Best 11 Lemon Shortbread Bars Recipes

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Indulge in the delightful symphony of flavors and textures with our delectable Lemon Shortbread Bars. These treats are like sunshine captured in a bite, featuring a buttery shortbread crust, vibrant lemon curd filling, and a sweet crumble topping. Each layer harmonizes perfectly, creating a dessert that's both refreshing and indulgent. Dive into the tangy, citrusy burst of the lemon curd, complemented by the crumbly, buttery goodness of the shortbread crust and the crunchy sweetness of the crumble topping. These bars are not only a feast for the palate but also a stunning addition to any dessert table, with their bright yellow filling and golden-brown crust. Whether you're hosting a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, our Lemon Shortbread Bars will transport you to a world of pure bliss.

Lemon Shortbread Bars Recipe (you can also try the gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free versions):

Crust:

- 1 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour (for gluten-free, use gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:

- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup (120ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Crumble Topping:

- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour (for gluten-free, use gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. To make the crust, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg. Gradually add the flour and salt until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.

3. To make the filling, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the water and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 minute, or until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the butter, egg yolks, and lemon zest.

4. Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly.

5. To make the crumble topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, nuts (if using), and melted butter in a medium bowl. Use your fingers to work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filling.

6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Enjoy your Lemon Shortbread Bars!

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

SHORTBREAD LEMON BARS



Shortbread Lemon Bars image

I've put together two family cookbooks over the years, and this recipe ranks among my favorites. These special lemon bars have a yummy shortbread crust and a refreshing flavor. I never hesitate to make this dessert for guests since I know it will be a hit. -Margaret Peterson, Forest City, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 17

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
FILLING:
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups sugar
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1 teaspoon baking powder
TOPPING:
2 cups sour cream
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a food processor, combine the flour, confectioners' sugar, and lemon and orange zest. Add butter; cover and process until mixture forms a ball. , Pat into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake until set and the edges are lightly browned, 12-14 minutes. , In a large bowl, combine all the filling ingredients. Pour over hot crust. Bake until set and lightly browned, 14-16 minutes. In a small bowl, combine topping ingredients. Spread over filling. , Bake until topping is set, 7-9 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate overnight. Cut into bars just before serving. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 172 calories, Fat 9g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 51mg cholesterol, Sodium 70mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.

ICED LEMON SHORTBREAD BARS



Iced Lemon Shortbread Bars image

Buttery, rich shortbread bursts with a twist of lemon flavor.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h5m

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, slightly softened
2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 1/4 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
3 to 4 tablespoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 325°F (if using dark or nonstick pan, heat oven to 300°F). Grease bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with shortening or spray with cooking spray.
  • In large bowl, beat 3/4 cup powdered sugar, the granulated sugar and butter with electric mixer on low speed until combined. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Stir in 2 tablespoons lemon peel and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Stir in flour, cornstarch and salt. Press dough in pan with floured fingers.
  • Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until top is light golden brown. Cool completely, about 45 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in medium bowl, stir all Lemon Icing ingredients until smooth and spreadable. Spread cooled bars with Lemon Icing; let stand 15 minutes or until set. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 120, Carbohydrate 18 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 0 g, Protein 0 g, SaturatedFat 2 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Bar, Sodium 50 mg, Sugar 10 g, TransFat 0 g

LEMON POPPY-SEED SHORTBREAD BARS



Lemon Poppy-Seed Shortbread Bars image

Categories     Mixer     Dessert     Bake     Lemon     Poppy     Gourmet     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 24 cookies

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar plus additional for sprinkling the bars
1 1/2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • In a bowl with an electric mixer cream the butter with 1/2 cup of the confectioners' sugar and beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy. Beat in the zest and the vanilla, add the poppy seeds, the flour, and the salt, and beat the mixture until it is just combined. Press the mixture evenly into a buttered 8-inch-square baking pan and bake it in the middle of a preheated 300°F. oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it is pale golden. Let the shortbread cool in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes, cut it into 24 bars, and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Sprinkle the bars with the additional confectioners' sugar.

