Lemon bars are a classic dessert loved by many for their sweet and tangy flavor, complemented by a buttery shortbread crust. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a refreshing treat, this lemon bar recipe will hit the spot. With a combination of zesty lemon filling and crumbly shortbread, it's the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Read on to learn how to make this delicious dessert and take note of the tips and tricks to get perfect lemon bars every time.

What Are Lemon Bars?

Lemon bars are a delicious dessert consisting of two layers: a buttery shortbread crust and a zesty lemon custard topping. The base is typically made from a mixture of butter, flour, and sugar, which forms a crisp and buttery foundation. The lemon layer is a smooth and tangy custard made with fresh lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and a little bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken it. When baked together, the result is a delightful contrast between the rich, crumbly crust and the bright, tangy filling. Lemon bars are often dusted with powdered sugar before serving, adding a sweet finishing touch.

Ingredients List for Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

For the Shortbread Crust:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Filling:

1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
⅔ cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

Butter Substitution: If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with plant-based butter or coconut oil. However, keep in mind that this might slightly change the texture and flavor of the shortbread crust.
Sugar Alternatives: For those who prefer a less sweet option or are avoiding refined sugars, you can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia. Be sure to adjust for sweetness accordingly.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Almond flour can also work, but the texture will be denser.
Lemon Variations: You can switch out the lemon juice for other citrus flavors like lime or orange for a fun twist. Each citrus will bring its own unique tang to the bars.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the lemon bars after baking.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until smooth. Add in the flour and salt, mixing until it forms a soft dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the shortbread crust. Prick the crust with a fork a few times to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden around the edges.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Filling

While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour to ensure there are no lumps. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using), and whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Pour the Filling

Once the crust has finished baking, remove it from the oven. Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust, ensuring that it is spread evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Lemon Bars

Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center. The edges should be lightly golden.

Step 6: Cool and Dust

Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Cut into squares or rectangles for serving.

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

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line your baking dish.
Prepare the shortbread crust by creaming butter and sugar, then mixing in the flour and salt.
Press the dough into the baking dish and bake until golden.
Whisk together the lemon filling ingredients: sugar, flour, eggs, and lemon juice.
Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust and bake until set.
Cool completely, dust with powdered sugar, and cut into squares for serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Crust: When making the shortbread crust, avoid overmixing the dough. Once the flour is added, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can result in a tough crust rather than a crumbly, tender one.
Not Pre-Baking the Crust: It’s essential to pre-bake the shortbread crust before adding the lemon filling. Skipping this step can lead to a soggy bottom that won’t hold up well under the filling.
Undercooking the Lemon Filling: Ensure that the lemon filling is fully set before removing the bars from the oven. The center should no longer jiggle when you gently shake the pan. If undercooked, the bars will be runny and messy.
Cutting Before Cooling: Don’t rush the cooling process. Cutting the bars before they are fully cooled will cause them to fall apart. For best results, chill the bars in the refrigerator for about an hour before slicing.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Lemon bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. The contrast between the cold, tangy filling and the buttery crust is delightful. These bars are versatile and can be served at a variety of occasions, from casual get-togethers to more formal gatherings. The dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, making them look even more inviting.

How to Serve Lemon Bars

Casual Setting: For a more relaxed gathering, serve lemon bars straight from the baking dish. Simply cut them into squares and use a spatula to serve.
Formal Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, arrange the bars on a decorative platter. Dust them with extra powdered sugar, and garnish with thin slices of lemon or a small sprig of mint for a sophisticated touch.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Bars

Garnishing with Lemon Slices: Thinly slice lemons and place them in the center or along the sides of the platter for a decorative touch.
Add Fresh Berries: Fresh raspberries or blueberries can add a pop of color and a complementary flavor to the lemon bars. Place them around the bars for a colorful display.
Use Decorative Plates: Serving lemon bars on colorful or patterned plates can elevate the visual appeal of the dessert. Contrast the yellow of the lemon filling with blue or white plates for a striking effect.

Lemon Bars Recipe Tips

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled lemon juice. The difference in taste is noticeable.
Chill Before Serving: For cleaner slices and better flavor, chill the lemon bars in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Dust Right Before Serving: If dusting with powdered sugar, do it just before serving. If done too early, the sugar can dissolve into the filling and lose its visual appeal.
Zest for Extra Flavor: Adding lemon zest to the filling enhances the lemon flavor. If you prefer a more intense lemony taste, don’t skip the zest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

How long do lemon bars last? Stored in the refrigerator, lemon bars will last for up to 5 days. Be sure to keep them covered to maintain their freshness.

Can I make lemon bars ahead of time? Yes, lemon bars can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Why is my lemon filling runny? If your filling is runny, it may not have been baked long enough. Make sure the filling is fully set before removing the bars from the oven.

Do I have to refrigerate lemon bars? Yes, because of the egg content in the lemon filling, it's best to store lemon bars in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Conclusion

Lemon bars with shortbread crust are a delightful dessert that’s both easy to make and loved by everyone. Their tangy lemon flavor paired with the buttery shortbread crust creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart. By following the recipe and tips provided, you’ll be able to make the perfect lemon bars every time. Whether for a casual snack or a fancy dessert, these lemon bars are sure to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy the refreshing taste of lemon in every bite!