The Best Lemon Bars – Sweet, Tart, and Irresistibly Buttery

A Cheerful Introduction

Bright, zesty, and perfectly balanced, these lemon bars with shortbread crust are the ultimate dessert for spring and summer—or any time you crave something sweet and refreshing. With their buttery base and tangy filling, they’re bound to lift your spirits!

A Flavorful Experience

These delightful lemon bars boast a rich, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust topped with silky lemon curd. The sweet-tart flavor combination creates a harmonious balance that leaves you reaching for just one more bar.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Yield: About 16 bars

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Lemon Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add flour and salt until combined.
3. Press the mixture into a greased 9x9-inch baking pan.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool.
5. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, zest, and flour until smooth.
6. Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust.
7. Bake for an additional 20 minutes until set. Cool completely, then chill for 2 hours.

Tips for Success

• To prevent a soggy crust, ensure the crust is fully baked before adding the filling.
• For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between slices.
• Adjust the sugar in the filling for your perfect lemon-to-sweet ratio.

Variations

• Add a hint of vanilla extract for a richer flavor.
• Incorporate shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting with gluten-free flour.

Serving and Storing Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust

• Serving and Storing Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust
• Serving and Storing Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Serve these easy lemon bars chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer-lasting enjoyment!

Final Thoughts on Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

These lemon bars with shortbread crust are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful treat ready to brighten your day. Be sure to save, share, and comment on this recipe—your friends and family will be grateful!

💡 If you enjoyed this recipe, try my Cranberry Orange Bread next — it’s another bright, citrus favorite!

🍋 This recipe was inspired by Sally’s Baking Addiction classic lemon bars — a must-read for more baking inspiration!