Go Back
- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder - A pinch of salt - Fresh strawberries and lemon slices for garnish - All-purpose flour: This is the base for our crust. It gives structure and holds everything together. - Powdered sugar: This sugar adds sweetness and helps create a smooth texture in the crust. - Unsalted butter: Softened butter gives richness and moisture to the crust. It blends well with sugar. - Pure vanilla extract: This adds a warm and fragrant flavor that enhances the bars. - Eggs: They provide structure and help bind the batter. Room temperature eggs mix better. - Fresh strawberries: Pureed strawberries bring vibrant color and fruity flavor to the filling. - Freshly squeezed lemon juice: This adds a zesty kick to balance the sweetness. - Lemon zest: Finely grated zest adds intense lemon flavor without extra liquid. - Granulated sugar: This sugar sweetens the filling, making it deliciously balanced. - Baking powder: It helps the bars rise and gives a light texture. - Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors in both the crust and filling. - Fresh strawberries and lemon slices: These garnishes add a pop of color and freshness when serving. - Strawberries: Look for bright red berries with a sweet scent. Avoid any with bruises or mold. - Lemons: Choose firm lemons with smooth skin. They should feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness. - Butter: Make sure to use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor. - Eggs: Look for eggs that are clean and free from cracks. Fresh eggs make a difference in texture. - Flour: Check the expiration date. Fresh flour ensures the best results in your baking. When you select fresh ingredients, you set the stage for tasty strawberry lemonade bars. Fresh flavors make every bite exciting! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8x8 inch baking pan. Lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. Next, line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Add in 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix everything together. Keep mixing until it looks crumbly. This crumb mixture forms the crust. Press it firmly into the bottom of your baking pan. Bake it for 15 minutes, until it turns a light golden brown. Let it cool slightly after baking. In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs until they look frothy. Add 1 cup of pureed fresh strawberries, 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest. Include 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix it all together until smooth and well combined. This batter will be vibrant and full of flavor. Carefully pour your strawberry-lemon batter over the cooled crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake the pan again for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for the top to be set and the edges to be slightly golden. Once done, remove the pan from the oven. Let the bars cool completely in the pan. When they are cool, lift them out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares and enjoy! Baking is both a science and an art. Here are some tips to help you succeed: - Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them mix well and create a smooth batter. - Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precision. This ensures the right texture and flavor. - Don’t Overmix: When combining the batter, mix just until smooth. Overmixing can make your bars tough. The texture of your bars is key to their success. Here’s how to get it just right: - Crispy Crust: Bake your crust until it is lightly golden. This adds a nice crunch to balance the soft filling. - Set Filling: Bake the bars until the top is set. A gentle jiggle in the center is normal, but it shouldn’t be runny. - Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool in the pan. This helps them firm up and makes cutting easier. Want to take your strawberry lemonade bars to the next level? Here are some ideas: - Fresh Garnishes: Top with fresh strawberry slices and lemon wedges. This adds color and freshness. - Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives a beautiful finish and enhances sweetness. - Zest It Up: Add more lemon zest for an extra zing. It brightens the flavors and makes them pop. Pro Tips Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh strawberries when making your puree. They will enhance the taste of the bars significantly. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to guarantee a smooth batter and evenly baked bars. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to achieve clean, even squares without crumbling. Serving Suggestions: Serve your strawberry lemonade bars chilled for a refreshing treat, and consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. {{image_4}} You can mix up the flavor of these bars easily. Try using raspberries instead of strawberries for a tart twist. Blueberries work well too, bringing a sweet burst to each bite. If you want a tropical vibe, use mango puree and lime juice. Each fruit gives a new taste and keeps things exciting. If you need a gluten-free version, you can swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Make sure it has xanthan gum for better texture. This small change allows everyone to enjoy these tasty bars without worry. Seasonal fruits make these bars even better. In spring, use fresh peaches or cherries. In fall, swap in apples or pears for a cozy flavor. Each season brings new fruits that can change the bars' taste. Just remember to keep the balance of liquids so the texture stays right. Enjoy experimenting with what’s fresh and available! To keep your strawberry lemonade bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This method helps the bars stay soft and tasty. Keep them in the fridge if you plan to eat them later. They can last up to a week when stored correctly. Freezing is a great way to save extra bars for later. First, cut the bars into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. When frozen, they can last for up to three months. To enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Usually, strawberry lemonade bars last about a week in the fridge. If they start to look dry or hard, that’s a sign they might be past their best. You may also notice an off smell or mold. If any of these signs appear, it’s best to throw them away. Always trust your senses! Yes, you can make Strawberry Lemonade Bars ahead of time. They taste great when chilled. I recommend making them a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge once they cool. This allows the flavors to mix well. You can serve them cold or at room temperature. Absolutely! You can substitute a few ingredients if needed. For gluten-free bars, use a gluten-free flour blend. Instead of fresh strawberries, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first. You can also swap lemon juice for lime juice for a twist. Each change may alter the taste slightly, but they will still be delicious! Serve these bars chilled for the best taste. You can garnish them with fresh strawberry slices and lemon wedges. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch. For a fun presentation, arrange them on a colorful platter. Pair them with a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea. This makes the perfect summer treat for any gathering! In this blog post, we discussed how to make delicious Strawberry Lemonade Bars. We covered essential ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for perfect texture. I shared various flavor options and storage advice to keep your treats fresh. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. Try out these tips and variations to create your own unique bars. Now, enjoy baking and share your tasty results with friends!

Strawberry Lemonade Bars

Deliciously tangy and sweet bars made with fresh strawberries and lemon juice, perfect for a refreshing dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
  • 0.5 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt
  • Fresh strawberries and lemon slices for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly and lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the edges for easy removal later.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Add the softened butter and pure vanilla extract. Using a fork or pastry cutter, mix the ingredients until they resemble a crumbly texture.
  • Firmly press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a solid crust. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until they are frothy and slightly pale in color. Add the pureed strawberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir together until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  • Carefully pour the vibrant strawberry-lemon batter over the cooled crust and use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the surface.
  • Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges are slightly golden.
  • Remove the baking pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan.
  • When ready to serve, cut the cooled bars into squares. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Keyword bars, dessert, lemonade, strawberry