Refreshing Grapefruit Bars Recipe

Brighten your day with these zesty and refreshing Grapefruit Bars, a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a tangy grapefruit filling, these bars are perfect for citrus lovers. They’re easy to make and a wonderful treat for any occasion, from afternoon tea to festive gatherings.

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 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• Zest of 1 grapefruit
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1-2 drops red food coloring

Instructions:

Prepare the Crust:

1. 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 removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
3. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Form Crust: Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form an even layer.
5. Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Filling:

1. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, grapefruit zest, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using). Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.

Assemble and Bake:

1. Pour Filling: Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly.
2. Bake: Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges.
3. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Serve:

1. Lift and Cut: Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into squares or rectangles.
2. Dust with Sugar: Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Cook’s Tips:

• Crust Consistency: Ensure the butter is very cold when making the crust to achieve a flaky texture. You can even freeze the butter for a few minutes before cubing it.
• Zest Carefully: When zesting the grapefruit, be careful to avoid the bitter white pith underneath the colorful skin.
• Juice Measurement: Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is recommended for the best flavor. Ensure you measure accurately to maintain the right balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and a firm filling.

Variations:

• Citrus Medley Bars: Combine grapefruit with other citrus fruits like orange and lime for a unique citrus medley flavor.
• Ginger Grapefruit Bars: Add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to the filling for a spicy kick that complements the tartness of the grapefruit.
• Coconut Crust: Add a quarter cup of shredded coconut to the crust mixture for a tropical twist.
• Nutty Crust: Mix in finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the crust for added texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use bottled grapefruit juice instead of fresh? A: Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use bottled juice in a pinch. Ensure it is 100% grapefruit juice without added sugars.

Q: How should I store these grapefruit bars? A: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free? A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Q: What can I use instead of red food coloring? A: The red food coloring is optional and mainly for aesthetic purposes. You can omit it or use a natural alternative like beet juice.

Q: Can I double this recipe? A: Absolutely! Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

These Grapefruit Bars are a delightful and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any citrus lover. The buttery shortbread crust combined with the tangy grapefruit filling creates a balance of sweet and tart that’s simply irresistible. They’re easy to make and sure to impress at any gathering or as a treat for yourself. Enjoy these vibrant and flavorful bars anytime you need a burst of citrusy sunshine in your day.

Indulge in the zesty delight of these Grapefruit Bars, a perfect treat for any occasion!