Classic Tangy Lemon Shortbread Bars (Printable)
Buttery crust meets tangy lemon filling in these classic bars. Perfect balance of sweet and bright citrus flavors.
# What You Need:
→ Shortbread Crust
01 - 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
03 - 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Lemon Filling
05 - 1 and 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
06 - 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
07 - 4 large eggs
08 - 2/3 cup (160 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
09 - 1 tablespoon lemon zest
→ Topping
10 - Powdered sugar, for dusting
# Steps:
01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 cups flour and 1/4 tsp salt, mixing just until the dough forms.
03 - Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
04 - While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour. Add eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and whisk until well combined.
05 - Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust immediately after removing it from the oven.
06 - Bake for another 18–20 minutes, or until the filling is just set in the center.
07 - Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift out using the parchment handles and slice into 16 bars.
08 - Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The shortbread crust is impossibly buttery and holds up beautifully against the bright, tangy filling
- These bars actually taste better after sitting overnight, making them perfect for making ahead
02 -
- Pour the filling over the hot crust immediately, or you'll end up with a soggy bottom layer that never quite crisps up
- The center should still have a tiny bit of wiggle when you take it out, as it continues to set while cooling
03 -
- Meyer lemons make these bars extra special with their floral, sweeter flavor profile
- Add a tiny pinch of salt to the filling to really make that lemon flavor pop