Grapefruit Bars

These Grapefruit Bars are a citrusy twist on classic lemon bars, featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a smooth, tangy grapefruit filling. The balance of sweet and tart flavors makes them a refreshing dessert, perfect for spring, summer, or any time you crave a bright and zesty treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Unique citrus flavor – A refreshing change from traditional lemon bars.
  • Buttery shortbread crust – A rich and tender base that melts in your mouth.
  • Smooth and tangy filling – Made with fresh grapefruit juice for the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
  • Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
  • Great for any occasion – Perfect for brunch, tea time, or a light dessert.

Ingredients

Grapefruit Bars 10 These Grapefruit Bars are a citrusy twist on classic lemon bars, featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a smooth, tangy grapefruit filling. The balance of sweet and tart flavors makes them a refreshing dessert, perfect for spring, summer, or any time you crave a bright and zesty treat!

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shortbread Crust:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Unsalted butter (softened)
  • Powdered sugar
  • Salt
  • Vanilla extract

For the Grapefruit Filling:

  • Fresh grapefruit juice (strained)
  • Grapefruit zest
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt

For Topping (Optional):

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Whipped cream or candied grapefruit zest

Directions

1. Make the Shortbread Crust

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mix flour, butter, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla until crumbly.
  3. Press into Pan: Spread the dough evenly in the pan and press it down firmly.
  4. Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Grapefruit Filling

  1. Whisk Together: In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, grapefruit juice, zest, flour, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
  2. Pour Over Crust: Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the filling over the crust.
  3. Bake: Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.

3. Cool & Serve

  1. Cool Completely: Let bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
  2. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 12 bars
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Chill Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: About 3 hours

Variations

  • Extra Tangy: Add a splash of lemon juice for more citrus brightness.
  • Ruby Red Version: Use pink or ruby red grapefruit for a sweeter taste and beautiful color.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and filling.
  • Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the crust for a tropical flavor.

Storage & Freezing

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in a single layer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

Grapefruit Bars
Grapefruit Bars 11 These Grapefruit Bars are a citrusy twist on classic lemon bars, featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a smooth, tangy grapefruit filling. The balance of sweet and tart flavors makes them a refreshing dessert, perfect for spring, summer, or any time you crave a bright and zesty treat!

Can I use bottled grapefruit juice?

Fresh juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.

Why did my filling crack?

Overbaking can cause cracks—remove from the oven as soon as the center is set.

How do I get clean slices?

Chill completely before slicing and wipe your knife between cuts.

Can I use a different citrus?

Yes! Try lemon, orange, or a mix of citrus for variety.

What size pan should I use?

An 8×8-inch pan works best for thick bars, but a 9×13-inch pan can be used for thinner bars.

How do I make the bars extra smooth?

Sift the flour and cornstarch before adding to the filling for a lump-free texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! They taste even better the next day after chilling.

Do I need to strain the grapefruit juice?

Yes, straining removes pulp for a smooth filling.

How do I make them sweeter?

Use a sweeter variety of grapefruit or add an extra tablespoon of sugar.

Can I add a crust layer on top?

Yes! Sprinkle crushed shortbread cookies over the top before baking.

Conclusion

These Grapefruit Bars are a bright and refreshing dessert that’s easy to make and full of citrus flavor. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, brunch treat, or after-dinner dessert, their buttery crust and tangy filling make them a delightful twist on a classic citrus bar. Try them with fresh whipped cream or candied grapefruit zest for an extra special touch!

Print
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Grapefruit Bars

Grapefruit Bars

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: ~3 hours
  • Yield: 1216 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These grapefruit bars are a refreshing twist on classic lemon bars. The buttery shortbread crust balances the tart, citrusy grapefruit curd, creating a light and flavorful dessert. A dusting of powdered sugar makes them extra beautiful!

 


Ingredients

Scale

For the Shortbread Crust:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Grapefruit Filling:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons grapefruit zest
  • 3/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice (about 1 large grapefruit)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (for extra brightness)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For Topping:

 

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix butter, sugar, flour, and salt until the dough comes together.
  3. Press the dough evenly into the baking dish.
  4. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Grapefruit Filling

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, grapefruit zest, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and flour until smooth.
  2. Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust.

Step 3: Bake & Cool

  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and does not jiggle in the center.
  2. Let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Step 4: Serve

 

  1. Dust with powdered sugar, slice into bars, and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a pink hue, use ruby red grapefruit or add a drop of natural pink food coloring.
  • Make it gluten-free by swapping all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

 

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

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