Grapefruit Bars (Printable)

Vibrant citrus bars featuring a buttery crust topped with tangy grapefruit custard.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Shortbread Crust

01 - 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
02 - ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
03 - 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
04 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Grapefruit Filling

05 - 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
06 - ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
07 - 4 large eggs
08 - ¾ cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (about 2 grapefruits)
09 - 1 tablespoon grapefruit zest
10 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

→ Finishing

11 - Powdered sugar for dusting

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
03 - Press dough evenly into prepared pan bottom. Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden at edges.
04 - Whisk together sugar and flour. Add eggs, grapefruit juice, zest, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
05 - Pour filling over hot crust immediately after removing from oven.
06 - Return to oven and bake for 18-22 minutes until center is just set without excessive jiggle.
07 - Cool completely in pan. Lift out using parchment overhang and cut into bars.
08 - Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The buttery crust crumbles perfectly into that silk bright filling that makes your eyes widen just a little
  • These bars walk this gorgeous tightrope between sweet and tart that keeps everyone coming back for just one more
02 -
  • Pouring the filling over the hot crust is absolutely essential as it helps seal the bottom and prevents that soggy layer that can happen otherwise
  • The center should still have a tiny bit of movement when you take it out since it will continue to set as it cools and overbaking creates a rubbery texture
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients for both crust and filling will give you the smoothest, most cohesive texture
  • Use a microplane for the zest to avoid getting any bitter white pith mixed in with your beautiful aromatic oils

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