Lemon Bars with Freeze-Dried Strawberry Topping Recipe
These lemon bars with freeze-dried strawberry topping combine a buttery shortbread crust with a creamy, tangy lemon filling and a crisp berry topping. They are bright, refreshing, and perfect for spring gatherings, showers, and warm-weather desserts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
2/3 cup (160ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the flour and salt and mix until a soft, slightly crumbly dough forms.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
- While the crust bakes, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour for the filling.
- Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, whisking until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the warm crust.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the center is mostly set with a slight jiggle.
- Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Crush the freeze-dried strawberries and sprinkle them evenly over the chilled bars.
- Lift the bars from the pan and slice into squares before serving.
Notes
Add powdered sugar for a classic lemon bar finish.
Mix crushed freeze-dried strawberries into the filling for extra berry flavor.
Use lime juice and zest for a citrus variation.
Add a splash of vanilla extract to the crust for extra warmth.
Combine freeze-dried strawberries with raspberries for a colorful topping.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Add the freeze-dried strawberry topping shortly before serving to keep it crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
