Irresistible Lemon Buttermilk Bars with a Buttery Shortbread Crust
If you love desserts that strike the perfect balance between rich, creamy sweetness and bright citrus tang, these Lemon Buttermilk Bars will steal your heart from the very first bite. Built on a tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread-style crust and topped with a luscious lemon filling, this dessert delivers bakery-level flavor with simple pantry ingredients. Each square is buttery, silky, lightly tangy, and indulgent without being heavy — the kind of treat that disappears fast at family gatherings, holidays, and potlucks.
What makes this recipe truly irresistible is the use of buttermilk, which adds depth, softness, and a subtle tang that elevates the lemon flavor far beyond ordinary lemon bars. Combined with eggs, real butter, and fresh citrus, these bars bake into a smooth, custard-like filling that contrasts beautifully with the crisp crust underneath.
Ingredients & Their Roles
For the Crust
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled – Creates a rich, flaky, melt-in-your-mouth base while controlling salt levels.
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and stability to the crust.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the buttery flavor and balances sweetness.
- 3–5 tablespoons ice water – Helps bind the dough without melting the butter, ensuring a tender texture.
For the Lemon Filling
- 4 whole eggs – Give the filling structure and a silky custard texture.
- 4 egg yolks – Add richness, creaminess, and depth of flavor.
- 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling while balancing the tart lemon.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Thickens the filling and creates a smooth, sliceable consistency.
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature – Adds moisture, tenderness, and signature tang.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Enhances richness and gives the bars a luxurious mouthfeel.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice – Brings bright, fresh citrus flavor.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Intensifies lemon aroma and taste.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors and softens acidity.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack on the lowest level. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease.
- Prepare the crust. In a food processor, combine flour, salt, and chilled butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
- Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, pulsing gently until the dough just comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pushing it firmly to the edges.
- Bake the crust for 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden and set. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Make the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Add flour gradually, whisking until fully incorporated and lump-free.
- Stir in buttermilk, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until silky.
- Pour the filling over the warm crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Why This Recipe Is So Loved
These Lemon Buttermilk Bars stand out because they combine classic comfort with elevated bakery-quality flavor. The crust stays buttery and crisp, while the filling remains smooth, creamy, and delicately tangy. Unlike overly sharp lemon desserts, this recipe offers balance — sweet, tart, and rich all at once.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use cold butter for the crust to ensure a flaky texture.
- Room-temperature buttermilk prevents curdling and ensures a smooth filling.
- Do not overbake — the center should be just set.
- Chill before slicing for clean, professional-looking bars.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bars chilled or at room temperature, dusted lightly with powdered sugar. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or fresh berries. For an elegant dessert, add a dollop of whipped cream or a thin lemon glaze.
Final Thoughts
These Lemon Buttermilk Bars are proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With their buttery crust, velvety lemon filling, and irresistible balance of flavors, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy to make, stunning to serve, and unforgettable to taste, it’s the kind of dessert you’ll come back to again and again — and one that truly deserves a top spot among the best lemon desserts online.