Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

Published: December 25, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Deliciously Tangy: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest brings a vibrant flavor that is refreshing and satisfying.
Versatile Dessert: These lemon bars fit in perfectly at any event—be it brunch, potluck, or holiday gathering.
Gooey Texture: The sweet filling contrasts beautifully with the crumbly shortbread crust for a delightful texture experience.
Customizable Options: Feel free to add toppings like whipped cream or fruit for an extra layer of flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your lemon bars, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make the preparation more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×13 inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer (or whisk)
Measuring cups and spoons
Zester or grater

Importance of Each Tool

9×13 inch baking pan: This size is ideal for creating the perfect thickness in your lemon bars.
Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer helps achieve a fluffy texture in the filling.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are essential for baking success.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!), you’ll 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 cup sugar

For Garnish

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

How to Make Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when you’re done preparing the batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until creamy.
Gradually add in the flour, stirring until fully incorporated.
Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Filling

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth.
Pour this mixture over the baked shortbread crust evenly.

Step 4: Bake Again

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until set. The top should look slightly firm but still have a little wiggle in the center.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow your lemon bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for that perfect finishing touch! Enjoy your homemade Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!).

How to Serve Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

Serving lemon bars with a shortbread crust is a delightful way to enjoy this tangy dessert. Whether for a gathering or a family treat, these sweet bars can be enjoyed in various ways.

Classic Serving Suggestions

Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely finish.
Serve Chilled: Let the bars cool completely and chill them for an hour before serving. This brings out the flavors even more.
Pair with Fresh Berries: Add fresh strawberries or raspberries on the side for a fruity contrast that complements the lemon.

Creative Serving Ideas

Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can add creaminess that balances the tartness of the lemon.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla or lemon sorbet makes for a refreshing and indulgent pairing.
Serve with Tea or Coffee: Enjoying lemon bars alongside your favorite hot drink brings warmth and comfort to your dessert experience.

How to Perfect Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

Perfecting lemon bars requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your dessert is as delicious as possible.

Bold Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances flavor compared to bottled options, giving you vibrant tartness.
Bold Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on baking time; overbaking leads to a dry texture. The center should be set but slightly jiggly when removed from the oven.
Bold Chill Before Cutting: Allow your bars to cool completely, then refrigerate them. This helps achieve clean cuts and enhances flavor.
Bold Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality butter and eggs, which contribute significantly to taste and texture.

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

Lemon bars are versatile and pair well with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your dessert.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds color and freshness, balancing the richness of the lemon bars.
Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that highlights the tartness of the lemons.
Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which provide a rich counterpoint to the bright flavors of the bars.
Mint Tea: Serve warm mint tea as a refreshing beverage choice that cleanses the palate between bites of lemony goodness.
Almond Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti offers texture and pairs well with coffee or tea after enjoying your lemon bar.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Sweet chocolate-covered strawberries create an indulgent treat that harmonizes beautifully with citrus flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making lemon bars with shortbread crust can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Using cold butter: Always use softened butter for the crust. Cold butter won’t blend well and will lead to a tough texture.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measuring is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure your ingredients are precise.
Overbaking the lemon bars: Watch the time carefully; overbaking can result in dry bars. Remove them once the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
Skipping the zest: Lemon zest adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it; it enhances the taste of your lemon bars significantly.
Not letting them cool completely: Allowing your lemon bars to cool fully helps them set properly. Cutting them too soon may lead to messy bars.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They will last for up to one week when properly stored.

Freezing Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Lemon bars can be frozen for up to three months without losing quality.

Reheating Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lemon bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat each bar for 15-20 seconds on medium power, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Place a non-stick skillet on low heat and warm each bar for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make lemon bars with shortbread crust gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute for regular flour in this recipe.

How do I know when my lemon bars are done?

Your lemon bars are ready when the edges set, and the center has a slight jiggle. Avoid overbaking!

Can I add more lemon juice to my lemon bars?

While you can increase the lemon juice, doing so may affect the texture. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.

What toppings pair well with lemon bars?

Powdered sugar is classic, but fresh berries or whipped cream can add extra flavor and presentation.

Final Thoughts

Lemon bars with shortbread crust are a delightful treat that balances sweetness and tartness beautifully. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different toppings or flavors, making them perfect for any occasion. Try this easy recipe today and impress your family and friends!

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