Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

Published: December 18, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, these lemon bars come together effortlessly.
Irresistibly Tangy: The fresh lemon juice and zest provide a bright, zesty flavor that balances perfectly with the sweet filling.
Versatile Delight: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply enjoying at home, these bars suit various occasions.
Gooey and Buttery: The combination of a flaky shortbread crust and a smooth filling creates an indulgent texture that melts in your mouth.
Easily Customizable: Feel free to add toppings like powdered sugar or fresh berries for added flair.

Tools and Preparation

To make your lemon bars, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure the process goes smoothly. Having the right equipment can make all the difference when baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×13 inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

9×13 inch baking pan: This size is ideal for even baking and helps create uniform bars.
Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess; using multiple sizes aids in organization.
Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs and sugar smoothly into the lemon mixture.
Rubber spatula: Ensures you can scrape every bit of batter from the bowl, minimizing waste.

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

How to Make Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your lemon bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix well.
Add the softened butter. Using a whisk or rubber spatula, blend until crumbly but well combined.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Filling

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

Step 4: Bake Again

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow your lemon bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving if desired! Enjoy your delicious Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!).

How to Serve Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

Lemon bars with a shortbread crust are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

With Fresh Berries

Serve lemon bars alongside a medley of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy texture that complements the tartness of the lemon bars perfectly.

Ice Cream

Pair your lemon bars with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a refreshing contrast on warm days.

Garnished with Mint

Topping your lemon bars with fresh mint leaves not only enhances the presentation but also adds a hint of freshness.

Drizzled with Fruit Sauce

A drizzle of raspberry or strawberry sauce can enhance the sweetness and provide an artistic touch to your plate.

Tea or Coffee

Enjoying lemon bars with a cup of herbal tea or coffee makes for a delightful afternoon snack or dessert experience.

How to Perfect Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

Making perfect lemon bars requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out just right.

Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best flavor compared to bottled juice.
Chill Before Cutting: Allow the lemon bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares for clean edges.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can lead to a dry texture. The center should be slightly jiggly when removed from the oven.
Sift Powdered Sugar: Dusting with sifted powdered sugar provides an even coating and enhances presentation.
Experiment with Zest: Adding more lemon zest can intensify the citrus flavor and aroma in your dessert.
Use Quality Butter: Opt for high-quality unsalted butter for the shortbread crust to achieve rich flavor and perfect texture.

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

While lemon bars are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

Fruit Salad
A light and refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits pairs well with the zesty flavor of lemon bars.
Cheese Platter
A selection of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese balances the tanginess of the lemon filling beautifully.
Coconut Macaroons
These chewy treats add another layer of sweetness while echoing tropical flavors that work well with lemon.
Pistachio Cookies
Crunchy pistachio cookies offer a nutty contrast that complements the smooth texture of lemon bars.
Chilled Herbal Tea
Serve chilled herbal tea infused with mint or chamomile as a refreshing beverage option alongside your dessert.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
The rich chocolate contrasts nicely with the tart lemon flavor, making this combination hard to resist.
Almond Biscotti
Crunchy almond biscotti provides a delightful textural contrast when enjoyed with soft lemon bars.
Vanilla Yogurt Parfait
Layer vanilla yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy, crunchy side dish that balances out the acidity in lemon bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!), it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Bold crust preparation: Skipping the refrigeration step for the shortbread crust can lead to a less flaky texture. Always chill your crust before baking for the best results.
Bold measuring ingredients: Not measuring your lemon juice or sugar accurately can alter the balance of flavors. Use a liquid measuring cup for juices and dry measuring cups for sugars.
Bold overbaking: Leaving the bars in the oven too long can result in a dry texture. Watch closely during the last few minutes of baking; they should be set but slightly wobbly in the center.
Bold skipping zesting: Forgetting to add lemon zest diminishes flavor complexity. Always include fresh lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Bold cutting too soon: Cutting into the bars before they cool completely can cause them to lose shape. Allow them to cool in the pan first, then refrigerate before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container.
They will keep well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
For optimal freshness, layer parchment paper between bars if stacking.

Freezing Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!)

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds; be cautious not to overheat.
Stovetop: Place the bars on a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat gently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!):

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Using fresh lemon juice is recommended for better flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch if you don’t have any lemons on hand.

How do I know when my Lemon Bars are done?

The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.

Can I add different flavors to my Lemon Bars?

Absolutely! You can mix in other citrus zests like lime or orange, or even incorporate herbs like rosemary for a unique twist.

What should I use instead of animal gelatin?

For thickening, there’s no need for gelatin in this recipe as the eggs provide structure. If desired, you could use plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar in other recipes requiring gelatin.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Bars (with Shortbread Crust!) offer a delightful combination of gooey sweetness and buttery crunch that’s perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors with different citrus fruits or herbs. Give this recipe a try and share these bright treats with friends and family!

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