Description
Zesty strawberry lemonade bars combine tangy citrus with sweet berries in perfect harmony. Creamy filling nestles atop a buttery graham cracker crust, inviting you to savor summer’s most refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¼ cups (250 g) sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) fresh lemon juice
- ¾ cup (120 g) chopped strawberries
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) flour
- ½ cup (113 g) butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2–3 tsps lemon zest
- ¼ cup (30 g) flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, lightly greasing the surface to prevent adhesion.
- Crust Formation: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then integrate flour and salt to create a crumbly mixture. Press evenly into the prepared pan, forming a uniform base.
- Initial Baking: Bake the crust for 15 minutes until edges turn golden, establishing a crisp foundation for the filling.
- Filling Creation: Blend strawberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar in a blender until smooth. Whisk in eggs, then gently fold in flour, baking powder, and salt until fully incorporated.
- Assembly and Baking: Pour the strawberry-lemon mixture over the hot crust, spreading evenly. Return to oven and bake 22-25 minutes until the surface appears dry and slightly golden.
- Cooling and Finishing: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan, then dust generously with powdered sugar. Slice into precise rectangular portions, revealing the vibrant layers of this delectable dessert.
Notes
- Timing Matters: Bake the shortbread crust precisely for 15 minutes to achieve a golden, sturdy foundation without overcooking.
- Blend with Precision: Pulverize strawberries and lemon ingredients until completely smooth for a silky, uniform filling texture.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let bars cool entirely in the pan to help them set properly and develop a more stable, rich consistency.
- Powdered Sugar Finish: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to maintain the crisp, elegant coating and enhance visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 37-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks, Drinks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg