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Easy Zesty Lemon Bars Recipe with Buttery Shortbread Crust Perfect for Summer

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Bright, tangy lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust that are quick and easy to make, perfect for summer gatherings and sweet treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup (160ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–5 medium lemons)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest (freshly grated)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add cold cubed butter and blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits.
  3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until edges are light golden brown.
  4. While the crust bakes, whisk together 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar and 1/4 cup flour in a large bowl. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest until smooth and bright yellow.
  6. Pour the lemon filling over the hot baked crust immediately. Return to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until filling is set and no longer jiggly.
  7. Let bars cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
  8. Lift bars out using parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Keep butter cold for the crust to achieve a flaky texture. Line pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Chill bars before slicing for clean cuts. If filling is too runny, bake a few extra minutes watching closely to avoid over-baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon bars, lemon dessert, shortbread crust, summer dessert, easy lemon bars, zesty lemon bars, buttery crust, homemade lemon bars

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