Shortbread Lemon Bars

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Bake: 25 min. + chilling

Makes

3 dozen

Updated: Dec. 05, 2023
I've put together two family cookbooks over the years, and this recipe ranks among my favorites. The special lemon bars have yummy shortbread crust and refreshing flavor. I always make this dessert for guests because I know it'll be a hit with everyone. —Margaret Peterson, Forest City, Iowa
Shortbread Lemon Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
  • FILLING:
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • TOPPING:
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a food processor, combine the flour, confectioners' sugar, and lemon and orange zest. Add butter; cover and process until mixture forms a ball.
  2. Pat into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake until set and the edges are lightly browned, 12-14 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, combine all the filling ingredients. Pour over hot crust. Bake until set and lightly browned, 14-16 minutes. In a small bowl, combine topping ingredients. Spread over filling.
  4. Bake until topping is set, 7-9 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate overnight. Cut into bars just before serving. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

1 bar: 172 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.