Easy Lemon Bars Recipe with Shortbread Crust | Perfect for Dessert

Lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust are the perfect treat for any citrus lover. These bars are a classic dessert that is simple to make but looks and tastes impressive. In this recipe, we will show you how to make the perfect lemon bars with a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust.

Ingredients:

For the shortbread crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the lemon filling:

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
2. To make the shortbread crust, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the butter and mix with a pastry blender or your hands until the mixture is crumbly and sticks together when pressed.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
4. To make the lemon filling, whisk together the sugar and flour in a large bowl. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and whisk until smooth and well combined.
5. Pour the lemon filling over the cooled shortbread crust and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly.
6. Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar.
7. Using the overhang of the parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Tips

• Make sure to use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
• For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

These lemon bars with a shortbread crust are a crowd-pleasing dessert that are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making them a great option for parties and gatherings. With their tangy and sweet flavor, these lemon bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.