Chef Mitchell preparing Lemon Crumb Shortbread Bars
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered Lemon Crumb Shortbread Bars while experimenting with citrus flavors in desserts. The combination of buttery shortbread and zesty lemon was an instant hit. After perfecting the recipe, I couldn’t wait to share it with family and friends, who quickly became fans. Now, it's a staple in my dessert repertoire."

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, I specialize in creating delightful dessert recipes. My passion lies in blending traditional flavors with modern techniques. I have a deep appreciation for the art of baking and love sharing my knowledge with others.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Lemon Crumb Shortbread Bars served on a plate

Why This Lemon Crumb Shortbread Bars Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it balances the richness of shortbread with the bright, tart flavor of lemon. The crumbly topping adds texture, making each bite satisfying. The use of fresh lemon juice and zest ensures a bold citrus flavor that elevates the sweetness of the dessert.

The technique used in making the crust ensures it remains tender and flaky. By pressing only part of the dough into the pan, we create a layered effect that enhances the overall experience of the bars. The baking time is crucial for achieving that golden color, which signifies the perfect bake.

💡 Professional Tip

For an extra burst of lemon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon extract to the filling. Additionally, chilling the bars before cutting will help achieve cleaner slices. When baking, keep an eye on the edges to prevent over-baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Lemon Crumb Shortbread Bars can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Keep in mind that this may slightly change the flavor but will still yield delicious results.

The bars are done when the top is golden brown and the filling has set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it’s too wet, return to the oven for a few more minutes.

Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

These bars pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a beautiful finish. Additionally, serving with fresh berries can enhance the flavor and presentation.

When stored properly in an airtight container, Lemon Crumb Shortbread Bars will last for about a week in the refrigerator. However, they are best enjoyed within the first few days for optimal freshness.

Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance. Just make sure to store them in the refrigerator. They taste even better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together.

To reheat, place the bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain their texture. You can also microwave them for a few seconds, but be cautious not to overheat.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The bars may turn out dry if overbaked or if too much flour is used.

Solution: To prevent this, ensure you measure your flour correctly and keep an eye on baking time. If they feel dry after baking, you can drizzle a simple lemon glaze on top to add moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the bars lack crispiness, they may not have been baked long enough.

Solution: Make sure to bake until the top is nicely golden brown. Additionally, allowing them to cool completely before slicing can help maintain their texture.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the bars appear overly brown or hard on the edges, they may be overcooked.

Prevention: To prevent this, reduce the oven temperature slightly next time and check for doneness a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the bars is too gooey, they may not have cooked long enough.

Recovery: Return the bars to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking regularly until the center is set.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Burnt edges can occur if the oven temperature is too high or the bars are placed too close to the heating element.

Prevention: To avoid this, keep the baking pan in the center of the oven and consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the bars are too sweet, try reducing the sugar in the filling next time.

Too Salty: If there’s too much salt, make sure to accurately measure the salt content and avoid adding additional salty toppings.

Bland: To enhance flavor, consider adding more lemon zest or a bit of lemon extract to the filling.

Fresh ingredients for Lemon Crumb Shortbread Bars

Essential Ingredients for Lemon Crumb Shortbread Bars

Key ingredients in this recipe include all-purpose flour for structure, unsalted butter for richness, and fresh lemons for a bright tart flavor. Using quality ingredients will make a significant difference in the final product.

It's important to use fresh lemons rather than bottled lemon juice to achieve the best flavor. The zest adds a fragrant aroma that enhances the overall experience of these bars.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in your recipe. Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar, resulting in a light and airy texture.
  • Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemons are essential for getting that zesty flavor and natural acidity. Always zest and juice your lemons right before using them to capture their full flavor potential.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Sift your all-purpose flour before measuring to avoid packing it down. This ensures the right amount is used, contributing to the perfect texture of your shortbread base.
Cooking process for Lemon Crumb Shortbread Bars

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

This recipe utilizes a straightforward cooking method, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. The mixing of the crust ingredients should be done gently to maintain the shortbread’s crumbly texture.

To achieve perfect results, ensure that ingredients are at room temperature and that you don't overmix the batter. Properly cooling the bars before slicing will help maintain their shape and texture.

Key Technique for Perfect Lemon Crumb Shortbread Bars

The crucial technique in this recipe is the balance of mixing the ingredients just enough to combine them without overworking the dough. This helps maintain the delicate crumb structure that is characteristic of shortbread.

Lemon Crumb Shortbread Bars

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
    Freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
    From fresh lemons
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    For thickening
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    To balance flavors

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    For the crust
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
    Softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    To enhance flavor
  • 1 lemon
    Zested and juiced
  • 2 large eggs
    For binding
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    For leavening
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
    For dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

  2. Prepare Crust

    In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the lemon zest and mix well.

  3. Mix Dry Ingredients

    In another bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture until well combined.

  4. Press Into Pan

    Press a little more than half of the dough into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.

  5. Prepare Filling

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, and remaining granulated sugar until combined. Pour this mixture over the crust.

  6. Add Topping

    Crumble the remaining dough over the lemon filling and sprinkle with oats, brown sugar, and chopped nuts.

  7. Bake Bars

    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.

  8. Cool and Serve

    Allow to cool in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into bars.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep your Lemon Crumb Shortbread Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to avoid condensation.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A side of fresh berries or a drizzle of lemon glaze complements the flavors beautifully.

Recipe Variations

For a twist, try substituting lime juice and zest for lemon to create Lime Crumb Shortbread Bars. You can also add blueberries or raspberries to the filling for a fruity variation.