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These classic lemon bars are a buttery shortbread crust topped with tangy lemon curd. They are super easy to make and bursting with vibrant lemon flavor.

These scrumptious lemon curd bars are the lemon curd squares recipe from Joy Of Cooking. For years I have made these scrumptious lemon curd shortbread bars and just love their tangy, zesty flavor. Now I’d like to share this easy, classic lemon curd bar recipe with you. I know you’ll love it.

Video How To Make Lemon Bars

Equipment Used In Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust

Ingredients In Lemon Curd Shortbread Bars

1 cup all purpose flour – It is best to sift your flour to get rid of any lumps.
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup melted butter – Use real butter. Real butter has a much richer flavor than margarine and you want that rich flavor for this crust.
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 slightly beaten eggs
2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice – You can use bottled if you don’t have fresh squeezed. However, fresh lemon juice adds a stronger flavor.
2 tsp lemon zest

How To Make Easy Lemon Curd Bars

Prepare the shortbread crust recipe – combine your flour, confectioner’s sugar and melted butter and press into an 8×8 pan.
Bake the crust for 20 minutes at 350F.
Prepare the lemon filling – while the crust is baking combine the rest of your ingredients.
Pour the filling over the warm crust and bake for 25 minutes at 350F.
Remove from oven and chill. I usually let mine cool at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes and move them to the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar if you like.

Easy Lemon Curd Squares With Shortbread Crust

Easy Lemon Bars For A Crowd

Besides the amazing zesty flavor of these lemon curd bars, I love how easy they are to whip up and how they can be served practically anywhere.

This lemon curd bar recipe has just 8 simple ingredients. You can make these with 2 medium mixing bowls and no mixer. Yes, I said no mixer. Make your shortbread crust, put your lemon curd filling on top and bake. Easy, Peasy

After you whip up these quick, easy lemon curd bars with shortbread crust, you can serve everywhere. They are small and dainty, so they are just perfect for bridal showers, baby showers or teas. But, they are also excellent for potlucks, picnics and cookouts.

Warning, though these are classic lemon bars with shortbread crust, they are not the sexiest looking dessert bars. In all my years of making them I have never thought, “these are gorgeous.” However, they have a ton of inner beauty with there outstanding, vibrant flavor. So, don’t judge this lemon dessert bar by its cover.

Why Are There Bubbles In My Lemon Curd Bars

Are there air bubbles on the top of your lemon bars? That’s ok. It’s normal. According to Sally’s Baking Addiction, it’s the air from the eggs rising to the surface. This happens with some batches and not with others. Your lemon curd bars will taste the same and it can be covered up with a dusting of powdered sugar.

How To Cut Lemon Bars

Let lemon bars cool completely. You can let your lemon curd bars cool at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes and then chill in the fridge 1 to 2 hours.
Cut your lemon curd bars with a very sharp knife.

Do Lemon Bars Need To Be Refrigerated

These lemon bars with shortbread crust need to be refrigerated. They will keep 6 to 7 days in the fridge in an airtight container or freezer bag

Can You Freeze Lemon Bars

Lemon curd bars are just as delicious after being frozen. According to this post at diys.com here are the steps you need to follow to successfully freeze lemon bars.

Cut into squares before freezing. It’s easier to remove one or two squares at a time, as opposed to unwrapping an uncut pan, cutting a square or two and rewrapping the pan.
With two layers of plastic wrap, wrap each square tightly.
Place the wrapped squares in a freezer bag (remove excess air) or airtight container.
Place in freezer.
Lemon bars need to be consumed within six months.

Why Make This Lemon Curd Bar Recipe

These old fashioned lemon curd squares from Joy Of Cooking are a zesty and tangy success every time. You will love how easy they are to whip up and how you can serve them practically anywhere. They are a delicious treat whenever and wherever they’re served.

In case you have any questions or concerns about this lemon curd bars with shortbread crust recipe feel free to reach out via the comment section or the contact page. Also, if you have tried this lemon curd bar recipe, I would love to hear from you.

I have linked to our related recipes below and I’m sure you will love them.

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Lemon Curd Bars With Shortbread Crust

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