Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust Recipe

If you're on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly balances tangy and sweet, lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust are a must-try. This classic treat, featuring a zesty lemon filling over a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth base, is guaranteed to impress at any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow, and the end result will make it worth every step. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about making perfect lemon bars with shortbread crust, from the ingredients to common mistakes and expert tips for serving and presentation.

What Are Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust?

Lemon bars with shortbread crust are a popular dessert that combines two key components: a rich, buttery shortbread crust and a vibrant, citrusy lemon curd filling. The shortbread crust serves as a sturdy and flavorful base, while the lemon topping is smooth, sweet, and tangy. Together, they create a mouthwatering contrast that appeals to a wide range of taste preferences. These bars are often dusted with powdered sugar and served chilled, making them a refreshing treat for any time of year.

Ingredients List for Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust

To create the perfect lemon bars, you'll need two sets of ingredients: one for the shortbread crust and one for the lemon filling. Here's what you'll need for both parts:

For the Shortbread Crust:

1. Unsalted butter – 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
   Butter is the foundation of any good shortbread crust. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt levels in the recipe. Make sure it's softened for easy mixing.
2. Granulated sugar – ½ cup
   Sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the buttery richness of the crust.
3. All-purpose flour – 2 cups
   Flour gives the crust its structure. It’s important to measure the flour correctly to avoid an overly dense or crumbly base.
4. Salt – ¼ teaspoon
   A small amount of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and prevents the crust from tasting flat.

For the Lemon Filling:

1. Fresh lemon juice – ¾ cup (about 4 lemons)
   Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key to achieving that vibrant, tangy flavor. Avoid using bottled juice, as it can taste artificial.
2. Lemon zest – 1 tablespoon
   Zesting the lemons adds an extra layer of citrusy flavor and aroma to the bars. It’s a must for a well-rounded lemon taste.
3. Eggs – 4 large
   Eggs provide structure to the filling, giving it that custard-like texture.
4. Granulated sugar – 1½ cups
   This sweetens the lemon filling and balances the tartness of the lemon juice.
5. All-purpose flour – ¼ cup
   A small amount of flour helps thicken the lemon filling, ensuring that it sets properly without becoming too runny.
6. Powdered sugar – for dusting
   A light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the finished bars adds a touch of sweetness and makes them look picture-perfect.

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe is fairly straightforward, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try if you're looking to tweak it to suit your dietary needs or preferences:

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make gluten-free lemon bars. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
• Vegan Option: For a vegan version, replace the butter in the shortbread crust with a plant-based butter substitute and use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of each egg in the lemon filling.
• Add Coconut: For a tropical twist, add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the shortbread crust or sprinkle some on top of the lemon filling before baking.
• Extra Tartness: If you prefer a more tart flavor, you can reduce the sugar in the filling by ¼ cup or add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before you dive into the recipe, make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will prevent the bars from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove them later.

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

1. Mix the crust ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, and mix until the dough comes together. It should be crumbly but hold its shape when pressed.
2. Press the dough into the pan: Transfer the dough to your prepared baking pan. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom, making sure the crust reaches the edges of the pan.
3. Bake the crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Filling

1. Whisk the filling ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour until smooth and well combined.
2. Pour over the crust: Once the crust has cooled for about 10 minutes, pour the lemon filling evenly over the top.
3. Bake again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges.

Step 3: Cool and Slice

1. Cool completely: Allow the lemon bars to cool in the pan at room temperature for about an hour. Then, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.
2. Dust with powdered sugar: Once fully chilled, dust the top of the lemon bars with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. Cut into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

How to Cook Lemon Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize the process:

1. Preheat oven and prepare pan.
2. Mix and bake shortbread crust.
3. Whisk lemon filling.
4. Pour filling over crust and bake.
5. Cool, dust with powdered sugar, and slice.

Following these steps ensures you’ll end up with perfectly baked lemon bars that have a buttery, firm crust and a smooth, tangy filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking the crust: If the crust gets too dark, it will become too hard and lose its tender, buttery texture. Be sure to bake it just until it's lightly golden.
2. Not cooling the bars before slicing: Cutting into the bars before they’ve fully cooled can result in a runny filling that hasn’t set properly. Patience is key!
3. Skipping the parchment paper: Without parchment paper, you’ll have a hard time removing the bars from the pan. Don’t skip this step if you want clean, neat slices.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Lemon bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. You can cut them into small squares for bite-sized portions or larger rectangles for a more substantial dessert. Serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar and, if desired, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

How to Serve Lemon Bars

Lemon bars make an excellent addition to any dessert table, whether it's for a casual family gathering or a more formal event. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for an afternoon treat. You can also serve them as part of a dessert platter alongside other baked goods like brownies, cookies, and cakes.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Bars

1. Garnish with lemon slices or zest: For a decorative touch, add thin lemon slices or extra lemon zest on top of the bars before serving.
2. Use a cake stand: Arrange the lemon bars on a cake stand for an elevated and elegant presentation.
3. Add edible flowers: Sprinkling edible flowers, like violets or pansies, around the plate can enhance the visual appeal and make your dessert table stand out.

Lemon Bars Recipe Tips

• Use fresh lemons: The quality of your lemon bars depends on the freshness of your ingredients. Always use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
• Chill before cutting: For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing.
• Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will give you neat, clean slices. For extra precision, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between each cut.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze lemon bars?
Yes, you can freeze lemon bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

2. How long do lemon bars last?
Lemon bars will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

3. Can I make lemon bars ahead of time?
Yes, lemon bars are a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare them the day before and refrigerate them overnight.

Conclusion

Lemon bars with shortbread crust are a delightful combination of tart and sweet, with a buttery base that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to treat yourself, this classic dessert is sure to be a hit. With the right ingredients, careful attention to detail, and a little patience, you'll be able to create a batch of lemon bars that look as good as they taste. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the zesty flavor of these irresistible lemon bars!

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