Description
Berry Lemon Zest Shortbread Bars are a delicious dessert that features a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust topped with a tangy lemon layer, infused with zest and sweetened with mixed berries. These bars are light, refreshing, and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The shortbread crust provides a solid foundation for the juicy berry topping, while the lemon zest brings out a zesty, aromatic flavor that elevates the overall experience.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
1 cup (2 sticks / 225 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
1 tbsp lemon zest
For the Lemon Berry Topping:
1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
½ cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen — blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries work great)
Optional Garnish:
Powdered sugar for dusting
Thin lemon slices or extra zest for decoration
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal.
Make the Shortbread Crust:
In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar, and lemon zest together until smooth and fluffy.
Add flour and salt; mix until a soft dough forms.
Press dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges.
Prepare the Lemon Berry Filling:
In another bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
Gently fold in the berries.
Assemble & Bake:
Pour the lemon berry mixture over the hot crust.
Return to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
Cool & Slice:
Allow bars to cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour), then refrigerate for easier cutting.
Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into squares or bars.
Notes
These Berry Lemon Zest Shortbread Bars are buttery, tangy, and bursting with fresh berry flavor! Perfect for tea time, dessert tables, or a sweet snack, they’re a delightful treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
Keywords: Lemon Berry Shortbread Bars, Lemon Zest Shortbread Bars, Berry Lemon Bars, Shortbread Bars with Berries, Lemon Berry Dessert Bars