Meyer Lemon Bars with Extra Buttery Shortbread Crust are a perfect blend of tart and sweet, enveloped in a beautifully crumbly, buttery crust that will have you coming back for seconds. As the spring sunshine teases our senses, there’s nothing quite like whipping up a batch of these luscious lemon bars to brighten your day. Their sunny yellow filling, coupled with the rich flavor of a perfectly baked shortbread, makes them an irresistible treat for any occasion—be it a picnic, a potluck, or simply a cozy afternoon at home.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Meyer Lemon Bars with Extra Buttery Shortbread Crust
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Meyer Lemon Bars with Extra Buttery Shortbread Crust

Meyer Lemon Bars with Extra Buttery Shortbread Crust

The first time I made these Meyer Lemon Bars, I was captivated by the delightful balance of flavors and textures. Imagine a creamy, lemony filling that practically dances on your taste buds, cradled in a crumbly shortbread crust that melts in your mouth. It’s simply amazing how something so simple to prepare can taste so ultra-refined. So, if you’re searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for both special occasions and casual gatherings, these Meyer Lemon Bars will surely steal the show!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready to enjoy in just under 1 hour, with an easy prep time of 20 minutes.
Irresistible Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, thanks to fresh Meyer lemons.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its vibrant color and beautiful presentation are sure to impress.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for dessert, tea time, or as a refreshing snack on warm days.
Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free and dairy-free adjustments can be made easily.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup all-purpose flour: This serves as the main component for the crust, providing structure. You can use gluten-free flour if desired.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Optional, for added tenderness in the crust. Feeling adventurous? Swap it with extra flour if you prefer.
½ cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the smooth texture of the shortbread.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly: Provides richness and flavor. Ensure it isn’t too hot when mixed in.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): A touch of vanilla adds warmth to the flavor profile.
½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional): Enhances the tartness and brings out the lemon’s essence.
3 large eggs, room temperature, whisked: Adds richness and helps set the filling.
1¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the lemon mixture; be sure to measure it accurately.
½ cup all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the lemon filling and give it a smooth texture.
1 tablespoon lemon zest: For an extra boost of flavor. Meyer lemons have a fragrant zest that’s lovely in this dessert.
½ cup fresh lemon juice: The star of the show! Freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice offers a sweeter, less acidic touch.
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Just like in the crust, it adds a little extra flavor.
¼ teaspoon lemon extract (optional): A concentrated punch of lemon goodness if you want to amp it up.
Powdered sugar for dusting: This finishing touch adds sweetness and elegance.
Lemon slices for garnish or lemon zest: These vibrant add-ons are great for presentation!

How to Make Meyer Lemon Bars with Extra Buttery Shortbread Crust

Prepare the oven and the pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and prepare an 8×8 inch square baking pan by greasing it, lining with parchment paper, or applying cooking spray. This will keep your bars from sticking.
Make the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and a pinch of salt, then stir in ½ cup melted unsalted butter and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (if using). Mix until a thick dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, going about ¾ inch up the sides to create a nice crust edge. Bake it for 20-25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown around the edges.
Prepare the lemon filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together 1¼ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup all-purpose flour, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest in another medium bowl. Then add in your 3 large eggs, ½ cup fresh lemon juice, and both extracts (1/4 teaspoon vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon lemon) if you’re using them. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
Combine the layers: Once the crust is done baking and has cooled a bit, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. You can poke shallow holes into the crust with a fork for better filling adherence. Pour the luscious lemon filling over the warm crust—this will help it meld beautifully as they bake together.
Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the lemon filling is just set and the edges are lightly browned. A gentle jiggle is okay in the center, but it shouldn’t look liquidy. It’s a good idea to check for doneness around 18 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Chill and serve: Let the lemon bars cool at room temperature on a wire rack. Once cooled, wrap them up and pop them in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or even overnight to set fully. When you’re ready to serve, carefully run a knife around the edges, slice them into squares, and dust with powdered sugar. Garnish with either lemon slices or more lemon zest for that perfect touch.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Meyer Lemon Bars with Extra Buttery Shortbread Crust fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy again, simply thaw them in the refrigerator. You might notice slight changes in texture after freezing, but a quick dusting of powdered sugar can refresh their look and flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the crust mixture; a gentle hand helps keep it crumbly and tender.
For the best results, use room temperature eggs. They blend more easily into the filling.
Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a little different, so your bars might need a minute or two less or more.
If you want a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add a little extra lemon zest or juice to the filling.
Make ahead by preparing the base up to a day before; just fill and bake when you’re ready.

The beauty of Meyer Lemon Bars with Extra Buttery Shortbread Crust lies in their delightful combination of flavors and ease of preparation. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re indulging your sweet tooth or entertaining guests. Don’t shy away from experimenting with flavors or garnishes; perhaps a sprinkle of lavender or a hint of rosemary might catch your fancy! When you serve these bars, get ready for smiles and compliments all around—there’s something undeniably joyful about sharing food that comes straight from the heart.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?

Absolutely! While Meyer lemons bring a sweet, floral quality, you can substitute with regular lemons. You may want to adjust the sugar in the recipe slightly, as regular lemons tend to be more tart.

How do I know when the lemon bars are done baking?

Look for a gently set filling; the edges should be slightly puffed and golden brown while the center may have a slight jiggle. A toothpick inserted in the edges should come out clean, while the center will finish setting as it cools.

Can I freeze Meyer Lemon Bars?

Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.

What can I serve with Meyer Lemon Bars?

These bars pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added creaminess. A herbal tea or glass of cold lemonade complements their citrusy flavor perfectly for a refreshing treat!