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:
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1 cup (2 sticks / 225 g) unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
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2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
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¼ tsp salt
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1 tbsp lemon zest
For the Lemon Berry Topping:
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1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
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¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
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4 large eggs
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½ cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
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1 tbsp lemon zest
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1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen — blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries work great)
Optional Garnish:
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Powdered sugar for dusting
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Thin lemon slices or extra zest for decoration
Instructions
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Preheat Oven:
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Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
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Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal.
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Make the Shortbread Crust:
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In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar, and lemon zest together until smooth and fluffy.
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Add flour and salt; mix until a soft dough forms.
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Press dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges.
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Prepare the Lemon Berry Filling:
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In another bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
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Gently fold in the berries.
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Assemble & Bake:
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Pour the lemon berry mixture over the hot crust.
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Return to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
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Cool & Slice:
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Allow bars to cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour), then refrigerate for easier cutting.
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Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into squares or bars.
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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