Description
Delight in these vibrant Strawberry Lemonade Bars that combine a buttery crumbly crust with a tangy, sweet strawberry and lemon filling. Perfectly baked to achieve a soft and luscious texture, these bars make a refreshing treat ideal for spring and summer gatherings or any time you crave a citrusy dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- 7 Ounces unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- ½ Cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ Cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 1 Cup lemon juice
- 1 Cup strawberries (chopped)
- 1 Cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- ¼ Cup all-purpose flour
- ½ Teaspoon baking powder
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Make the crust: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the granulated sugar and unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and then gradually mix in the 1½ cups of all-purpose flour until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Press the crust: Line a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Evenly press the crumbly crust mixture into the bottom of the dish to form the base.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and prepare the filling while it cools slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a food processor, combine the lemon juice, chopped strawberries, and 1 cup sugar. Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Add remaining filling ingredients: To the blended fruit mixture, add the eggs, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Blend again until the filling is smooth and homogenous.
- Pour the filling over crust: Carefully pour the strawberry lemon filling evenly over the baked crust in the dish.
- Bake the bars: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes. The bars should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and cut: Remove the bars from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 12 to 16 bars depending on preferred size.
- Optional finishing touch: Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant and sweet finish before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor; frozen can be used but thaw and drain excess liquid.
- The filling should be smooth for the best texture, so process thoroughly in the food processor.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Powdered sugar adds a nice visual touch but is optional.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
