Classic Lemon Bars with Strawberries

Introduction

Classic Lemon Bars with Strawberries bring a refreshing twist to the beloved lemon bar, combining the tangy brightness of lemon curd with the sweet, juicy burst of fresh strawberries. With a buttery shortbread crust as the foundation, these bars are topped with a silky, zesty lemon filling and adorned with vibrant slices of strawberries for an irresistible combination of flavor and texture.

I still remember the first time I served these at a summer picnic—the mix of tart lemon and sweet berries was an instant hit! Their elegant look and refreshing taste make them perfect for spring brunches, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself to a little citrusy indulgence. Plus, they’re easy to customize—try a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic finish or a drizzle of white chocolate for an extra special touch.

These bars are surprisingly simple to make, yet they deliver bakery-worthy results. With just a handful of ingredients and a little baking magic, you’ll have a batch of vibrant, citrusy-sweet treats ready to brighten up any occasion!

Perfect for:

• Spring and summer gatherings
• Afternoon tea
• Holiday dessert tables
• Potlucks and picnics
• Citrus and berry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Classic Lemon Bars with Strawberries

Here’s why Classic Lemon Bars with Strawberries will become a favorite dessert in your home:

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The lemon curd filling is the ideal mix of tangy and sweet, while the strawberries add a natural fruity contrast.
• Buttery Shortbread Crust: The crust is rich, tender, and the perfect base for the creamy lemon filling.
• Fresh Strawberry Topping: The strawberries add a refreshing sweetness that complements the lemon perfectly.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and requires just a few key ingredients, but the result looks and tastes gourmet.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, add different berries, or even drizzle with white chocolate for an extra indulgence.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 40 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 16 bars
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 28g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Classic Lemon Bars with Strawberries:

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Lemon Filling:

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• ⅔ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)

Topping:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest: Using fresh lemons ensures the most vibrant citrus flavor.
• Butter: The key to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust.
• Strawberries: Their natural sweetness balances the tart lemon, creating a perfect flavor combination.
• Powdered Sugar: Used in the crust for a delicate texture and as a finishing touch for an elegant look.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shortbread Crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust Dough: In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, flour, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until a soft dough forms.
3. Press into Pan: Evenly press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure it reaches the edges.
4. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Prepare the Lemon Filling:

5. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour.
6. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully combined and smooth.
7. Pour Over Crust: Pour the lemon mixture over the warm, pre-baked crust.
8. Bake Again: Return to the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.

Cool and Add Strawberries:

9. Cool Completely: Let the lemon bars cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for easier slicing.
10. Add the Strawberries: Once chilled, arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the top.
11. Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional): Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar over the bars for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Serve Classic Lemon Bars with Strawberries

Classic Lemon Bars with Strawberries are a versatile dessert that can be served in various ways:

• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream complements the tart lemon flavor.
• With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a decadent treat.
• As Part of a Dessert Tray: Pair with cookies, brownies, or other bars for a beautiful dessert platter.
• With Tea or Coffee: These bars make an excellent companion to a warm cup of tea or coffee.
• For Special Occasions: Serve at bridal showers, birthdays, or holiday gatherings for a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Additional Tips for Classic Lemon Bars with Strawberries

Here are some tips to ensure your Classic Lemon Bars with Strawberries turn out perfect every time:

• Use Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice – Bottled juice lacks the bright, tangy flavor that fresh lemons provide.
• Zest Before Juicing – Always zest your lemons first, as it’s harder to do once they’re juiced. The zest enhances the lemon flavor.
• Chill the Dough – If your crust dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before pressing it into the pan to prevent shrinkage during baking.
• Pre-Bake the Crust – Baking the crust for 15–20 minutes before adding the filling ensures a firm base that won’t turn soggy.
• Strain the Lemon Filling – For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the lemon mixture before pouring it over the crust to remove any egg bits or zest clumps.
• Layer the Strawberries Wisely – To prevent sogginess, pat the sliced strawberries dry before placing them on top of the lemon filling.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar Last – If adding powdered sugar, wait until just before serving; otherwise, it will dissolve into the bars.
• Chill Before Slicing – Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before cutting to allow the bars to firm up for cleaner slices.
• Use a Hot Knife for Perfect Cuts – Run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it off, and slice for clean, crisp edges.
• Store Properly – Keep lemon bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months).

Recipe Variations for Classic Lemon Bars with Strawberries

Here are 10 variations you can try for Classic Lemon Bars with Strawberries:

• Mixed Berry Lemon Bars: Use a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries.
• Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Almond Lemon Bars: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract to the filling and top with sliced almonds.
• Lemon Coconut Bars: Sprinkle toasted coconut over the lemon filling before baking.
• Raspberry Swirl Lemon Bars: Swirl raspberry puree into the lemon filling before baking.
• White Chocolate Lemon Bars: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled bars.
• Honey Lemon Bars: Substitute some of the sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.
• Lavender Lemon Bars: Add ½ teaspoon dried culinary lavender to the lemon filling.
• Meyer Lemon Bars: Use Meyer lemons for a sweeter, less tart flavor.
• Vegan Lemon Bars: Use flax eggs and a dairy-free butter substitute for a vegan version.

Freezing and Storage for Classic Lemon Bars with Strawberries

• Freezing: Lemon bars freeze well. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment for Classic Lemon Bars with Strawberries

• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: The ideal size for these bars.
• Parchment Paper: Makes for easy removal and cleanup.
• Zester: To get the perfect amount of lemon zest.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the crust and filling.
• Sharp Knife: For clean slicing.
• Fine Mesh Sifter: To evenly dust powdered sugar over the bars.

Frequently Asked Questions for Classic Lemon Bars with Strawberries

1. Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries work best, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries if well-drained.
2. Can I use bottled lemon juice? Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
3. How do I know when the filling is set? The filling should not jiggle in the center when gently shaken.
4. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! These bars taste even better the next day after chilling.
5. Can I skip the strawberries? Absolutely! The lemon bars are delicious on their own.

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Conclusion

Classic Lemon Bars with Strawberries are a bright, tangy, and refreshing dessert that brings a perfect balance of flavors to any occasion. With a buttery crust, luscious lemon filling, and a touch of sweet strawberries, these bars are as delightful as they are irresistible.

Whether you’re serving them at a special gathering or treating yourself to a homemade indulgence, these lemon bars are sure to be a crowd favorite. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant finish, or top them with extra strawberries for a fruity twist!

I’d love to see how your Classic Lemon Bars with Strawberries turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!