Strawberry Lemonade Bars

Lemon bars have become a beloved staple in dessert cuisine, renowned for their bright, tangy flavor and simple, yet satisfying, sweetness. Over the years, various creative adaptations have emerged, transforming the classic lemon bar into delightful variations that cater to different palates. One such twist that has captured the hearts of dessert enthusiasts is the combination of strawberries with the traditional lemonade bar, resulting in the refreshingly delicious Zesty Strawberry Lemonade Bars.

Discover the perfect summer treat with these Zesty Strawberry Lemonade Bars! This delightful dessert combines the sweet flavor of fresh strawberries with the tangy brightness of lemons, creating a refreshing balance that's ideal for warm days. With a buttery crust and a simple preparation process, these bars are not only beautiful but also easy to make. They’re perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just a sunny afternoon snack. Try this recipe and impress your guests with a vibrant, delicious dessert that’s sure to become a favorite!

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Ingredients

For the crust:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup powdered sugar

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the filling:

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)

Zest of 2 lemons

1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (about 6-8 medium strawberries)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon baking powder

For garnish:

Sliced strawberries

Lemon zest

Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Prepare the crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until well blended. Add the softened butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

Bake the crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until smooth. Add in the lemon juice, lemon zest, pureed strawberries, flour, and baking powder. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.

Combine filling and crust: Pour the strawberry lemonade filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly to cover the entire surface.

Bake the bars: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges start to turn just slightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Cool and set: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set before cutting.

Serve: Once set, cut into squares, and garnish with fresh sliced strawberries, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (plus chill time) | Servings: 16 squares