bars with a shortbread crust are not only easy to make but also offer delightful versatility. You can customize them by adding berries or using different citrus fruits. Whether you share them at gatherings or enjoy them at home, these sweet treats are sure to impress!
Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the refreshing delight of Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust, a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. These bars are an ideal treat for any gathering, from picnics to family dinners, ensuring you impress your guests with their rich buttery crust and gooey lemon filling. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making these bars is simple yet rewarding. Each bite delivers a burst of citrus goodness that will leave everyone craving more. Whether you serve them chilled on a warm day or adorned with fresh berries, these lemon bars are sure to brighten up any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- For the shortbread crust, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add softened butter and blend until crumbly. Press into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a separate bowl until well combined.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust and return to the oven for an additional 25-30 minutes until set.
- Allow cooling completely before dusting with powdered sugar, cutting into squares, and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Use fresh lemons for maximum flavor. Chill before cutting for cleaner edges. Feel free to add berries or herbs for a unique twist.