Lemon Bars with Shortbread Cookie Crust

These Lemon Bars with Shortbread Cookie Crust combine a tender melted-butter shortbread base with a rich, creamy filling made with egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, and zest.

Prep Time15

Cook Time24

Chill Time2

Total Time2 39

Servings:

Calories: 199kcal

Author: Karin and Ken

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust

1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter melted

Lemon Filling

4 large egg yolks
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
⅓ cup sour cream
½ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest

Topping

Powdered sugar for dusting
Thin lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Shortbread Crust. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Whisk the flour, powdered sugar, and salt together. Stir in the melted butter until a soft dough forms. Press evenly into the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes, until set and matte but not browned.
Step 2: Add the Lemon Filling. Whisk the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Pour over the warm crust and spread evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly.
Step 3: Cool and Chill. Cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until completely set. Chill overnight if making ahead.
Step 4: Slice and Serve. Lift the chilled bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 9 squares, wiping the knife between cuts. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving and garnish with lemon slices, if desired.

Notes

Crust: Don't brown the crust during its first bake because it returns to the oven with the filling.
Warm Crust: Pour the filling over the crust while it's still warm.
Doneness: Remove the bars when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
Chilling: Chill for at least 3 hours. Our 2-hour test was still slightly soft in the center, while 3 hours produced clean, fully set slices.
Powdered Sugar: Dust immediately before serving so it remains visible rather than absorbing into the moist surface.

Nutrition