Grapefruit Bars Recipe – A Zesty Citrus Dessert with Buttery Crust

Grapefruit Bars offer a delightful twist on classic dessert bars, combining a buttery shortbread crust with a tangy grapefruit filling. This refreshing citrus treat is perfect for spring and summer gatherings or whenever you’re craving a sweet and zesty bite.

Whether served at a brunch, tea party, or simply as an after-dinner indulgence, these bars add a gourmet flair to your dessert table. Their unique flavor and eye-catching color make them an irresistible choice for citrus lovers.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 cup
Cold butter, cubed	½ cup (1 stick)
Powdered sugar	⅓ cup
Salt	¼ teaspoon

For the Filling:

Ingredient	Quantity
Large eggs	3
Granulated sugar	1 ¼ cups
All-purpose flour	2 tablespoons
Baking powder	½ teaspoon
Zest of 1 grapefruit	From 1 grapefruit
Fresh grapefruit juice	2 tablespoons
Fresh lemon juice	1 tablespoon
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Optional: Red food coloring	1–2 drops (if using)

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
Cut in Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
Form the Crust:
Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a compact layer.
Bake the Crust:
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until light golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Prepare the Grapefruit Filling:

Whisk Eggs & Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
Add Remaining Ingredients:
Add the flour, baking powder, grapefruit zest, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a drop or two of red food coloring if desired. Mix until the filling is smooth and evenly blended.

Assemble and Bake:

Pour the Filling:
Pour the grapefruit mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
Bake Again:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and just golden at the edges.
Cool Completely:
Let the bars cool fully in the pan before handling.

Serve:

Lift and Slice:
Use the parchment paper overhang to gently lift the cooled dessert from the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles.
Optional Garnish:
For an elegant finish, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for Best Results

Use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for the brightest flavor.
A tiny bit of red food coloring gives the bars a soft pink hue that makes them visually stunning.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

For more details, visit the full recipe

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