Get ready to embark on a tantalizing culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dessert experience into an extraordinary citrus celebration! These Triple Citrus Shortbread Bars are not just a recipe; they're a vibrant symphony of lemon, orange, and lime that will electrify your senses and leave your guests begging for more. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base and a zesty citrus glaze, these bars are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. Mix for approximately 3-4 minutes until the mixture is smooth and pale.
- Gradually add flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Incorporate the lemon, orange, and lime zests, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Press the shortbread dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, using the back of a spatula or your fingers to create a smooth, compact layer.
- Bake the shortbread base in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
- While the shortbread is baking, prepare the citrus topping by whisking together the fresh lemon, orange, and lime juices in a separate bowl.
- Remove the shortbread from the oven and immediately pour the mixed citrus juice over the hot crust, ensuring even coverage.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the citrus juice to slightly set and absorb into the shortbread.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 even squares using a sharp knife.
- Optional: Dust the bars with additional powdered sugar before serving for extra sweetness and presentation.
- Store the Triple Citrus Shortbread Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use room temperature butter for the smoothest, creamiest shortbread base
- Zest your citrus fruits before juicing to maximize flavor extraction
- Make sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly for a light, fluffy texture
- Use fresh citrus juices for the most vibrant and authentic flavor
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, precise edges
- For an extra touch of elegance, use a microplane grater for fine, uniform citrus zests
- If you prefer a more intense citrus flavor, add a drop of citrus extract to the juice mixture
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator for an hour before serving for a firmer, more refined texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
