If you’re on the hunt for a bright, delightful treat that’s truly irresistible, this Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust Recipe is exactly what you need. These lemon bars strike the perfect balance between buttery, crumbly shortbread and tangy, luscious lemon filling that will brighten your day with every bite. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro looking for a reliable dessert to wow your guests, this recipe combines straightforward techniques with ingredients you already love. Get ready to fall in love with a classic that’s both refreshing and comforting all at once!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a collection of ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There are two small clear glass bowls filled with white granulated sugar on the left and white flour on the right. Between them, there are six whole bright yellow lemons placed in a small group. Above the lemons, six large white eggs are scattered on a light pink cloth, softly crumpled. The colors contrast well with the white marbled background, creating a fresh and clean look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s adding buttery richness, the perfect tartness, or the right texture to make these bars shine. You’ll find everything familiar yet essential to getting that perfect lemony indulgence.

8 ounces cold butter: Using cold butter ensures the shortbread crust bakes up with a tender, flaky texture.
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for crust): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the buttery shortbread.
2 cups all purpose flour (for crust): The base that gives your crust a delicate structure without overpowering the lemon filling.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, keeping sweetness and tartness in harmony.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the crust’s flavor.
6 eggs: They create a rich, velvety texture in the filling that’s important for smooth lemon bars.
3 cups granulated sugar (for filling): Balances the freshness and tanginess of the lemons perfectly.
1 cup all purpose flour (for filling): Helps set the filling with just the right firmness without weighing it down.
Zest of one lemon: Boosts the lemony aroma and flavor, making each bite fresh and vibrant.
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: The star ingredient that delivers the signature zesty tang.

How to Make Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for baking both the crust and the filling to perfection. Next, butter a 9x13x2 inch baking pan or spray it generously with cooking spray. For a foolproof release, line the pan with parchment paper, making sure to butter or spray the paper as well. This little extra step will make lifting the lemon bars out much easier, especially since the filling is sticky and can cling to the sides.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

Place the butter, sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla extract into a food processor and pulse a few times until combined. The mixture will be crumbly and dry; don’t expect it to come together like typical dough. This texture is perfect—it means the crust will bake up tender and crumbly. Press this mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust layer.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake your crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until it’s just beginning to brown around the edges. This subtle golden color means your crust is perfectly set and ready for the luscious lemon filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Filling

While the crust is baking, whisk together all the filling ingredients in a large bowl—eggs, sugar, flour, lemon zest, and lemon juice—until smooth and well combined. The lemon zest is key here, infusing the filling with an extra citrus punch for a truly fresh flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Lemon Bars

Once your shortbread crust is baked, carefully pour the lemon filling over it and return the pan to the oven. Bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set without any jiggle. When it’s ready, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely to room temperature.

Step 6: Chill and Slice

The fun part is next—once cooled, refrigerate the bars overnight if you can. This step is not only easy but enhances the flavor and makes slicing clean bars a breeze. Use a thin knife to loosen the edges, and if you’ve used parchment paper, simply lift the whole slab out of the pan. Slice into bars, squares, or triangles, dust them with powdered sugar if you want a pretty finish, and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust Recipe

The image shows four lemon bars arranged closely in a row on a white marbled surface dusted with powdered sugar. Each bar has two layers: a thick bottom crust in a golden-brown color with a crumbly texture, and a smooth, bright yellow lemon topping layer on top. Small lemon wedges with bright yellow rind and light yellow flesh are placed between the bars and on the surface, along with tiny bits of lemon zest scattered around. The scene has soft natural light highlighting the dusted powdered sugar and the glossy lemon layer, giving a fresh and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple toppings can take your lemon bars from delightful to absolutely stunning. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy, delicate touch and balances the tartness perfectly. For an extra zing, try a few sprigs of fresh mint or a few thin lemon slices as garnish to enhance both the look and the fresh citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

These lemon bars shine as a stand-alone dessert, but they also pair beautifully with light accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream provides a creamy contrast that’s heavenly. Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries also pair well, adding color and a little sweet-tart burst with every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or bring a creative touch to your next gathering, try serving these bars on a rustic wooden board or slate platter with fresh flowers or edible blossoms nearby. Cut the bars into bite-sized pieces for a fun party platter or serve them layered with fresh fruit in petite parfait glasses for an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your lemon bars, simply cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it easy to grab a sweet treat whenever the craving hits.

Freezing

Want to make a batch ahead for future enjoyment? Lemon bars freeze beautifully. Cut them into squares and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for a couple of hours. Then transfer the frozen bars to a freezer-friendly container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready to thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

These bars are generally best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, gently reheat a bar or two in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This brings out the lemon aroma beautifully without compromising texture.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is always preferred for the best tartness and brightness, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work. Just be mindful that the flavor may be a bit less vibrant, so consider adjusting the sugar slightly to balance.

What if I don’t have a food processor for the crust?

No worries! You can mix the crust by hand using a pastry cutter or two forks. The key is to cut the butter evenly into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks crumbly but then press firmly into your pan.

How can I tell when the lemon filling is fully set?

The filling should appear firm with no liquid spots and only a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking can make the filling tough, so watch it closely toward the end of baking time.

Can I substitute gluten-free flour for all purpose flour?

Yes, you can generally substitute one-for-one with a gluten-free all purpose blend. The texture might vary slightly, but the bars will still taste delicious and maintain their bright lemon flavor.

Why is it important to zest the lemon before juicing?

Zesting the lemon before juicing ensures you get all that wonderful fragrant zest without the fruit becoming too soft or flimsy after juicing, which can make zesting more difficult.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust Recipe enough—once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite for so many. It’s a perfect blend of tart and sweet, with the satisfying texture of homemade shortbread that feels like a warm, buttery hug in every bite. Truly, these lemon bars are a crowd-pleaser at any occasion and a joy to make. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive in—your new go-to dessert is waiting!