Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust Recipe

If you're craving a bright, citrusy dessert with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust, look no further than Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust. These bars are the perfect balance of tart lemon filling and sweet, crumbly shortbread, making them an all-time favorite for any occasion. Whether you're baking for a summer gathering, a holiday party, or simply as a treat for yourself, these lemon bars are sure to impress. Read on for the detailed recipe, tips for perfecting them, and some fun variations!

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What Are Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust?

Lemon Bars are a classic dessert that features a tangy lemon custard filling on top of a buttery shortbread crust. The shortbread provides a sturdy, sweet base, while the lemon layer adds a bright, tart flavor. These bars are typically dusted with powdered sugar for a pretty finish and served chilled or at room temperature. They’re the perfect blend of sweet, buttery, and zesty flavors in every bite.

Ingredients List for Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the perfect lemon bars:

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar (also known as confectioners' sugar)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for extra lemony flavor)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Ingredients List for Additional Flavor and Variations

Looking to enhance or customize your lemon bars? Try these variations:

• Citrus Twist: Add lime or orange juice for a citrus medley.
• Lavender Lemon Bars: Add 1 teaspoon of dried culinary lavender to the crust for a floral note.
• Berry Lemon Bars: Swirl a few tablespoons of raspberry or blueberry puree into the lemon filling for a fruity twist.
• Coconut Crust: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the shortbread crust for a tropical flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

These lemon bars are easily adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some substitution options:

• Gluten-free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and the filling.
• Dairy-free: Substitute the butter in the crust with a plant-based or dairy-free butter alternative.
• Low-sugar version: Replace the sugar with a low-calorie sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
• Lemon-alternative: If you’re not a fan of lemon, try using lime or grapefruit juice and zest instead for a unique flavor twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make delicious lemon bars with shortbread crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Shortbread Crust:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
   • Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You can also pulse everything in a food processor for quicker results.
   • Press the dough firmly and evenly into the prepared baking dish to create a smooth base layer.
   • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the lemon filling.
3. Make the Lemon Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour to ensure there are no lumps.
   • Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
   • Pour the lemon mixture over the warm shortbread crust.
4. Bake the Bars:
   • Bake the lemon bars in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set and does not jiggle in the center when lightly shaken.
   • Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
5. Chill and Slice:
   • Once the bars have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1-2 hours (this helps the filling set properly).
   • Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan and place them on a cutting board.
   • Slice into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.
6. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
   • Before serving, dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar for a pretty, sweet finish. You can also garnish with thin lemon slices or a bit of extra lemon zest for added visual appeal.

How to Make Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust: A Step-by-Step Guide

For a quick recap:

1. Prepare and bake the crust: Mix flour, sugar, and cold butter to form a crumbly dough, press it into a baking dish, and bake until lightly golden.
2. Whisk the lemon filling: Combine sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, and zest to create the smooth, tangy filling.
3. Pour and bake: Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust and bake until set.
4. Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate to firm them up before slicing.
5. Dust with sugar: Add a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not using cold butter: Cold butter is key for a flaky shortbread crust. If your butter is too warm, the crust will turn out greasy and won’t have that perfect crumbly texture.
• Over-baking the filling: Be careful not to over-bake the lemon layer. It should be set but not overly firm. If it browns too much on top, it may lose its delicate texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the bars in the fridge is important to help them set properly and make them easier to slice.
• Cutting before cooling: If you slice the bars before they have fully cooled and set, the lemon filling may spill out and the bars will lose their structure.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Lemon bars are beautiful in their simplicity, but here are a few ways to make them extra special when serving:

• Serve with fresh berries: Add a few raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries on the side to complement the lemon flavor.
• Garnish with mint leaves: A small sprig of fresh mint adds a nice pop of color and freshness.
• Top with candied lemon slices: Make candied lemon slices by simmering thinly sliced lemons in sugar syrup and using them as an elegant garnish.
• Pair with tea or coffee: Serve these bars with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

How to Serve Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Lemon Bars can be served as-is for a casual dessert or dressed up for more formal occasions. Serve them chilled or at room temperature, arranged on a dessert platter or individually plated. Dusting them with powdered sugar right before serving adds an elegant touch.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

• Stacked Presentation: Serve the bars in a neat stack on a tiered tray for a sophisticated dessert table display.
• Single-serve plating: Place each bar on its own small plate with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a lemon twist garnish for a more refined presentation.
• Rustic Look: Line a wooden board with parchment paper and place the bars on it, dusted with powdered sugar and scattered lemon zest for a rustic, casual feel.

Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust Recipe Tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons rather than bottled lemon juice.
• Make them ahead: These bars can be made 1-2 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making them perfect for entertaining.
• Freezing the bars: You can freeze lemon bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long do lemon bars last?
A: Lemon bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make these lemon bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these lemon bars gluten-free.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: While you can use bottled lemon juice, fresh lemon juice is always recommended for the best flavor. Fresh lemon zest is also important for enhancing the citrus flavor.

Q: Do I need to refrigerate lemon bars?
A: Yes, lemon bars should be stored in the refrigerator due to their custard-like filling. This also helps them set and hold their shape when sliced.

Conclusion

These Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust are a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, with a buttery, crumbly base and a refreshing citrus filling. Whether you’re serving them at a party or simply enjoying them at home, these bars are sure to impress. The easy-to-follow recipe, along with various customization options, makes them a versatile dessert that can be adapted to suit any occasion. So, try this recipe today and enjoy the bright, zesty flavor of homemade lemon bars!

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