Strawberry Lemonade Bars Recipe – American Special
Strawberry Lemonade Bars are a delightful dessert that blends the zesty freshness of lemonade with the sweet, fruity essence of strawberries. With a buttery crust and a silky, vibrant filling, these bars are both refreshing and indulgent. Ideal for a summer treat or a cheerful snack, they provide a perfectly balanced mix of sweet and tangy flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time1 hr
- Perform Time2 hr
- Total Time3 hr 15 min
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How to make Strawberry Lemonade Bars :
Preheat Oven:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Prepare Crust:In a medium bowl, combine flour and granulated sugar.
Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Prepare Filling:
In a blender or food processor, blend the fresh strawberries until smooth.
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and eggs until well combined.
Add the strawberry puree, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.
Bake Bars:
Pour the strawberry-lemon mixture over the partially baked crust.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Once cooled, lift out the bars using the parchment paper overhang, and cut into squares.
Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Recipe Notes:
Crust: The buttery crust provides a nice base for the tart and sweet filling. Ensure it’s evenly pressed and pre-baked for a firm texture.
Filling: Fresh strawberries give a vibrant flavor, but you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just thaw and drain them well before blending.
Texture: The filling should be smooth and set with a slight jiggle in the center when done.
Serving: These bars are perfect as a light dessert or treat. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and may also be frozen for longer storage.
