Greek Yogurt Lemon Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust
Bright and tangy lemon bars featuring creamy Greek yogurt for extra richness and a tender crumb. The buttery shortbread crust provides the perfect foundation for the smooth, citrusy filling that balances tart lemon juice with sweet granulated sugar. Greek yogurt adds protein and creates a lighter texture than traditional heavy cream versions. Perfect for spring gatherings, potlucks, or afternoon tea. The bars develop better flavor after chilling and keep well for several days, making them ideal for meal prep or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flouralmond flour1:1gluten-freegluten-free
slightly nuttier flavor
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- ¼ cup all-purpose flouralmond flour1:1gluten-freegluten-free
slightly nuttier flavor
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- powdered sugar, for dusting(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x9 inch baking dish
- 2
Mix flour and powdered sugar in a bowl
- 3
Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs
- 4
Press mixture into prepared baking dish
- 5
Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned
- 6
Whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth
- 7
Stir in flour and baking powder until well combined
- 8
Pour lemon mixture over the baked crust
- 9
Bake for 25 minutes or until set
- 10
Cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and cutting into bars
Tips
Use room temperature eggs and Greek yogurt for smoother mixing and better incorporation into the filling
Line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner cuts when serving
Chill bars for at least 2 hours before cutting to ensure clean slices and prevent crumbling
Good to Know
refrigerate covered up to 4 days
make 1-2 days ahead for best flavor
cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar just before serving
Common Mistakes
use room temperature ingredients to avoid lumpy filling
do not overbake the crust to prevent tough texture
cool completely before cutting to avoid messy bars
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt is thicker and provides better texture, but regular yogurt can work if you strain it or reduce other liquids slightly to compensate for the extra moisture.
How long do these bars keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day as the lemon filling sets completely.
Can I freeze lemon bars?
Yes, wrap individual bars or the whole pan tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before serving and dust with fresh powdered sugar.