Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Bars

Name: Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice; 2 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed; 2 tablespoons sugar

Highlighted under: Sweet Treat Creations

I absolutely love making Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Bars, especially during the warmer months. These bars are a delightful blend of buttery shortbread and tangy lemonade, topped with sweet strawberry puree. The contrast of flavors is refreshing, and they’re perfect for picnics or backyard gatherings. The best part is how easy they are to whip up—combining simple pantry ingredients results in a treat everyone will adore. Trust me, after trying these, you'll find yourself making them again and again!

Created by

Olivia

Last updated on 2026-02-07T23:18:28.226Z

Each time I make these Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Bars, I’m reminded of the first sunny day of spring. I spent hours experimenting with the perfect balance of sweet and sour, and I finally nailed it. One key tip I discovered is to use fresh strawberries whenever possible; they elevate the flavor profile and color of the bars beautifully.

I've even tried incorporating a bit of lemon zest into the shortbread for an extra punch of citrus. It’s all about layering those bright flavors! When serving, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely presentation that makes them irresistible at any gathering.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Deliciously buttery shortbread paired with a vibrant citrus twist
Easy to make and great for sharing with friends and family
Refreshing taste that captures the essence of summer

Perfect Your Shortbread Base

Getting the right texture for the shortbread base is crucial. When creaming the butter and powdered sugar, ensure that the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which indicates that you’ve incorporated enough air. This step contributes to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread. Overmixing the flour can lead to a denser texture, so mix only until you no longer see dry flour.

Instead of a 9x13 inch baking dish, you can also use an 8x8 inch dish for thicker bars. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly, keeping an eye on it until the edges turn a light golden brown. This subtle change can offer a different experience, making the shortbread even more decadent.

Crafting the Lemonade Filling

The key to a tangy yet balanced lemonade filling lies in the ratio of sugar to lemon juice. You want a bright flavor without overwhelming tartness. Using freshly squeezed lemon juice is a game changer; the fresh acidity enhances the overall flavor profile dramatically. It’s best to taste your mixture before pouring it over the shortbread; adjust by adding a bit more sugar or lemon juice as needed.

Be careful not to overbake the filling; pull it from the oven once it’s set but still jiggles slightly in the center. Once fully cooled, it firms up beautifully, ensuring that your bars have a nice, clean bite when they’re cut.

Adding the Strawberry Topping

When preparing the strawberry topping, using fully ripe strawberries will yield the sweetest and most vibrant puree. If strawberries are out of season, you can substitute with frozen strawberries; just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid for a thicker consistency. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before spreading, as a hot topping can compromise the texture of your lemonade layer.

For a little extra flair, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the strawberry topping, which complements the citrus beautifully. This added layer of flavor enhances the overall fruitiness, making the bars even more enjoyable.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Base

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemonade Filling

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For the Strawberry Topping

1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Shortbread Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Press the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish to form an even layer.

Bake the Shortbread

Bake the shortbread base in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Make the Lemonade Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, granulated sugar, eggs, and flour until smooth. Pour the mixture over the warm shortbread base.

Bake Again

Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly. Let it cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberry Topping

In a small saucepan, combine the pureed strawberries and the sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool slightly, then spread it over the cooled lemonade layer.

Cut and Serve

Once everything is set, cut the bars into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve cold or at room temperature.

Enjoy Your Bars!

Pro Tips

For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding a bit of strawberry extract to the topping. You can also use freeze-dried strawberries for a fun twist in the shortbread crust.

Storage Tips

These Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in the container to avoid condensation, which can lead to sogginess. You can also layer parchment paper between the bars to keep them from sticking together.

If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can last in the freezer for up to three months, and you can thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings. For a summer picnic, serve them alongside refreshing beverages like iced tea or sparkling water. Adding a sprig of mint or a slice of lemon on top can elevate their presentation and flavor.

If you like a bit of crunch, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess complements the tangy and fruity layers of the bars beautifully, bringing all the flavors together.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess liquid.

→ How do I store leftover bars?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! They can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge.

→ Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs in place of regular eggs.