Best Lemon Shortbread Bars
Best Lemon Shortbread Bars
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these Best Lemon Shortbread Bars! These dessert bars are a perfect blend of buttery shortbread crust and tangy lemon filling. They offer a refreshing citrus flavor that is light yet satisfying, making them an excellent treat for any occasion. From summer picnics to holiday gatherings, these bars add a burst of sunshine to your dessert table.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to try these Lemon Shortbread Bars. First, the balance of the rich buttery crust against the vibrant lemon curd filling creates an explosion of flavor in every bite. Additionally, they are effortless to prepare, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time. Lastly, they can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient dessert for busy bakers. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this easy recipe will become a favorite.
How to Make Best Lemon Shortbread Bars
Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on preparing these delightful bars.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create the Best Lemon Shortbread Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup quick cooking oats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Directions
Follow these simple steps to make your Lemon Shortbread Bars:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the quick cooking oats, flour, and salt until the mixture resembles crumbs.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
- In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, lemon juice, eggs, lemon zest, and baking powder until well combined.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the lemon filling.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is lightly golden.
- Once baked, allow to cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
How to Serve Best Lemon Shortbread Bars
These Lemon Shortbread Bars can be served as-is or garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Consider pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries for added flavor and presentation. They make an excellent companion to a cup of tea or coffee!
How to Store Best Lemon Shortbread Bars
To keep your Lemon Shortbread Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you wish to freeze the bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container; they can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.
Tips to Make Best Lemon Shortbread Bars
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming and better consistency.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a more vibrant flavor.
- You can adjust the sweetness by decreasing the granulated sugar if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
- Consider adding poppy seeds to the lemon filling for an interesting texture and look.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different flavors in your Lemon Shortbread Bars! You can try adding blueberries or strawberries to the lemon filling for a fruity twist. Alternatively, use lime juice and zest instead of lemon for a zesty lime bar. You can also try incorporating nuts, such as chopped almonds or pecans, into the crust for added crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but be mindful to reduce the added salt in the recipe accordingly.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
3. How can I make the filling thicker?
To thicken the filling, you can add an extra egg or a tablespoon of cornstarch to the lemon mixture before pouring it over the crust.
Try making these Best Lemon Shortbread Bars today and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and tart in every delicious bite!
Lemon Shortbread Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup quick cooking oats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Reduce if using salted butter.
For the lemon filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar Can decrease amount for less sweetness.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice Use fresh lemon juice for better flavor.
- 2 pieces eggs For a thicker filling, add an extra egg.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest Use fresh for more vibrant flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the quick cooking oats, flour, and salt until the mixture resembles crumbs.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
Preparing the Lemon Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, lemon juice, eggs, lemon zest, and baking powder until well combined.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the lemon filling.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is lightly golden.
- Once baked, allow to cool before cutting into squares.
