Hibiscus Lemon Bars
User Reviews
4.2
Hibiscus Lemon Bars
Description
This recipe features a rich, buttery crust prepared by creaming butter, sugar, and vanilla bean paste, then pressing flour and salt into a baking pan and chilling before a brief bake. The filling is created by steeping dried hibiscus in fresh lemon juice, which yields a vibrant pink-hued citrus liquid. After straining out the hibiscus, the lemon juice is combined with eggs, sugar, and flour, resulting in a custard-like mixture that is poured over the baked crust.
The bars bake until the filling is firm but not jiggly, providing a balance of tart citrus with a mild floral complexity from the hibiscus. Once cooled fully, the bars are sliced and dusted with confectioners sugar, adding a light sweetness that pairs well with the tangy filling.
These bars offer a unique twist on traditional lemon bars through the infusion of dried hibiscus, lending both color and a nuanced flavor that enhances the bright lemon foundation. They are suitable for serving as a refreshing dessert or snack.
Ingredients
crust
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick, room temperature
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup flour
- pinch salt
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
filling
- 1/2 cup lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1 Tbsp dried hibiscus or hibiscus tea
- 3 egg large
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
garnish
- confectioners sugar
Instructions
- Set oven to 350F
- Cream the butter, sugar, and vanilla together. I did this in my stand mixer. Add in the flour and salt, and mix just until combined. Press the dough into a 9x9 baking pan. I lightly flour my fingers so they don't stick to the dough. Press it evenly across the bottom of the pan. Chill for 15 minutes.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes until it is just lightly browned. Set it aside to cool, but leave the oven on.
- Meanwhile make the filling. Stir the hibiscus into the lemon juice and let sit for 15 minutes until it is a dark pink color. Then strain it and discard the hibiscus.
- Whisk the eggs and sugar together until well blended. Stir in the lemon juice and then blend in the flour.
- Pour the filling over the crust and return to the oven to bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the center of the filling is set and not jiggly.
- Let cool fully before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 198 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 198kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 46mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 58mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 34mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.3g | 1% |
| Sugar | 24g | 48% |
| Vitamin A | 225IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 9mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.2
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