LEMON BARS WITH BROWN-BUTTER SHORTBREAD CRUST



Lemon Bars with Brown-Butter Shortbread Crust image

Brown butter adds a nutty flavor to the crust of these pleasantly tart lemon bars.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes 24

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
Pinch of salt
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting (optional)
6 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 1 small lemon, finely grated

Steps:

  • Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan; line baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 3-inch overhang on all sides.
  • Make the crust: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat until barely browned in color. Remove pan from heat and pour butter into the bowl of an electric mixer, leaving any burned sediment behind. Transfer butter to refrigerator until solidified. When solidified, remove from refrigerator and let soften slightly.
  • Transfer bowl to electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat until butter is smooth. Sift flour, confectioners' sugar, and salt into bowl; mix on low speed until combined.
  • Transfer dough to prepared pan and press evenly into bottom of the pan using the back of a measuring cup; it should be about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer to refrigerator; chill until firm, about 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Transfer baking pan to oven and bake until crust is golden brown, about 20 minutes. If crust appears to be browning unevenly, rotate pan.
  • Make the filling: Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add lemon juice and zest; whisk to dissolve granulated sugar. Add egg mixture to flour mixture and whisk until well combined.
  • When the crust is golden brown, pull out oven rack and evenly pour filling mixture directly over hot crust (if crust has finished baking before filling has been made, return crust to oven for a few minutes so that it is hot). If air bubbles appear on the surface, remove them using a kitchen torch held 4 to 5 inches from the surface, moving in a slow even motion. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees and bake until center is set, 30 to 40 minutes.
  • Remove baking pan from oven and transfer to a wire rack. Let lemon bars cool completely before covering and transferring to refrigerator until chilled.
  • Using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry, cut lemon bars into twenty-four 2-inch squares and dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving, if desired.

LEMON SHORTBREAD BARS



Lemon Shortbread Bars image

Categories     Cookies     Food Processor     Citrus     Dairy     Fruit     Dessert     Bake     Easter     Fourth of July     Kid-Friendly     Lemon     Spring     Summer     Shower     Party     Bon Appétit     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher     Small Plates

Yield Makes 16

Number Of Ingredients 20

Crust
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
2 cups all purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 large egg yolks
Lemon filling
6 large eggs
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
4 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel
Streusel topping
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Powdered sugar

Steps:

  • For crust:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat 13x9x2-inch metal baking pan with nonstick spray. Blend flour, sugar and salt in processor to combine. Cut in butter, using on/off turns, until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add egg yolks and blend until moist clumps form. Press mixture onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake until just beginning to turn golden brown around edges, about 10 minutes. Remove crust from oven; reduce temperature to 325°F.
  • Meanwhile, prepare lemon filling:
  • Whisk eggs and sugar in large bowl to blend. Whisk flour and baking powder in medium bowl to blend. Add flour mixture to egg mixture, whisking to blend. Whisk in lemon juice and peel. Immediately pour lemon filling over hot crust; bake until filling is set, about 30 minutes. Maintain oven temperature.
  • For streusel:
  • Blend flour, 1/2 cup sugar and salt in processor to combine. Cut in butter, using on/off turns, until mixture resembles coarse meal.
  • Sprinkle topping over hot lemon bars; continue to bake until just golden, about 25 minutes longer. Cool completely. Sprinkle powdered sugar over. Cut into bars. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.)

LEMON POPPY SEED SHORTBREAD BARS



Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Bars image

These bars are buttery rich and not too sweet, with a light lemon flavor. The fresh lemon juice is optional add it in for a stronger lemon flavor. These will be soft when removed from the oven and then harden up. Measure the butter, flour and vanilla exactly for a perfect texture bar.

