Grapefruit Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Grapefruit Bars offer a bright and tangy twist on a classic dessert bar. With a buttery crust and a sweet, citrusy filling, they make a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion.

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: For the crust, combine the 1 cup flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl. 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, or until the crust is golden.
4. Step 4: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, 2 tbsp flour, grapefruit juice, and grapefruit zest until smooth.
5. Step 5: Pour the filling mixture over the warm crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-22 minutes, or until the filling is set.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up before slicing.
7. Step 7: Dust the chilled bars with powdered sugar, slice into squares, and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a sweeter filling, increase the granulated sugar slightly or add a teaspoon of honey.
• Use ruby red grapefruit for a sweeter, more vibrant color and flavor.
• Make the crust extra buttery by using European-style butter if available.
• Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the filling for a warm spice note.

Storage

Store the grapefruit bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature or enjoy chilled. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; 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 is best for the brightest flavor, but you can use bottled juice if necessary. Just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugars or preservatives.

How do I know when the filling is set?

The filling should look firm and slightly jiggly in the center when done. It will continue to set as it cools and chills.

Grapefruit Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 98 reviews

These Grapefruit Bars are a delightful citrus dessert featuring a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a tangy and sweet grapefruit filling. Perfectly balanced with fresh grapefruit juice and zest, these bars offer a refreshing treat dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 9–16 bars (depending on size) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust

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

For the 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
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter (1/2 cup) using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly with pea-sized bits of butter evenly distributed. Press this crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust layer.
3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until it turns golden brown. This will create a sturdy base for the filling.
4. Prepare the Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup fresh grapefruit juice, and 1 tablespoon of grapefruit zest in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
5. Pour Filling and Bake: When the crust is baked and slightly cooled, pour the grapefruit filling evenly over the crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-22 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
6. Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to let the filling fully set and flavors meld.
7. Serve: Once chilled, dust the bars generously with powdered sugar. Slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing citrus dessert.

Notes

• Adjust granulated sugar in the filling to your preferred sweetness depending on the tartness of the grapefruit used.
• Use fresh grapefruit juice and zest for the best citrus flavor; bottled juice may alter the taste.
• The chilling step is important for the filling to set properly and for clean slicing.
• Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• You can substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative to make it dairy-free, but the texture may vary.

Keywords: grapefruit bars, citrus dessert, grapefruit recipe, homemade bars, tangy dessert, easy baking recipe