Strawberry lemonade bars are a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. Here’s a simple recipe to make strawberry lemonade bars at home:
Ingredients:
For the crust:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
For the filling:
– 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt for the crust. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
4. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped strawberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, granulated sugar, eggs, and flour. Blend until smooth and well combined.
5. Pour the strawberry lemonade filling over the partially baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
6. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden brown.
7. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until chilled and firm.
9. Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Place them on a cutting board and cut into squares or bars.
10. Dust the strawberry lemonade bars with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
11. Serve the bars chilled and enjoy the refreshing combination of strawberry and lemon flavors!
These strawberry lemonade bars are perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a sweet treat any time of year. The buttery crust provides a delicious base for the creamy strawberry lemonade filling, making these bars irresistible to citrus and berry lovers alike.