Strawberry Lemonade Bars

As the summer sun graces us with longer days and warmer temperatures, the craving for light and refreshing desserts becomes almost irresistible. There’s something inherently satisfying about enjoying a cool treat that encapsulates the flavors of the season. Enter Strawberry Lemonade Bars, a delightful dessert that perfectly marries the sweet juiciness of ripe strawberries with the zesty brightness of fresh lemons. These bars are not only visually appealing with their vibrant colors but also deliver a delicious balance of sweet and tart that makes them an ideal choice for summer gatherings, picnics, or even a cozy afternoon snack.

Beat the summer heat with these Refreshing Strawberry Lemonade Bars! This delightful dessert perfectly combines the sweet, juicy taste of ripe strawberries with the zesty zing of fresh lemons. With a buttery crust and creamy filling, these bars are both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. They're simple to make and ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or a cozy afternoon treat. Learn how to create this perfect balance of flavors and impress your family and friends this season!

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Ingredients

For the crust:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)

3 large eggs

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For garnish:

Sliced strawberries and lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Make the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the strawberry filling: While the crust is baking, in a blender or food processor, puree the diced strawberries until smooth. You should have about 1 cup of strawberry puree. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, lemon juice, eggs, and lemon zest until well combined. Add in the strawberry puree and mix until completely incorporated.

Add dry ingredients: Gently fold in the 1/4 cup of flour and baking powder into the strawberry-lemon mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Bake the filling: Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges start to pull away from the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.

Cool and chill: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. After that, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to set completely.

Serve: Once chilled and set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles. If desired, garnish with sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr 5 min | 12 servings