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Tangy Lemon Bars Shortbread Crust Recipe

Tangy Lemon Bars Shortbread Crust Recipe

This Tangy Lemon Bars Shortbread Crust Recipe is bright, fresh and perfect for lemon lovers. The buttery crust melts in your mouth, while the lemon filling tastes sweet and tangy. This dessert feels classic and comforting, yet light and refreshing.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 bars
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Shortbread Crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • Pinch of salt

For the Lemon Filling:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions
 

Prepare the Baking Pan

  • Line the baking pan with parchment paper. Leave extra paper on sides. This helps remove bars easily later.

Mix the Dry Crust Ingredients

  • Add flour, powdered sugar, and salt to a bowl. Stir well to combine evenly.

Cut in the Butter

  • Add cold butter cubes to dry mixture. Mix using fingers until crumbs form like wet sand.

Press the Crust

  • Press mixture firmly into baking pan. Make an even layer. Press corners carefully for clean edges.

Chill the Crust

  • Place pan in refrigerator for ten minutes. This helps crust keep shape during baking.

Bake the Crust

  • Bake crust until lightly golden. Do not overbake. Remove from oven and cool slightly.

Prepare Lemon Filling

  • Whisk eggs and sugar until smooth. Add lemon juice, zest, flour, and baking powder.

Mix Until Smooth

  • Whisk filling until no lumps remain. The mixture should look pale and slightly thick.

Pour Filling Over Crust

  • Pour lemon mixture over warm crust. Spread gently so filling reaches all edges.

Bake Until Set

  • Bake until center is just set. The top should not jiggle when shaken gently.

Cool Completely

  • Let bars cool at room temperature. Then chill in fridge for cleaner slices.

Slice and Serve

  • Lift bars using parchment paper. Slice with a sharp knife. Clean knife between cuts.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for better flavor.
  • Add lime juice for a citrus twist.
  • Dust powdered sugar just before serving.
  • Chill bars longer for firmer texture.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend if needed.
  • Add vanilla extract for mild sweetness.
Keyword Tangy Lemon Bars Shortbread Crust Recipe