Lemon Basil Shortbread Bars
Buttery shortbread bars infused with fresh lemon zest and fragrant basil for a bright, herbaceous twist on a classic treat. This mediterranean-inspired desserts ready in about 43 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, finely chopped fresh basil leaves 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 150 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks), cold and cubed unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp, finely grated lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup, for dusting powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves and 2 tbsp finely grated lemon zest, distributing evenly.
- Step 4: Press the dough firmly and evenly into a greased 9x9-inch square baking pan.
- Step 5: Bake for 25-28 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the top is set.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Step 7: Once cooled, dust the top generously with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and cut into 16 bars.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon Basil 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 Basil 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 Basil 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 Basil 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 Basil Shortbread Bars?
Mediterranean 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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