Save Bright, tangy lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust, cut into elegant triangles for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
This recipe quickly became a favorite in my family, especially during summer gatherings where the tangy lemon bars bring smiles all around.
Ingredients
- For the Shortbread Crust: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- For the Lemon Filling: 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons (15 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/3 cup (80 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons), 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- For Finishing: Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt for the crust. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 3:
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 18 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Step 4:
- Meanwhile, whisk together granulated sugar and eggs in a medium bowl until smooth. Add flour, baking powder, salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk until well combined.
- Step 5:
- Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 18 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and just barely jiggles in the center.
- Step 6:
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Step 7:
- Use the parchment overhang to lift out the bars. Dust with powdered sugar and cut into 8 squares, then cut each square diagonally to make 16 triangles.
Pin it My family loves to enjoy these lemon bars during our weekend tea time, making every moment sweeter and more special.
Required Tools
8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, pastry cutter or fork, parchment paper, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter). If unsure about specific ingredient sources, double-check all labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 135, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 19 g, Protein 1 g per serving
Pin it These lemon bars are the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making them a delightful treat for any dessert lover.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of crust is used for these lemon bars?
A buttery shortbread crust forms the base, offering a crisp and rich texture that complements the tangy lemon filling.
- → How is the lemon filling prepared?
The filling combines granulated sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest, whisked together until smooth.
- → Why are the bars cut into triangles?
After baking and cooling, the bars are cut into squares then diagonally sliced to create elegant, easy-to-handle triangles perfect for serving.
- → Can the flavor be intensified?
Yes, adding a splash of pure lemon extract to the filling enhances the citrus brightness for a more intense lemon taste.
- → What is the best way to achieve clean slices?
Chilling the bars before slicing helps produce cleaner, neater cuts without crumbling the shortbread crust.
- → Are there recommended pairings for these bars?
They pair delightfully with Earl Grey tea or a chilled glass of Moscato to balance the tangy citrus flavors.