Love lemon bars? Then you are going to go crazy for these amazing grapefruit bars! They have all the flavor and texture of a lemon bar, but with the fragrant sweet tanginess and beautiful pink hue of grapefruit. Not to mention a flaky shortbread crust.
I love cooking and baking with all citrus fruits, but I’ve been on a serious grapefruit kick recently. I eat them for breakfast or a mid-day snack. I add them to salads. A few weeks ago I even baked a grapefruit pie. I can’t say I’ve ever tried a citrus fruit that I didn’t love, but to me there’s something especially wonderful and unique about grapefruit. I love assertive flavors and grapefruit packs an extra level of sweetness that’s counterbalanced by just the right amount of bitterness.
These grapefruit bars are incredibly easy to make. The bottom crust layer is a rich, flaky shortbread. The top layer is delicate and sweet with just the right amount of grapefruit flavor. Enjoy!
Grapefruit Bars
Ingredients
- 5 ounces (1 cup) + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus more for topping
- 4 ounces unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons grated grapefruit zest
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 5 ounces flour, salt, and confectioners’ sugar.
- Using a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into an un-greased 8x8 inch pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or just until golden.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the eggs, sugar, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and remaining flour for about 2 minutes or until smooth, scraping down the bowl periodically with a spatula. Stir in grapefruit peel.
- Pour the filling over the hot crust, then bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until light brown around the edges and the center is set.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. Dust lightly with powdered sugar, then cut into 9 bars.
Nutrition
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
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Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain says
Mmmmm….I adore grapefruit! Looking forward to whipping these guys up this weekend!
Carrie says
Love grapefruit bars! One of my favorite adaptions to a lemon bar. Your photos are gorgeous!!
Kate @ Diethood says
What gorgeous bars!!! I LOVE grapefruits!
Naomi says
Such a great adaptation! I love the sound of grapefruit bars.
Ashley says
Just beautiful!!! Love the fun use of grapefruit here! I’m a huge citrus fan as well! :)
In Good Flavor says
I came across this recipe on Blogher. I like unique recipes and this one is different but makes perfect sense!
Baby June says
Mmm I love grapefruit desserts, I’ll have to try this one sometime! Beautiful pictures, as always. :)
Amy @ Elephant Eats says
I’ve had MAJOR grapefruit cravings lately so these bars sound completely awesome!!!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Gorgeous bars!
Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes says
These bars are beautiful! I definitely have to try this recipe out someday soon.
I love Bundt Cakes says
We adore grapefruit, such lovely bars!!! Love the pics!
Bea and Mara from ilovebundtcakes.blogspot.com
Danae @ Recipe Runner says
I love that you used grapefruit in these bars instead of the traditional lemon, such a nice twist on the classic! Your pictures are beautiful as always.
shashi @ runninsrilankan says
Simply delectable – wow – I’ve never had grapefruit bars before so I am intrigued…heading over to catch the recipe
Dawn from Hardly Bored says
Wow my mouth is watering just looking at these! Beautiful pictures. Thanks for the recipe!
ambrosia @ figandpie says
These sound / look like summer perfection!