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 40m

Yield 24 cookies

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 cup butter, softened (no subs!)
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar (addition for sprinkling on bars)
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (I just used the zest from 1 whole lemon)
1 -2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Set oven to 300°F (set oven rack to middle position).
  • Butter an 8x8-inch glass baking dish.
  • In a bowl using an electric mixer cream the butter with 1/2 cup confectioners sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
  • Add in zest, lemon juice (if using) and poppy seeds; mix until combined.
  • In a small bowl mix together flour and salt; add to the creamed mixture and mix just until combined.
  • Press the mixture into prepared baking pan.
  • Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until pale golden brown.
  • Let the shortbread cool in the pan on a rack for about 10 minutes.
  • Cut into 24 bars and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
  • Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

STRAWBERRY LEMON SHORTBREAD BARS



Strawberry Lemon Shortbread Bars image

Okay, I am really having a serious sweet tooth attack! These will wow your friends and have them asking for the recipe. Putting here so I will make them asap! Adapted from Southern Living magazine.

Provided by Sharon123

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 siwb

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
3/4 teaspoon lemon zest, divided
3/4 cup cold butter
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup strawberry preserves
sweetened whipped cream (to garnish)
fresh strawberry slices (to garnish)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Stir together flour, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest in a medium bowl; cut in butter with a pastry blender until crumbly. Press mixture onto bottom of a lightly greased 13 x 9 inch pan.
  • Bake at 350° for 20 to 22 minutes or until lightly browned.
  • Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs, 1 at a time, and beat just until blended after each addition. Stir in fresh lemon juice and remaining 1/4 teaspoons lemon zest, beating well.
  • Spread preserves over shortbread. Pour cream cheese mixture over preserves, spreading to edges.
  • Bake 28 to 32 more minutes or until set. Let cool 1 hour on a wire rack. Cover and chill 4 to 8 hours.
  • Cut into bars; garnish, if desired.
  • Enjoy!

LEMON-MACADAMIA SHORTBREAD BARS



Lemon-Macadamia Shortbread Bars image

This updated lemon bar, with its zingy lemon filling, is a favorite. The shortbread base is enhanced with buttery macadamia nuts

Provided by Vseward Chef-V

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 45m

Yield 36 bars, 36 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup roasted salted macadamia nut
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, cut up, softened
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
6 egg yolks
6 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut up, softened
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F Line 13x9-inch pan with foil so that foil hangs over edges. Cut 13x9-inch piece of parchment paper; place over foil in bottom of pan.
  • Place 1 cup macadamia nuts and 3/4 cup sugar in food processor; pulse until nuts are finely ground. Add flour, butter and lemon peel; pulse until mixture is blended (dough will not form). Spread mixture in pan; press evenly to form crust. Prick dough all over with fork. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until pale brown. Cool completely.
  • In heavy medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and 6 tablespoons sugar; whisk in lemon juice. Cook over medium heat 4 to 5 minutes or until thickened and temperature reaches 160°F Remove from heat; whisk in 1/4 cup butter and 1 teaspoon lemon peel. Place in small bowl; press plastic wrap directly on surface. Cool to room temperature; spread over crust. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup macadamia nuts. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.
  • Remove bars by lifting foil ends. Slide bars with parchment paper liner onto cutting board. Cut into 36 pieces. Store in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 148.3, Fat 10.7, SaturatedFat 4.9, Cholesterol 48.4, Sodium 12.2, Carbohydrate 12.5, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 6.6, Protein 1.6

ICED LEMON SHORTBREAD BARS



Iced Lemon Shortbread Bars image

Make and share this Iced Lemon Shortbread Bars recipe from Food.com.

