Grapefruit Bars Recipe

Introduction

Bright and tangy grapefruit bars offer a refreshing twist on classic citrus desserts. With a buttery crust and a zesty, sweet filling, these bars are perfect for a light treat or an elegant finish to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste for sweetness)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup fresh grapefruit juice (about 1 medium grapefruit)
• 1 tbsp grapefruit zest
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Prepare the crust by blending 1 cup flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Step 3: Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown.
4. Step 4: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, grapefruit juice, and grapefruit zest until smooth.
5. Step 5: Pour the filling mixture over the warm crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 20–22 minutes until the filling is set.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before dusting with powdered sugar.
7. Step 7: Slice into squares and serve chilled for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For a sweeter filling, increase the granulated sugar slightly or add a drizzle of honey on top before serving.
• Use pink grapefruit for a sweeter, more colorful variation.
• Make sure the butter is very cold before cutting it into the flour to achieve a crispier crust.
• Line the pan with parchment paper with overhang to lift the bars easily after chilling.

Storage

Store grapefruit bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They taste best chilled but can be brought to room temperature before serving. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled grapefruit juice instead of fresh?

Fresh grapefruit juice offers the best flavor and brightness, but if fresh is not available, bottled juice can be used. Choose one without added sugars or preservatives for the best result.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in equal amounts. The texture may be slightly different, but the bars will still be delicious.

Grapefruit Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 107 reviews

These refreshing Grapefruit Bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a tangy grapefruit filling. Perfectly balanced between sweet and citrusy, they make a delightful dessert or snack, finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 tsp salt

Filling

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste for sweetness)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup fresh grapefruit juice (about 1 medium grapefruit)
• 1 tbsp grapefruit zest

Topping

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
3. Bake the Crust: Bake the pressed crust in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until it turns a lovely golden color. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, fresh grapefruit juice, and grapefruit zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Pour Filling over Crust: Pour the prepared grapefruit filling evenly over the baked crust in the pan.
6. Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-22 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
7. Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Once they reach room temperature, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to fully set and improve texture.
8. Serve: Before serving, dust the chilled bars with powdered sugar, slice into squares, and enjoy your tart and sweet grapefruit bars.

Notes

• If you prefer a sweeter bar, adjust the granulated sugar in the filling to your taste.
• Using fresh grapefruit juice and zest is key to achieve a bright, authentic citrus flavor.
• Make sure the butter is cold when preparing the crust to ensure a flaky texture.
• You can line your pan with aluminum foil alternatively if parchment paper is unavailable.
• Bars keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: grapefruit bars, citrus dessert, easy baking, fruit bars, citrus bars, homemade dessert