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Gluten-Free Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

A close-up of one square slice of Gluten-Free Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust, dusted heavily with powdered sugar.
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A recipe for tart lemon bars featuring a buttery, crisp gluten-free shortbread crust. This recipe yields a classic dessert without gluten.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the 2 cups of gluten-free flour blend and salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  4. Bake the crust for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the filling. Keep the oven on.
  5. Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 4 eggs, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup gluten-free flour blend, and baking powder until smooth.
  6. Whisk in the lemon juice and lemon zest until fully combined.
  7. Pour the lemon filling evenly over the warm, pre-baked crust.
  8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. The center should be set but still have a slight jiggle.
  9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This may take 2 to 3 hours.
  10. Once cool, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares.
  11. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for the best shortbread texture.
  • For a cleaner cut, chill the bars for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing.
  • If your lemon juice is not fresh, you may need to increase the zest slightly for brighter flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/glutenfreelemonbarsshortbreadcrustrecipe/