Lemon Almond Shortbread Bars

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Buttery shortbread bars infused with fresh lemon zest and topped with toasted almonds for a bright, nutty finish. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 43 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, powdered sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 130 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 28 min Serves 16 French cuisine 130 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream together 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Mix in 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract until evenly distributed.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour with 1/4 teaspoon salt, then gradually add to the butter mixture, stirring gently until a crumbly dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Press the dough evenly into a greased 8x8-inch baking pan, smoothing the surface with your fingers.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds evenly over the top, pressing lightly to adhere.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 25-28 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set.
  7. Step 7: Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 16 bars.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon Almond Shortbread Bars take to make?

Total time is about 43 minutes (15 min prep + 28 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Lemon Almond Shortbread Bars?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Almond Shortbread Bars?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon Almond Shortbread Bars for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lemon Almond Shortbread Bars?

French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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