The sun shines brightly, casting a warm glow on the kitchen as the scent of freshly zested lemons dances through the air. The thought of Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust brings back memories of summer picnics, where laughter echoed and sweet-tart goodness was shared among friends. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor, with that buttery shortbread crust crumbling perfectly beneath a luscious lemon filling.
Picture yourself taking that first bite—your taste buds awaken to a tangy symphony while the soft crust hugs each mouthful in comfort. Whether it’s for a sunny afternoon treat or a special gathering, these lemon bars are bound to steal the show and keep you coming back for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust are not only simple to whip up but also burst with refreshing flavors
- The visually appealing golden hue will make your dessert table shine bright
- A versatile treat perfect for any occasion, they can be enjoyed as a light snack or an impressive dessert
- Plus, they store well for those moments when your sweet tooth strikes unexpectedly
Ingredients for Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor; it gives the crust that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness in both the crust and filling; feel free to swap some for powdered sugar for extra smoothness.
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your crust; ensure it’s measured accurately for perfect texture.
Fresh Lemons: You’ll need both zest and juice; choose plump, juicy lemons for maximum flavor.
Eggs: Large eggs work best; they help bind everything together while adding richness to the filling.
For Garnishing:
Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds a lovely finish and balances the tartness of the bars beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides—this will make removing those glorious bars easier later.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
In a mixing bowl, blend together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Gradually add all-purpose flour and mix until crumbly. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish and press it evenly into the bottom. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Filling
While your crust bakes away, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a separate bowl until smooth. Add in a bit of flour to thicken things up—this will give your filling that perfect custardy consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Once your crust has cooled slightly after its initial bake, pour that bright-yellow lemon mixture right over it. Return it to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 5: Cool Down
Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature before placing it into the fridge to chill for at least an hour. This helps firm up those lemon bars nicely!
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, dust with powdered sugar using a fine sieve before slicing into squares (or triangles if you’re feeling fancy). Serve them up on a plate or share them at your next gathering—you’ll be everyone’s favorite person!
Enjoy these Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust as they bring joy, nostalgia, and maybe even some happy tears (the good kind) as you savor each delightful bite!
You Must Know
- Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust are the perfect treat for any occasion
- They are bright, tangy, and oh-so-sweet, making them a delightful addition to your dessert table
- Plus, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your shortbread crust. While the crust bakes, whip up the zesty lemon filling. Once combined, pour it over the hot crust and bake until set. This sequence ensures that everything comes together perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out fresh lemons for limes for a fun twist. You can also sprinkle some poppy seeds into the filling for added texture or top with powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you need to reheat, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds—they’re best enjoyed slightly chilled!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature eggs for a smoother filling
- Always zest before juicing lemons—it’s easier!
- Don’t skip refrigerating; it helps set those delicious layers perfectly
Sometimes I whip up these Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust when friends come over. Their reactions are priceless; they practically swoon over how deliciously tangy they are!
FAQs:
What are Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust?
Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery shortbread base topped with a tangy lemon filling. This recipe balances sweetness and tartness, making it a refreshing treat. The shortbread crust provides a rich, crumbly texture that perfectly complements the smooth lemon layer. These bars are simple to make and require minimal ingredients, which makes them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
How long do Easy Lemon Bars need to cool?
Cooling is crucial for Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust. After baking, allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours before serving. Chilling helps the lemon filling set properly, ensuring clean cuts and a firmer texture. For best results, serve chilled, as this enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing experience on warm days.
Can I use fresh lemons for this recipe?
Yes, using fresh lemons is highly recommended for Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust. Fresh lemons provide vibrant flavor and natural acidity that bottled lemon juice cannot match. When using fresh lemons, zest them first for added aroma and taste before juicing. This small step elevates your bars to a new level of freshness and brightness, making your dessert even more enjoyable.
How can I store leftover Easy Lemon Bars?
To store leftover Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to one week when properly stored. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying their deliciousness again.
Conclusion for Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust:
Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust offer a perfect combination of sweet and tart flavors that everyone will love. With their simple preparation and refreshing taste, these bars make an ideal dessert for any occasion. Remember to allow adequate cooling time for the best texture and flavor. Whether you use fresh lemons or serve them chilled, these delightful treats are sure to impress family and friends alike!
Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 16 servings 1x
Description
Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust are the quintessential summer treat, combining a buttery shortbread base with a zesty lemon filling. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, making them perfect for picnics, gatherings, or just a sunny afternoon snack. Simple to prepare and visually appealing, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for the filling)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large fresh eggs
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- For the crust, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Gradually mix in the flour until crumbly. Press into the baking dish and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a bit of flour in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for another 20-25 minutes until set but slightly jiggly.
- Let cool at room temperature then refrigerate for at least one hour before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
