Grapefruit Bars offer a refreshing twist on the classic lemon bar, combining tangy grapefruit flavor with a buttery shortbread crust. These bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them an irresistible treat for citrus lovers. Whether served as a dessert or enjoyed with a cup of tea, Grapefruit Bars are sure to brighten up any occasion with their vibrant flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold butter, cubed
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 3 eggs
- 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 1 grapefruit
- 2 tablespoons grapefruit juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1-2 drops red food coloring (for a pink hue)
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the flour, cold cubed butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Pulse or mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and starts to come together.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the crust mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan using your fingers or the back of a spoon.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Prepare the Filling:
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, grapefruit zest, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Optionally, add 1-2 drops of red food coloring for a pink tint to the filling.
- Pour over Baked Crust: Once the crust is baked, pour the prepared filling mixture evenly over the hot crust in the baking pan.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake the bars for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Grapefruit Bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or bars. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve.
Cook’s Tips:
- Zesting Grapefruit: Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the grapefruit, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.
- Juicing Citrus: Roll the grapefruit on the countertop before juicing to help release more juice.
- Chilling: For easier slicing, chill the bars in the refrigerator for about an hour before cutting into squares.
Variations:
- Garnish: Top each bar with a small grapefruit segment or a sprinkle of additional grapefruit zest for a decorative touch.
- Coconut: Add a handful of shredded coconut to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Shortbread Variation: Substitute the flour in the crust with almond flour or coconut flour for a gluten-free version.
FAQs:
- Can I use bottled grapefruit juice instead of fresh? Fresh grapefruit juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
- How should I store leftover bars? Store leftover Grapefruit Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Can I freeze Grapefruit Bars? Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
These Grapefruit Bars offer a delightful combination of tangy citrus flavor and sweet buttery crust, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. With a simple preparation process and bright, vibrant taste, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the refreshing burst of grapefruit in every bite and savor the sunny flavors of these delightful bars
