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lemon bars with buttery shortbread crust - featured image

Lemon Bars: Easy & Budget-Friendly Shortbread Crust

  • Author: Saly
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x

Description

These lemon bars feature a buttery, crunchy shortbread crust and a silky, tart lemon filling. They are easy to make, budget-friendly, and taste better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large whole eggs, room temperature
  • 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides, and grease lightly.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, 2 cups flour, and salt until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  4. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar and ¼ cup flour until no lumps remain.
  6. Add eggs and egg yolks, whisking vigorously until smooth.
  7. Whisk in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest until fully combined.
  8. Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are set and puffed, but the center still has a slight jiggle.
  10. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes.
  11. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  12. Lift bars out using the parchment sling, cut into squares with a sharp knife, and dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Notes

Do not skip the chilling step; warm bars will crumble. Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled. Room temperature eggs help prevent curdling. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 18
  • Sodium: 80
  • Fat: 9
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 24
  • Protein: 2

Keywords: lemon bars, shortbread crust, budget-friendly dessert, easy baking, family favorite, make-ahead dessert

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Find it online: https://cookelu.com/lemon-bars-easy-and-budget-friendly-shortbread-crust/