Strawberry Lemonade Bars

Don’t let the unusual color of these bars put you off because when it comes to flavor they are the embodiment of summer – especially if your idea of refreshment on a hot summer day is a cold glass of lemonade. They are strawberry lemonade bars, a play on traditional lemon bars that takes advantage of in-season strawberries to make an outrageously good variation of a bake-sale favorite.

The bars are really simple to make and that gorgeous watermelon pink color of the custard/curd topping is entirely natural. There is no Jello, no food coloring and no other odd ingredient added to create the pink hue. It is the result of adding freshly pureed strawberries to a sweet-tangy lemon curd mixture and nothing more. These bars have a fairly substantial layer of strawberry lemonade on top of the crust and not only is the flavor great – tangy and bright from the lemon with a warm sweetness from the berries and sugar – but the texture is, as well. The custard is soft and slices best after it has cooled completely, although it does cool down enough to slice cleanly without oozing. It melts in your mouth and really does taste like strawberry lemonade!

For the crust, I used my favorite shortbread base, one that I’ve used with cheesecake bars and other lemon bars. I like it because it is substantial and will support a thick custard filling without getting soggy, but is also tender and buttery. Plus, it’s easy to make and the filling can be poured in while the crust is hot, so there is no need to wait around for cooling during the cooking process. I used my Baker’s Edge pan, but a 9×13-inch baking pan will work just as well for this recipe.

The bars are excellent when chilled and should be stored in the refrigerator on a hot day, but I like them best when only slightly cool or at room temperature. Try to have extra ingredients laying around when you make these because you definitely will end up with requests for additional batches.

Strawberry Lemonade Bars
Crust
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt

 

Filling
1 cup fresh lemon juice
2-3 tsp lemon zest
1/2 cup pureed strawberries (about 3/4 cup berries)
1 1/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan (or use the Baker’s Edge pan, if you have one).
Begin by making the crust.
In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter, until smooth and fluffy. Working at a low speed, gradually beat in flour and salt until mixture is crumbly. Pour into prepared pan and press into an even layer. Bake for about 17 minutes, until set at the edges.
While the crust bakes, prepare the filling.
In the bowl of a food processor, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, strawberry puree, sugar and eggs and process until smooth. Add in flour, baking powder and salt, then pulse until smooth.
Gently pour the filling over the hot crust when it has finished baking. Return pan to oven and bake for 23-26 minutes, until the filling is set (There will be a light colored “crust” on top from the sugar in the custard – nothing to worry about).
Cool completely before slicing and use a damp knife to ensure clean slices.
Store bars in the refrigerator, especially on a hot day.
Makes 24 bars.