Grapefruit Bars with Citrus Curd (Printable version)
Buttery shortbread crust topped with bright grapefruit custard filling, perfectly balanced between sweet and tart flavors.
# What You'll Need:
→ Shortbread Crust
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - ½ cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
04 - ¼ teaspoon salt
→ Grapefruit Filling
05 - 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
06 - ¼ cup all-purpose flour
07 - 4 large eggs
08 - ¾ cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
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 of the bars.
02 - Cream softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Blend in flour and salt, mixing until just combined into a dough.
03 - Press dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
04 - Whisk sugar and flour together in a separate bowl. Add eggs, grapefruit juice, grapefruit zest, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
05 - Pour the filling mixture over the hot crust immediately after removing from the oven.
06 - Return pan to oven and bake for 18-22 minutes until the center is just set and no longer jiggles excessively.
07 - Let cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into bars.
08 - Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The buttery crust balances perfectly with the bright citrus filling
- They taste impressive but come together with simple pantry staples
- You can make them ahead and they actually taste better after chilling
02 -
- Pour the filling over the hot crust immediately or they will separate into layers
- The center should still have a slight wobble when you take them out because they keep cooking
- Room temperature eggs prevent the filling from curdling and ensure a smooth texture
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the filling from seizing and create a silkier texture
- A light colored pan prevents the crust from over baking before the filling sets