Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust Recipe

Lemon bars with shortbread crust are a perfect mixture of a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet, yet tart lemon custard.

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HOW TO MAKE LEMON BARS WITH SHORTBREAD CRUST

TOOLS YOU MAY NEED

• KitchenAid Mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Microplane
• 9 x 13 baking dish

INGREDIENTS

CRUST

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla or lemon extract
• Zest of 1 lemon

FILLING

• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 large eggs
• Juice of 3 lemons
• Zest from 2 lemons

DIRECTIONS FOR HOW TO MAKE LEMON BARS WITH SHORTBREAD CRUST

Crust

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream softened butter for 30 to 60 seconds, then add in granulated sugar and beat for another 30 to 60 seconds until light and fluffy.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix in vanilla extract and an egg yolk until incorporated.
3. Mix in flour, salt and baking powder until just incorporated. The dough will be dry at first, but it will come together.
4. Press the dough into an 8 x 11 pan and bake at 325°F for 15-18 minutes.

Filling

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice and lemon zest.
2. Poke holes in the crust, then pour the filling over top.
3. Bake the lemon bars at 325°F for 23-25 minutes until just they’re golden brown around edge.

Allow the lemon bars with a shortbread crust to come to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours then sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy!

NOTES

• Don’t over bake the crust in the first bake. It should be firm but not cooked all the way through.
• The lemon filling should be brown around the edges, but there will be a custard like texture.
• It’s important to chill the lemon bars thoroughly before adding the powdered sugar, otherwise it will melt.
• Store these lemon bars in the refrigerator for up to a week.

LOOKING FOR MORE DESSERT RECIPES?

Looking for more simple recipes like these lemon bars with shortbread crust? Check these out:

• Healthy Peanut Butter Bars
• Un-Fried Ice Cream
• Cast Iron Skillet Brookie
• Oreo Balls

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