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Best Lemon Bars Recipe with Flaky Shortbread Crust

A hand holding a thick, bright yellow Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust square, dusted heavily with powdered sugar.
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Make these tart lemon curd bars for a refreshing citrus dessert. They feature a buttery, flaky shortbread base and a bright, zesty lemon topping, perfect for Mother’s Day dessert or any spring gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the shortbread crust: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until creamy. Mix in 2 cups of flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms.
  3. Press the shortbread mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  4. While the crust bakes, prepare the lemon filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until completely smooth.
  5. Pour the lemon filling directly over the hot, partially baked shortbread crust.
  6. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. The filling should be set and no longer liquid in the center.
  7. Let the lemon bars cool completely on a wire rack. This may take 2 to 3 hours.
  8. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Dust generously with powdered sugar before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • For the best texture contrast, do not overbake the shortbread crust; it should just set before adding the filling.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor in your tart lemon curd bars.
  • Chill the bars for at least one hour before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent the sugar from melting into the curd.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://purecookingjoy.com/lemon-bars-with-shortbread-crust/

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