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Salted Citrus Bars Recipe

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  • Author: Jaden Christner
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Desserts, Bars
  • Method: Baking and Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Pulse until combined.
  3. Add Butter: Add cold butter pieces and pulse until coarse crumbs form.
  4. Add Egg Yolks: Add egg yolks and pulse until a dough comes together.
  5. 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:

  1. Reduce Oven Temperature: Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (149°C).
  2. Combine Eggs and Sugar: In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and flour until combined.
  3. Add Citrus and Cook: Whisk in grapefruit zest, grapefruit juice, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  4. Thicken Curd: Increase heat to medium-low and whisk constantly until the curd thickens and bubbles appear on the edges (6-8 minutes).
  5. Add Vanilla and Salt: Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract and salt.
  6. Add Butter: Whisk in softened butter, one piece at a time, until fully melted and smooth.
  7. 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.
  8. Cool and Chill: Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  9. 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