Description
These Strawberry Lemon Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a smooth, tangy lemon filling swirled with sweet strawberry puree. Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, they’re a refreshing and elegant dessert ideal for spring gatherings, brunches, and special occasions.
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (from about 1 cup fresh strawberries, blended and strained)
- 2–3 drops pink or red food coloring (optional)
- For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges. Remove and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar and flour for the filling. Add eggs and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest until fully combined.
- Divide the filling evenly between two bowls. Stir strawberry puree and optional food coloring into one bowl.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the warm crust. Spoon the strawberry mixture over the top in dollops and swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, until the center is set and only slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.
- Lift out using parchment overhang, dust with powdered sugar, and slice into squares.
Notes
- Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean edges.
- Strain strawberry puree for a smoother texture.
- Do not overbake to prevent cracks in the filling.
- Fresh lemon juice provides the brightest flavor.
- Store refrigerated for best texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
