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
(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
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mix flour, butter, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla until crumbly.
- Press into Pan: Spread the dough evenly in the pan and press it down firmly.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Grapefruit Filling
- Whisk Together: In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, grapefruit juice, zest, flour, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
- Pour Over Crust: Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the filling over the crust.
- Bake: Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
3. Cool & Serve
- Cool Completely: Let bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- 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
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!
Grapefruit Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: ~3 hours
- Yield: 12–16 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
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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix butter, sugar, flour, and salt until the dough comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into the baking dish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Grapefruit Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, grapefruit zest, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and flour until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust.
Step 3: Bake & Cool
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and does not jiggle in the center.
- Let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Step 4: Serve
- 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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