Pies and Plots

Writing Never Tasted So Sweet

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Press
  • Contact
  • Books

Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Shortbread #SundaySupper

May 21, 2017

Share
Pin8
Tweet
Email
Print
8Shares
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Crust #SundaySupper

On Grey’s Anatomy this week (which was an amazing episode) Meredith, in her signature voice over, said no one waits for their world to explode, their life to change.  But that’s never been true for me.

Since I can remember, I have been waiting for my world to explode, in ways both good and bad.

Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Crust

The good isn’t so hard to deal with.  Waiting for an agent.  A publisher.  A friend.  For someone to see my work and love it.  Waiting for that moment of bliss when my parents and I will jump up and down crying tears of joy.

I mean it’s no fun waiting for those things, but they aren’t haunting and give me hope for the future.

The bad explosions, they’re not so fun.  Maybe it’s because I’m so creative, but I’ve always been a what if, worst case scenario kind of girl.

Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Crustq

When Mom leaves the house, I sometimes worry she will get in an accident.  When Mom and Dad are gone together, it’s even worse.  I worry I don’t appreciate Dad enough.  I’m just waiting for one or both of them to be gone.

There are the times when my stomach hurts and I worry it’s an appendicitis.  A runny nose might be spinal fluid (Grey’s is to thank for that one too).

Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Crust

The house might burn down.  We might crash the car.  I might fall down the stairs.  My world might explode.  And even though I think about it all the time, I’m not prepared for it.  None of us can be.  We can take precautions and be careful, but explosions happen without warning.

So we hug and make plans and have fun and talk and cook and bake and make the most of what we have and pretend we aren’t waiting for explosions.

Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Crust

Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Crust are the perfect summer dessert that can transport us to another world, a happy world, because everyone is happy when they are baking.  These are pretty easy to make and so full of bright, lemon flavor.

The shortbread crust is taken to another level with poppy seeds.  But really, it’s that gooey lemon topping that makes us fall in love with lemon bars.  How can you not want to dive right in to that goodness?

Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Crust

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Crust #SundaySupper


★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

No reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • Zest of 2 lemons

Filling

  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and 8-inch square pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, cream butter, sugar, flour, salt, poppy seeds, and lemon zest. This is easily done by hand but a hand or stand mixer will work too. The dough should come together and be soft and pliable. Press it evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 17-20 minutes until light golden brown.
  3. While it bakes, make the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon zest and juice, sugar, eggs, and flour. Be sure it is fully combined and pour it over the hot crust. Bake for about 30 minutes until a golden brown crust has formed on top but it is not fully set.
  4. Cool completely in pan before cutting into bars and serving. Lemon bars may be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen, wrapped individually in parchment and foil and placed in a zipper bag, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator about an hour.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Costco Connection

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @piesandplots on Instagram

Don’t forget to check out the other Sunday Supper dishes! Thanks to Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures for hosting!

Sunday Supper Small Bites Recipes for Entertaining

SMALL STARTERS

  • Crispy Prosciutto Cups with Pear & Mascarpone by The Crumby Cupcake
  • Cucumber Finger Sandwiches by A Little Fish in the Kitchen
  • Fiesta Pinwheels by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
  • Grilled Polenta Bruschetta by Simple and Savory
  • Spinach Feta Pinwheels by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
  • Sweet Sriracha Almonds by Jersey Girl Cooks
  • Waffled Twice Baked Potato Pancake Bites by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
  • Wild Mushroom and Grape Crostini by Sew You Think You Can Cook

PINT-SIZED PROTEIN

  • Bacon-wrapped Chorizo and Date Skewers – Brochetas de Chorizo y Datiles by Food Lust People Love
  • Chicken Caprese Bites by Books n’ Cooks
  • Chicken Sausage & Fig Naan Bites by Soulfully Made
  • Crab Stuffed Mushrooms by My Savory Spoon
  • Easy Chicken Pesto and Sun Dried Tomato Croissants by Jonesin’ For Taste
  • Grass Fed Beef Meatballs and Cauliflower Cilantro Smear by Our Good Life
  • Greek Chicken Gyro Mini Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce by Hardly A Goddess
  • Mini Salmon Cakes with Anise Aioli by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
  • Salmon Poke on Wonton Crisps by Authentically Candace
  • Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos by Gourmet Everyday
  • Tuscan Chicken Bites by The Freshman Cook

