Lemon Curd shortbread bars 

Crumbly lemon curd shortbread bars, rich  and short and deliciously tangy. They also happen to be incredibly easy to make 

I love lemon anything do you? But I like it to actually taste of lemons!! Real lemon! and these deliver…… proper lemon bars in my view 

On the back of the phenomenal success of my Shortbread Mincemeat & Cherry slices I decided to make these lemon ones, and boy do they deliver!

Yes they are rich but you can cut to any size….

I like small squares served with coffee,  or a slightly more substantial slice if I’m really craving sweetness and having as dessert warm with ice cream 🙂  or custard or indeed cream 🙂 

So what actually is Lemon Curd?

Source Wiki

Fruit curd is a dessert spread and topping usually made with citrus fruit, such as lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit or tangerine.

Other flavor variations include passion fruit (or lilikoi), mango, and berries such as raspberries, cranberries or blackberries.

The basic ingredients of fruit curd are beaten egg yolks, sugar, fruit juice, and zest, which are gently cooked together until thick and then allowed to cool, forming a soft, smooth, flavourful spread.

The egg yolks are usually tempered in the cooking process to prevent their coagulation. Some recipes also include egg whites or butter.

You can easily make your own lemon curd – but I always buy mine.

Any good quality supermarket jar is perfect for this recipe 

 

Ingredients for yourLemon Curd Shortbread Bars

Just 5 simple ingredients 

Plain Flour –

Just standard Plain Flour

Golden Caster Sugar 

I use Golden Cater Sugar as I think it adds a little more flavour, however white caster sugar will work perfectly well 

Butter 

I prefer to use Salted butter, but unsalted works perfectly too. Make sure your butter is fridge temperature and cubed 

Lemon Curd 

Any standard sized jar of Lemon Curd will be fine. You could also make your own if you have the time? 

Lemon Zest 

To make it very lemony (I love a sharp lemon) it is great to zest a whole lemon on top of the lemon curd, just for extra zing 

 

Step by Step to your Shortbread Lemon Crumble Slices or Squares 

**See Recipe card at the bottom of this page** 

Step 1

Rub your cold butter into your flour until it resembles breadcrumbs, you can do this by hand or using a food processor on pulse 

 

Step 2 

Stir in your golden caster sugar 

 

Step 3 

Empty half your mix into your greased and lined tin and press down and smooth out with the back of a metal spoon 

 

Step 4 

Take your jar of Lemon curd and stir in the jar to loosen  and using a teaspoon dot all of it over the base – smooth to an even  layer 

Taking care not to drag the shortbread base mix with you into the Lemon Curd

 

Step 5 

If you fancy a real lemon kick, zest your lemon over the surface of the lemon curd – ensuring it is evenly distributed

 

 

Step 6

Tip the remaining half of your shortbread mix on top of the lemon curd – you do not need to press it down, simply make sure there is a covering over all the filling!  

It’s like a lemon crumble! Yum 

 

And finally BAKE 

Lemon Bar TOP TIP 

Leave your Shortbread Lemon Curd Slice to cool in the tin overnight and slice the next day 

It firms up and makes it so much easier to cut

Trust me – I know it’s hard to leave it – but it is worth it 

 

 

Just look at that Lemon Shortbread 

 

 

How to serve your Shortbread Lemon Curd Bars  

I like a small slice with a coffee or tea. You can cut into squares, bars or slices – whatever you prefer 

Alternatively it’s also delicious warm served with cream (any sort but extra thick double is rather special), ice cream or custard. 

Perfect for the cake tin or lunch boxes and very transportable 

 

Shortbread Lemon Curd Slice Recipe Alternatives & ideas 

• Mincemeat slice with cherries – you all know this one!
• Maybe chopped apples in the mix too to make an Apple & Mincemeat slice? 
• Or add a few of your favourite spices – cinnamon? Nutmeg? Mixed Spice? 
• Or use jam  instead of lemon curd
• Why not add a few oats to the top half of the topping mix it’s almost a crumble slice recipe
• Or maybe a few nuts? Almonds or maybe hazelnuts

How to store your Shortbread Lemon Slices 

Store in an airtight container (fridge or no fridge) and should be good for a few days 

I haven’t tried freezing yet – think they may go a little soft? Let me know if you do 

I really hope you enjoy these slices and let me know what you think 

Big Love Clare 

 

Other Baking Delights! 

If you love these slices I think you’d like my Almond & fruits ones too – almost like a Bakewell Slice 

And if you love lemon – how about my Lemon Drizzle Cake or Lemon & Ginger Cheesecake? 

 

The Old School Recipe Group

I also have a Facebook Closed Group called UK Olds School & Traditional Recipes 

Come over and join this great honest and Large community Facebook for Old School Recipes if you’re interested

 Just use the join button if you like real home cooked tasty easy food!!

Loads of tips and tricks – I promise

Oh and why not join me on Instagram – I’d love to see you there 🙂 

Big Love Clare