Provided by grandma2969

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 55m

Yield 24-36 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons light corn syrup
3 -4 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 cups powdered sugar

Steps:

  • heat oven to 325* -- grease bottom and side of a 13x9 pan -- with crisco.set aside.
  • beat sugars and butter in large mixing bowl -- until combined.
  • beat on medium speed until light and fluffy --
  • stir in lemon zest and lemon juice --
  • stir in flour, cornstarch, and salt.
  • press dough in pan -- with floured fingers.
  • bake 35-45 minutes or top is lightly golden brown --
  • cool completely in pan on wire rack for about 45 minutes.
  • spread with lemon icing -- let stand 15 minutes.until set.
  • for bars, cut into 6x6 rows.
  • to prepare LEMON ICING:.
  • mix all ingredients in medium bowl with spoon until smooth and spreadable.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 185.3, Fat 7.8, SaturatedFat 4.9, Cholesterol 20.3, Sodium 79.8, Carbohydrate 28.1, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 15.9, Protein 1.3

STREUSEL-TOPPED LEMON SHORTBREAD BARS



Streusel-Topped Lemon Shortbread Bars image

Light and tasty first time make it and come out good!! Family love it!

Provided by Sylwia Wojdyla Ohlrich

Categories     Other Desserts

Time 1h25m

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 c all purpose flour
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 c cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 egg yolks
6 large eggs
2 1/2 c granulated sugar, divided
1 1/4 c all purpose flour, divided
1 tsp baking powder
4 tsp lemon zest
1/2 c fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 c cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
powdered sugar for garnish

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine first 3 ingredients in food processor. Add 3/4 cup butter to food processor, and pulse 12 to 15 times or until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add egg yolks to food processor, and pres just until mixture forms clumps. ( Clumps will be moist) Press mixture onto bottom of lightly greased 13 x 9 - inch pan.
  • 2. Bake at 350 F for 16 to 18 minutes or just until edges are golden brown.Remove from oven, and reduce oven temperature to 325 F.
  • 3. Whisk together 6 eggs and 2 cups sugar in large bowl until blended. Combine 1/2 cup flower and baking powder ; whisk into egg mixture until blended. Whisk in lemon zest and lemon juice. Immediately pour lemon mixture over hot crust in pan.
  • 4. Bake at 325 F for 20 to 25 minutes or until filling is set. Remove from oven.
  • 5. Combine 1/4 tsp. salt and remaining 3/4 cup flower and 1/2 cup sugar. Cut in 1/4 cup butter pieces with a pastry blander or fork until crumbly. Sprinkle topping over hot lemon mixture.
  • 6. Bake at 325 F for 25 minutes or just until lightly golden.Let cool completely on a wire rack ( about 1 hour). Cut into 32 bars, and sprinkle evenly with powdered sugar just before serving.

ICED LEMON SHORTBREAD BARS



Iced Lemon Shortbread Bars image

Buttery, rich shortbread bursts with a twist of lemon flavor.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h5m

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, slightly softened
2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 1/4 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
3 to 4 tablespoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 325°F (if using dark or nonstick pan, heat oven to 300°F). Grease bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with shortening or spray with cooking spray.
  • In large bowl, beat 3/4 cup powdered sugar, the granulated sugar and butter with electric mixer on low speed until combined. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Stir in 2 tablespoons lemon peel and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Stir in flour, cornstarch and salt. Press dough in pan with floured fingers.
  • Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until top is light golden brown. Cool completely, about 45 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in medium bowl, stir all Lemon Icing ingredients until smooth and spreadable. Spread cooled bars with Lemon Icing; let stand 15 minutes or until set. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 120, Carbohydrate 18 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 0 g, Protein 0 g, SaturatedFat 2 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Bar, Sodium 50 mg, Sugar 10 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture.
  • Make sure the butter and cream cheese are cold before using them, as this will help to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
  • Do not overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.
  • Be careful not to overcook the cookies, as this can make them dry and crumbly.
  • For a more intense lemon flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest.
  • If you don't have a lemon zester, you can use a fine grater to zest the lemon.
  • If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of sugar to the dough.
  • To make the cookies even more decadent, you can top them with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
  • These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

These lemon shortbread bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that are perfect for any occasion. With their buttery shortbread crust, tangy lemon filling, and sweet glaze, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for a special dessert, give these lemon shortbread bars a try. You won't be disappointed!

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