Description
These Salted Citrus Bars are a bright and tangy treat, perfect for a refreshing dessert. A buttery shortbread crust is topped with a smooth, citrusy filling made with grapefruit and lemon, and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a delightful sweet-and-salty balance.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2 large egg yolks
Citrus Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated grapefruit zest
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Flaked sea salt, for serving
Instructions
Shortbread Crust:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing it to overhang the edges.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Pulse until combined.
- Add Butter: Add cold butter pieces and pulse until coarse crumbs form.
- Add Egg Yolks: Add egg yolks and pulse until a dough comes together.
- Press and Bake: Press the dough into the prepared baking dish. Prick the dough with a fork. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool.
Citrus Filling:
- Reduce Oven Temperature: Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (149°C).
- Combine Eggs and Sugar: In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and flour until combined.
- Add Citrus and Cook: Whisk in grapefruit zest, grapefruit juice, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Thicken Curd: Increase heat to medium-low and whisk constantly until the curd thickens and bubbles appear on the edges (6-8 minutes).
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract and salt.
- Add Butter: Whisk in softened butter, one piece at a time, until fully melted and smooth.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the citrus filling over the cooled crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Chill: Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Slice and Serve: Lift the parchment paper to remove the bars. Slice into 12 or 16 pieces. Sprinkle with flaked sea salt and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh grapefruit and lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Ensure the shortbread crust is cooled before adding the citrus filling.
- Adjust baking time for the filling as needed to ensure it sets properly.
- Refrigerating the bars thoroughly makes them easier to slice.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 100mg