Who doesn’t love a treat that sings with the bright, zesty flavor of grapefruit? These Grapefruit Bars come together in about 30 minutes and are baked to perfection for a delicious dessert that your family will love! These tart and tangy bars are a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy goodness, making them ideal for any occasion. Plus, they’re so versatile; you can easily switch up the fruits based on what you have or even how you’re feeling that day! Perfect for a quick dessert or a delightful afternoon snack, let’s dive in!
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s gather all the ingredients you need for these scrumptious grapefruit bars!
- 1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (for filling)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Grapefruit Juice
- 1 tablespoon Grapefruit Zest
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- A pinch of Salt
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step 1: Preparation (10 min)
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish (about 8×8 inches works well). If you have parchment paper handy, line the dish for easy removal and cleanup later trust me, it helps! The anticipation starts here: you’re going to want to have a taste of what’s to come.
Step 2: Making the Crust (10 min)
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until it’s all coated and resembles wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. You can use your fingers, but I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down, fortifying our base like a boss.
Bake for about 10 minutes, until slightly golden. The smell that fills your kitchen is incredible! You’ll want to hold off on devouring it just yet–the best is yet to come!
Step 3: Making the Filling (10 min)
While the crust is baking, let’s whip up that filling! In a large bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 cup of granulated sugar until combined and creamy. Add in 1/4 cup of fresh grapefruit juice, 1 tablespoon of grapefruit zest, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and just a pinch of salt. Stir until it’s smooth, no lumps allowed! You want it to be velvety and just waiting to pour over that crust.
Step 4: Pouring It All Together
Once your crust is done and slightly cooled (just a few minutes!), pour that glorious filling over the top. Spread it out evenly; it’ll work its way into your crust while baking, like an eager little helper!
Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle (because who doesn’t love a good jiggle?). It should be a beautiful, golden hue, almost like the sun itself.
Step 5: Cooling and Serving (15 min)
Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least an hour before cutting them. Trust me; they’ll cut cleaner when chilled. Once they’re set, slice them into squares or rectangles, whatever your heart desires! Dust with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy, and maybe grab a slice to enjoy right away… or several. I won’t judge!
Why I Love This Recipe
This Grapefruit Bars recipe is totally my go-to treat when I want something that feels elegant yet effortless. I’m a real sucker for desserts that are both sweet and tart, this recipe nails that combo perfectly. They’re so quick to whip together; it makes me feel like a baking pro! Plus, the best part is how easy it is to improvise with flavors today it’s grapefruit, but tomorrow it could be lemon or even orange.
And let me tell you, every time I make these bars, my kids ask for seconds, which is a win in my book. They’re also a hit at gatherings; everyone raves about that perfect citrus punch!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Grapefruit Bars
These bars are absolutely delightful when served cold, but I encourage you to try them warm, too a little scoop of vanilla ice cream never hurt anyone! You can plate them up on a pretty dish and they’ll be your new go-to dessert for dinner parties!
Storage
You can store these Grapefruit Bars covered in the refrigerator for up to four days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Reheating Instructions
Though I love them straight from the fridge, if you prefer them warm, just cover them in foil and pop them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10-15 minutes.
Freezer Friendly?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze these bars! They keep well for about 2 months; just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
These Grapefruit Bars come together in under 30 minutes! Seriously, you’ll be enjoying them before you can say, “I want more!” The baking time is just a bonus, and you’re left with a fantastic dessert with minimal effort.
Comfort Food
There’s something cozy about a sweet baked treat, especially something as refreshing as grapefruit bars. Loaded with tons of flavor, they strike the perfect balance for any season.
Customizable
Feel like experimenting? Use whatever ingredients you have on hand! Swap in different citrus fruits, or add a hint of coconut for a tropical twist. Whatever your taste preference, you’re bound to make something delicious.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re like me and enjoy prepping for the week ahead, whip up a batch of these bars and have them on hand for lunches or after-school snacks! They’re so easy to pack and transport.
Crowd-Pleaser
The whole family will love these fruity squares! They’re sure to impress guests and loved ones alike, no one will believe how simple they were to make!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Chewy M&M Cookie Bars, my Homemade Pop Rocks, or my Air Fryer Lemon Bars!
This recipe genuinely encapsulates everything I adore about cooking it’s easy, it brings joy, and it captures seasonal flavors beautifully. So go ahead, give these Grapefruit Bars a try. You won’t be disappointed! Enjoy! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!
Grapefruit Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix together graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter until combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until slightly golden.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add grapefruit juice, grapefruit zest, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt; stir until smooth.
- Once the crust is done and slightly cooled, pour the filling over the top.
- Spread it out evenly and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until set with a slight jiggle.
- Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Slice into squares or rectangles and dust with powdered sugar if desired.