DEMI-DESSERTS

  • Healthy Meringue Bites with Raspberry Yogurt by Cricket’s Confections
  • Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Shortbread by Pies and Plots
  • Lime Mascarpone Cheesecake Shooters by Caroline’s Cooking

Sunday Supper MovementJoin the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

 

Filed Under: Baked Goods, Bars Tagged With: Bars, Dessert, Lemon, poppy seeds, Shortbread

« Club Chic #FashionFriday
Standby Detroit »

Comments

  1. Debbie Eccard says

    May 21, 2017 at 12:56 pm

    Shortbread – check, Lemon – check, Poppy Seeds, check……this wonderful concoction has all the right checks! With a cup of Twinnings English Breakfast Tea! I would be in heaven….

    Reply
  2. cheri says

    May 21, 2017 at 1:41 pm

    These bars speak to me on every level, love lemon and these look amazing. I agree waiting is probably one of the hardest things to do, wish you luck.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      May 22, 2017 at 4:20 pm

      Thanks, Cheri, I appreciate that 🙂

      Reply
  3. Marcelle/A Little Fish in the Kitchen says

    May 21, 2017 at 4:15 pm

    These bars look absolutely delicious, Laura! That filling!! Yum 🙂

    Reply
  4. Hezzi-D says

    May 21, 2017 at 5:50 pm

    I love lemon and poppyseed together in anything! These bars sound and look amazing

    Reply
  5. Liz says

    May 21, 2017 at 6:03 pm

    My daughter LOVES lemon poppyseed muffins so she and I would both go nuts for these yummy bars!

    Reply
  6. Amy (Savory Moments) says

    May 23, 2017 at 7:03 am

    What a terrific idea to add poppy seeds to the shortbread crust! A delicious combination.

    Reply
  7. John/Kitchen Riffs says

    May 24, 2017 at 9:57 am

    Love lemon! You might fairly say I’m a lemon freak. 🙂 Add shortbread and poppy seeds, and wow! Flavor explosion! Really good — thanks.

    Reply
  8. Kelly @ Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats says

    March 31, 2018 at 10:38 am

    What a fun twist on classic lemon bars by adding poppy seeds! Definitely need to try your recipe 🙂

    Reply
  9. P~ says

    March 31, 2018 at 1:33 pm

    Lemon and poppy seed is just such a wonderful combination! Those lemon bars look wonderful! P~

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Waffled Twice Baked Potato Pancake Bites #SundaySupper - A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures says:
    May 21, 2017 at 7:15 am

    […] Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Shortbread by Pies and Plots […]

    Reply
  2. Sunday Supper Small Bites Recipes for Entertaining #SundaySupper says:
    May 21, 2017 at 7:28 am

    […] Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Shortbread by Pies and Plots […]

    Reply
  3. Mini Salmon Cakes with Anise Aioli #SundaySupper says:
    May 21, 2017 at 9:33 am

    […] Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Shortbread by Pies and Plots […]

    Reply
  4. Greek Chicken Gyro Mini Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce #SundaySupper | Hardly A Goddess says:
    May 21, 2017 at 10:47 am

    […] Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Shortbread by Pies and Plots […]

    Reply
  5. Lime mascarpone cheesecake shooters #SundaySupper - Caroline's Cooking says:
    May 21, 2017 at 1:55 pm

    […] Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Shortbread by Pies and Plots […]

    Reply
  6. Fiesta Pinwheels #SundaySupper - Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks says:
    May 21, 2017 at 5:35 pm

    […] Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Shortbread by Pies and Plots […]

    Reply
  7. Chicken Sausage & Fig Naan Bites #SundaySupper - Soulfully Made says:
    May 22, 2017 at 12:50 am

    […] Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Shortbread by Pies and Plots […]

