Print

Irresistible Lemon Bars Recipe with Perfect Shortbread Crust

lemon bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These irresistible lemon bars feature a tangy lemon filling perfectly balanced by a rich, buttery shortbread crust, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (32 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup (160 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–5 medium lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
  3. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, pressing it evenly across the bottom to form a smooth layer. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to flatten it out. Prick it lightly with a fork to prevent bubbles.
  4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and whisk until smooth and well combined.
  6. Once the crust has cooled a bit, pour the lemon mixture over the top, spreading it out evenly.
  7. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
  8. Remove the pan from the oven and let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift them out.
  9. Dust the top with powdered sugar, then slice into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.’, ‘Let the crust cool slightly before adding the filling to ensure even cooking.’, ‘Chill the lemon bars in the fridge before slicing for cleaner edges.’, ‘Dust with powdered sugar to hide any cracks in the filling.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon bars, shortbread crust, tangy dessert, easy lemon recipe, citrus dessert

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/irresistible-lemon-bars-recipe-with-perfect-shortbread-crust/