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Strawberry-Lemonade Bars

Strawberry-Lemonade Bars
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Strawberry-Lemonade Bars combine the sweetness of ripe fresh strawberries with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice to create a refreshing, moist treat perfect for summer. This easy-to-make recipe features a buttery crust and a soft, custard-like filling that balances sweet and tangy flavors, ideal for snacks, desserts, and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Filling

  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra citrus flavor)
  • 1 cup fresh diced strawberries

Topping (optional)

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Mix together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder in a bowl. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×9 inch baking pan to form the crust layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool.
  2. Make the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries to evenly distribute them throughout the filling.
  3. Bake the bars: Pour the filling mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is firm around the edges but still slightly soft and creamy in the center.
  4. Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, trim the edges if desired and slice into squares or rectangles. Dust with powdered sugar if using, for a pretty finishing touch.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for natural sweetness and the best texture.
  • Keep the butter chilled before mixing for a flaky crust.
  • Use room temperature eggs for a smooth filling consistency.
  • Watch baking time closely to avoid overbaking; look for a slight jiggle in the center before removing.
  • Let the bars cool fully before slicing to ensure clean cuts and proper set texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry bars, lemonade bars, summer dessert, berry dessert, lemon dessert, gluten-free dessert, easy bars, picnic dessert

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/strawberry-lemonade-bars/