Shortbread Lemon Bars

  Desserts

I've put together two family cookbooks over the years, and this recipe ranks among my favorites. These special lemon bars have a yummy shortbread crust and a refreshing flavor. I never hesitate to make this dessert for guests since I know it will be a hit.

Shortbread Lemon Bars

Average Rating: 4.428571

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Bake: 15 min. + chilling
YIELD: 3 dozen.

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, room temperature
  • 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

Instructions

  • 1. 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 at 350° 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.

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