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; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 cups strawberries, diced; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Highlighted under: Baking Favorites

I absolutely adore these Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Bars! The combination of buttery shortbread with the refreshing tang of lemonade and sweetness of strawberries creates a delightful treat that's perfect for warm days. Every bite transports me to a sunny picnic or a backyard gathering, making it impossible to stop at just one. Not only are they simple to make, but they offer a balance of flavors that keeps me coming back for more. I can't wait for you to try them and see what I mean!

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-02-07T14:48:23.246Z

When I first decided to create these Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Bars, I wanted something bright and cheerful. I experimented with various combinations and discovered that the tartness of freshly squeezed lemon truly balances the sweetness of strawberries. The shortbread acts as a perfect base, giving that rich, buttery flavor that complements the fruity toppings.

One key tip I learned during my testing was to let the bars cool completely before cutting them, as this helps achieve cleaner edges. I also recommend using fresh strawberries when they're in season for the best flavor. Trust me, they make a world of difference!

Why You'll Love These Bars
Bright flavor of fresh strawberries and lemonade
Buttery shortbread base that's irresistible
Perfectly refreshing for summer gatherings

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

When making Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Bars, the quality of your ingredients can significantly affect the final taste and texture. Using fresh strawberries is key; frozen strawberries can result in excess moisture, making the bars soggy. Look for ripe, sweet berries that are firm and fragrant—this ensures a burst of flavor in every bite. If strawberries are out of season, you might opt for a high-quality frozen option, but be sure to thaw them and pat them dry before using.

Similarly, the butter used for the shortbread base should be at room temperature—this allows for better creaming with the powdered sugar, leading to a lighter and fluffier texture. Be cautious with the measurements; using too much flour can make the bars dry and crumbly. For the best results, measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.

Mastering the Baking Process

As you bake the shortbread base, keep an eye on the edges; they should turn a light golden color, indicating that it's ready to be topped with the lemonade mixture. Baking times may vary slightly based on your oven, so it's wise to set a timer but also visually check for doneness. Undercooking can lead to a doughy bottom, while overbaking may result in a dry texture, both of which can compromise the overall quality of your dessert.

For the lemonade topping, cooking it just until it thickens is essential. Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture coats the back of a spoon—this ensures a velvety consistency that holds together well without being overly gelatinous. If it becomes too thick, adding a splash of water can help if needed. Letting it cool slightly before pouring it over the shortbread is crucial to prevent the base from getting soggy.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Bars:

Shortbread Base

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

Lemonade Topping

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 cups strawberries, diced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Bars:

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 until just combined. Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, and bake for 20 minutes.

Make the Lemonade Topping

While the shortbread is baking, combine the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, diced strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Assemble and Bake

Pour the lemonade topping over the baked shortbread and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Enjoy these bars chilled or at room temperature for the best experience!

Pro Tips

For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest into the topping.

Serving and Storing

Once your Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Bars are thoroughly cooled, they're ready to be cut into squares or bars. For the best presentation, use a sharp knife and consider running it under hot water in between cuts to ensure clean edges. These bars can be served as is, or you can dust them with additional powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

If you're looking to make these bars ahead of time, they store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you need to freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh for up to three months; simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Delicious Variations

While this recipe highlights strawberries and lemonade, feel free to experiment with different fruit toppings. Blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries can create delightful flavor combinations, each lending its unique sweetness and tartness. You can also adjust the citrus; try using lime juice and zest for a tropical twist, or even orange for a sweeter profile. These changes can transform the bars and suit various preferences or seasonal availability.

For a little extra texture, consider adding a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs on top of the lemonade layer before baking. This can offer a fun crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy topping. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can opt for a sugar substitute in the topping while being mindful that this may slightly alter the taste and texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using.

→ How should I store the bars?

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

→ Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I substitute for lemon juice?

Lime juice can be used as a substitute for a different twist on flavor.