    Reply
  8. Over 20 Small Bite recipes for Entertaining #SundaySupper - A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures says:
    May 24, 2017 at 7:23 am

    […] Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Shortbread by Pies and Plots […]

    Reply
  9. Honey Chipotle BBQ Wings #SundaySupper - Soulfully Made says:
    May 28, 2017 at 9:35 am

    […] Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Shortbread by Pies and Plots […]

    Reply
  10. Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Shortbread - Yum Goggle says:
    May 28, 2017 at 9:01 pm

    […] GET THE RECIPE […]

    Reply
  11. December Link Roundup - Elbowglitter says:
    December 14, 2017 at 9:01 am

    […] Lemon Bars with Poppyseed Shortbread […]

    Reply
  12. Sweet Sriracha Almonds says:
    January 30, 2018 at 9:43 am

    […] Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Shortbread by Pies and Plots […]

    Reply
  13. April Recipe Round-Up – Spring Favorites! says:
    March 31, 2018 at 1:01 am

    […] LEMON BARS WITH POPPY SEED SHORTBREAD from Pies and Plots […]

    Reply
  14. April Meal Plan and Giveaway | Little House Big Alaska says:
    March 31, 2018 at 1:31 am

    […] LEMON BARS WITH POPPY SEED SHORTBREAD from Pies and Plots […]

    Reply
  15. April Recipe Round-Up | The Saucy Southerner says:
    March 31, 2018 at 6:58 am

    […] LEMON BARS WITH POPPY SEED SHORTBREAD from Pies and Plots […]

    Reply
  16. Lime mascarpone cheesecake shooters - Caroline's Cooking says:
    May 20, 2018 at 7:36 pm

    […] Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Shortbread by Pies and Plots […]

    Reply
  17. Sweet Sriracha Almonds #SundaySupper - Jersey Girl Cooks says:
    February 2, 2019 at 7:29 pm

    […] Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Shortbread by Pies and Plots […]

    Reply
  18. April 2019 Recipe Round-Up: Fresh Springtime Recipes | Cheese Curd In Paradise says:
    March 31, 2019 at 8:12 am

    […] Galette from Crafty Cooking Mama Citrus Berry Shortcake from Jolene’s Recipe Journal Lemon Bars w/ Poppy Seed Shortbread from Pies and Plots ~Monthly Recipe Round-Up Bloggers~ Pies and Plots ~ Jolene’s Recipe […]

    Reply
  19. Cucumber Finger Sandwiches #SundaySupper – A Little Fish in the Kitchen says:
    September 26, 2019 at 9:44 am

    […] Lemon Bars with Poppy Seed Shortbread by Pies and Plots […]

    Reply
  20. Fresh Springtime Recipes Roundup – Books n' Cooks says:
    October 22, 2020 at 2:34 pm

    […] Berry Galette from Crafty Cooking Mama Citrus Berry Shortcake from Jolene’s Recipe Journal Lemon Bars w/ Poppy Seed Shortbread from Pies and Plots ~Monthly Recipe Round-Up Bloggers~ Pies and Plots ~ Jolene’s Recipe […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Welcome to Pies and Plots. I’m Laura Dembowski, writer, baker, and fashionista sharing recipes, reviews, and tips to inspire you to enjoy life both inside and outside the kitchen.
…Read More

The Latest

Categories

piesandplots

Fashion 👡 👗Florida ☀️🌴 Fiction 🖋📚 Food 🎂🥩
#ootdshare #floridavibes #amwriting #bakersofinstagram

Laura Dembowski
So many things to be thankful for today and everyd So many things to be thankful for today and everyday 🧡  Thanksgiving will always be my reminder to be grateful for my move to Florida 🌴  Three Thankgivings ago I got on an airplane and never looked back. I'm so lucky I get to call this magical place home and share it with people I love and care about 💛 

