Shortbread Citrus (Lemon and Orange) Bars Recipe

Name: Shortbread Citrus (Lemon and Orange) Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel; 1 teaspoon grated orange peel; ¾ cup cold butter or ¾ cup margarine; 4 eggs; 2 cups sugar; ⅓ cup lemon juice; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel; 2 teaspoons grated orange peel; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 2 cups sour cream; ⅓ cup sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Servings: persons

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
¾ cup cold butter or ¾ cup margarine
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
⅓ cup lemon juice
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
2 teaspoons grated orange peel
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups sour cream
⅓ cup sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1
In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, and lemon and orange peel.
2
Cut in butter until crumbly; process until mixture forms a ball.
3
Pat into a greased 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking pan.
4
Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes or until set and the edges are lightly browned.
5
Meanwhile, mix together the eggs, sugar, and grated orange and lemon peels.
6
Mix well.
7
Add the flour and baking powder.
8
Pour the filling into the just baked shortbread and bake for another 14-16 minutes and set.
9
While the rest is cooking mix the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl and mix with a whisk or hand held mixer.
10
Spread over the lemon filling and bake for another 7-9 minutes and the topping is set.
11
Cool the bars completely and allow to chill for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight.
12
Cut into bars and serve.

1392

kcal

Calories

Fat

182

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel, 1 teaspoon grated orange peel, and more.

Yes, Shortbread Citrus (Lemon and Orange) Bars falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Shortbread Citrus (Lemon and Orange) Bars

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions