I feel like grapefruits are an under-appreciated citrus fruit. They’re so often overshadowed by lemons, limes, and oranges – especially for baking and cooking. I understand. I feel like lemon goes with just about everything, while grapefruit…not so much. However, as I was snacking on a very delicious and perfectly pink grapefruit, I had an idea to make lemon bars except with grapefruit -> Grapefruit Bars. Turns out, lots of people before me have had the same idea. I found this recipe on Food52 and went straight to the kitchen! They are very similar to lemon bars, but the grapefruit flavor really shines. They’re also a very pretty shade of pink, perfect for Valentine’s Day or even baby showers. Jordan said he liked them better than lemon bars! It would be hard for me to pick a favorite. I would probably need to taste them side-by-side…multiple times ;). Enjoy!
Pink Grapefruit Bars
for the crust:
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all purpose flour
1/8 tsp salt
for the filling:
2 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 pink grapefruit, zested*
1/4 cup grapefruit juice
powdered sugar, for dusting
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In bowl of stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the flour and salt and mix on low speed just until combined.
3. Press dough into parchment lined pan. (I had to “flour” my fingers a couple times to prevent the dough from sticking.)
4. Baked in preheated oven until lightly browned, 15-18 minutes.
5. While the crust is baking prepared the filling. In the bowl of stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the eggs and sugar until slightly thick, about 1 minute. Add the flour, grapefruit juice and zest. Beat until smooth and pour the filling over the warm baked crust.
6. Return to the oven and bake until top is lightly browned and center is just slightly jiggly, about 18-20 minutes. Cool completely in pan. Remove from pan and cut into squares. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. I like to serve mine chilled.
*adapted from Food52
Note: If you don’t use a pink grapefruit, you can use a regular grapefruit and add a couple drops of pink or red food coloring.