#thanksgiving #grateful #thankful #happygirl #luckygirl #floridavibes #floridagirl #floridaholiday #floridathanksgiving #orlandoinfluencer #orlandoflorida #orlando #thecitybeautiful #resortlife #vacayvibes #strikeapose #model #blondehairdontcare #floridafall #winterpark #winterparkfl #ootdshare #styleblogger #stylish #fashionista #familytime #dressup #floridalife #livinginparadise #isthisreallife
In my celebration era since it's Mom's birthday 🎂 🎉 🍾  Karma is this one of a kind smart, strong, kind woman being the one I can count all day every day 💪 I hope today and all the days are awesome for you, Mom 💖 My days are better with you as a part of them 🌟

#ootdshare #fashionblogger #fashionistas #likemotherlikedaughter #momsofinstagram #momsarethebest #momsaresuperheroes #happybirthday #happybirthdaymom #lookgoodfeelgood #celebrate #happygirl #luckygirl #blondehairdontcare #floralprint #winterparkfl #floridagirl #floridavibes #familyphotography #familytime #strikeapose #model #styleblogger #redlipclassic #waldorfastoria #waldorforlando #winterpark #ageisjustanumber #momboss
Dirty Chai Banana Bread is my all-time favorite ba Dirty Chai Banana Bread is my all-time favorite banana recipe 💛

It's easy to make, is super comforting (especially during this dreary Orlando weather), and it screams Thanksgiving breakfast 🍂

The recipe is on the blog as always 🍌

#ontheblog #linkinprofile #comfortfood #grainfree #glutenfree #bananabread #bananabreadrecipe #bananarecipes #dirtychai #sugarspiceandeverythingnice #butfirstcoffee #f52grams #todayfood #yahoofood #buzzfeedfood #huffposttaste #bonappetit #imsomartha #bakefeed #thanksgivingrecipe #thanksgivingbreakfast #fallrecipe #paleobreakfast #paleorecipe #eatrealfood #eatdessertfirst #bakersofig #bakersgonnabake #breakfastofchampions
All the fall and Thanksgiving vibes with these But All the fall and Thanksgiving vibes with these Butter Tart Bars 🍁🍂🍁

This recipe adapted from @mary_berg3 is on the blog ❤️

#ontheblog #linkinprofile #ambaking #bakersofig #fallbaking #fallvibes #thanksgivingvibes #thanksgivingrecipe #thanksgivingdessert #falldessert #raisins #pecans #imsomartha #buzzfeedfood #huffposttaste #thekitchn #comfortfood #gooeydessert #cookiebar #eatrealfood #paleodessert #paleorecipe #grainfree #glutenfree #eatdessertfirst #buttertart #buttertartbars #maplesyrup #todayfood
Since it's November I can post all the holiday pho Since it's November I can post all the holiday photos and start dreaming about spending as much of the season as humanly possible at the Ritz right??? 🎄✨🎄

#ontheblog #linkinprofile #ootdshare #lookgoodfeelgood #fashionista #fashionstyle #styleblogger #christmasfashion #holidaydress #holidayfashion #christmasvibes #holidayvibes #rcmemories #ritzcarlton #ritzcarltonorlando #teddybeartea #teatime #afternoontea #strikeapose #model #blondehairdontcare #redlipclassic #partydress #fancydress #smokeyeyes #gingerbreadhouse #floridachristmas #floridaholidays #orlandoinfluencer
Still can't believe I got to meet Bryan Cranston a Still can't believe I got to meet Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul last night!  I'm a huge fan of both of them after watching Breaking Bad, and I love Dos Hombres mezcal 🍹  They are super nice guys and took their time chatting and taking photos with everyone there. I'm so thrilled I got to attend this event and that it was at the Waldorf, one of my favorite places 🌴💚 The signed and engraved bottle is a fabulous keepsake from an unforgettable evening ✨️

#breakingbad #doshombres #doshombresmezcal #bryancranston #aaronpaul #cheersyall #mezcallovers #waldorforlando #waldorfastoria #orlandoflorida #orlando #orlandoinfluencer #thecitybeautiful #takemeback #bestnightever #likemotherlikedaughter #nightout #lookgoodfeelgood #blondehairdontcare #ootdshare #sequindress #partydress #happygirl #luckygirl #isthisreallife #floridagirl #resortlife #memories #strikeapose
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Pies and Plots · Web Design by Viva la Violet