Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Introduction

Welcome to our delightful exploration of Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crusts—a classic dessert that brings a touch of sunshine with every bite. These lemon bars are the perfect blend of tangy citrus and buttery sweetness, creating a refreshing and zesty dessert that is beloved by many. Whether you’re looking for something to sweeten a summer picnic or a simple treat to brighten any day, these lemon bars promise to deliver. Follow this detailed recipe to create a tray of delightful lemon bars that will have everyone coming back for more!

Kitchen Equipment Required

• 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) Baking Pan
• Mixing Bowls
• Electric Mixer or Whisk
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Rubber Spatula
• Wire Rack for Cooling
• Parchment Paper (optional)
• Fine Mesh Strainer
• Microplane or Zester

Cooking Time

Total estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes cooling time)

Recipe: Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Ingredients

• For the Shortbread Crust:
• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 115g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 60g (1/2 cup) powdered sugar
• 2g (1/2 tsp) salt
• For the Lemon Filling:
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 120ml (1/2 cup) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• 15g (1 tbsp) lemon zest
• 32g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
• 2g (1/2 tsp) baking powder
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine 250g (2 cups) flour, 115g (1 cup) softened butter, 60g (1/2 cup) powdered sugar, and 2g (1/2 tsp) salt. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan using the back of a spoon or your fingers.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the lemon filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Filling

In another mixing bowl, beat 4 large eggs and 200g (1 cup) of granulated sugar together until smooth. Add 120ml (1/2 cup) lemon juice and 15g (1 tbsp) lemon zest. Whisk until fully combined. Sift 32g (1/4 cup) flour and 2g (1/2 tsp) baking powder into the lemon mixture and stir until smooth.

Step 5: Bake the Lemon Bars

Pour the lemon filling over the prebaked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is just slightly golden.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. If desired, dust the top generously with powdered sugar before slicing into squares. For best results, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Conclusion

Congratulations on making Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust! These bars are a delightful way to capture the essence of lemons in a tasty treat. They offer a lovely combination of a crisp, buttery crust and a tart, smooth filling. Perfect for any occasion and easy to prepare, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the sunny flavors and share this recipe with family and friends to spread the joy of these delightful lemon bars. Happy baking!

Wyatt Travis Creator of AI MultiPrompter

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