Pink Grapefruit Dessert Bars
User Reviews
4.6
Pink Grapefruit Dessert Bars
Description
Pink Grapefruit Dessert Bars start with a crust made by creaming room temperature butter and sugar until fluffy, then mixing in flour and salt to form a soft dough. Pressed evenly into a prepared pan, the crust is baked until lightly browned, creating a firm yet tender base.
The filling combines eggs and sugar whisked until slightly thickened, then flour, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and grapefruit zest are incorporated. The mixture is poured over the warm crust and baked again until set, resulting in a bright, tangy custard-like layer that contrasts with the buttery crust.
Once cooled, the bars are dusted with powdered sugar to add a subtle sweetness and visual appeal. The recipe’s use of fresh grapefruit juice and zest gives the dessert a natural citrus brightness that complements the rich base.
Serving these bars chilled enhances their refreshing quality. The parchment sling method used in preparation makes it easy to lift bars from the pan for neat slicing and serving.
Ingredients
for crust
- ½ cup butter at room temperature
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
for grapefruit filling
- 2 large egg
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 grapefruit zested
- ¼ cup grapefruit juice squeezed from the grapefruit you just zested!
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Set rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan using Smitten Kitchen's "sling" method. Cut 2 pieces of parchment the same width as the bottom of your pan, but longer on each end so that when you lay the parchment in the pan, extra parchment paper hangs over both sides. Lay the other piece of parchment going in the opposite direction of the first.
- Beat together the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping the sides occasionally. Add the flour and salt and mix on low speed until combined. Transfer the dough to the bottom of the pan and use your fingers to press it evenly into the space.
- Bake the dough until lightly browned about 15-18 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Meanwhile, make the filling. In a medium bowl add the eggs and sugar. Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until slightly thick. Add the flour, grapefruit juice and zest. Whisk well and pour the filling over the warm baked crust.
- Bake until lightly browned on top and no longer jiggly in the center, about 18-20 minutes. Cool completely in the pan. Lift the parchment paper and transfer the cookie to a cutting board. Use a long, thin knife to cut the bar into 16 squares.
- Store in a airtight container, separating layers with a piece of parchment or wax paper -- so they don't stick together.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 9Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 290 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 290kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 74mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 141mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 80mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 30g | 60% |
| Vitamin A | 698IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 18mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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