Luscious Lemon Shortbread Delight

Shortbread Lemon Bars Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 40 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour
🥄 Servings: 36 bars
📝 Category: Bar Cookie
🔍 Keywords: Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, Lemon, Citrus, Fruit, Scottish, European, Christmas, < 60 Mins, Small Appliance

Description:

Indulge in the delightful fusion of buttery shortbread and zesty lemon with these Shortbread Lemon Bars. Perfect for any occasion, these bars bring together the richness of butter, the tanginess of lemon, and the sweetness of powdered sugar in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 lemon, zest of
• 1/2 orange, zest of
• 3/4 cup butter
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 2/3 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/4 cup lemon zest
• 2 lemons, zest of
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 cups sour cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare Shortbread Base:

   • In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and orange zest.
   • Cut in butter until crumbly; process until the mixture forms a ball.
   • Pat the mixture into a greased 13×9 baking pan.

2. Bake the Base:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake the shortbread base for 12-14 minutes or until set and the edges are lightly browned.

3. Prepare Lemon Filling:

   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, flour, lemon zest, and baking powder until well combined.
   • Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Add Lemon Filling:

   • Once the shortbread base is baked, pour the lemon filling over the hot crust.

5. Bake with Lemon Filling:

   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 14-16 minutes or until the filling is set and lightly browned.

6. Prepare Topping:

   • In a separate bowl, combine the topping ingredients until well mixed.

7. Add Topping:

   • Spread the topping mixture evenly over the baked lemon filling.

8. Final Bake:

   • Bake the bars for an additional 7-9 minutes or until the topping is set.

9. Cool and Refrigerate:

   • Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack.
   • Refrigerate the bars overnight to allow flavors to meld and for easy slicing.

10. Serve:

    • Cut into bars just before serving to preserve freshness and presentation.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 146.2
• Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.1g
• Cholesterol: 37.5mg
• Sodium: 62.3mg
• Carbohydrates: 19.9g
  • Fiber: 0.2g
  • Sugar: 15.1g
• Protein: 1.6g

These Shortbread Lemon Bars are a delectable treat that balances the richness of buttery shortbread with the refreshing tartness of lemon, making them a delightful addition to any dessert table or afternoon tea. Enjoy the burst of citrus flavor with every bite of these easy-to-make bars!