These Pink Grapefruit Dessert Bars are easy to make and full of citrusy grapefruit flavor! Make this dessert bar recipe for any occasion and you will have a sweet and decadent treat.
Yes, another grapefruit recipe from me. Since there are lemon bars and lime bars, why not grapefruit bars? This recipe is for Pink Grapefruit Dessert Bars, but you can use any type of grapefruit you have on hand.
The grapefruit curd that is created after baking these little treats is to die for! I'm pretty sure I see a grapefruit curd recipe in my future. Until then, check out my recipe for Grapefruit Pound Cake for another grapefruity treat!
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Why I Love This Recipe
I love this grapefruit dessert bar recipe because it offers a unique twist on traditional desserts by incorporating the vibrant and tangy flavor of grapefruit. The combination of the citrusy grapefruit filling and the buttery crust creates a delightful contrast that leaves me craving more with every bite.
If you love lemon bars, then you have to try the grapefruit version or try my Easy Passion Fruit Bars. These are so easy to make and a perfect dessert for a party or potluck.
Key Ingredients Facts for Grapefruit Bars
- Confectioners Powdered Sugar - Confectioner's powdered sugar, also known as icing sugar or powdered sugar is used in the crust and as a topping, adding sweetness and a smooth texture to the dessert bars.
- Freshly Squeezed Grapefruit Juice - Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice provides the tart and tangy flavor that defines these dessert bars. The acidity of the juice balances the sweetness and adds a refreshing element to the bars.
- Grapefruit Zest - Grapefruit zest is the outer, colored part of the grapefruit peel. It contains aromatic oils that provide a concentrated citrus flavor to the dessert bars.
- Pink Food Coloring - Pink food coloring is an optional ingredient that can be added to enhance the visual appeal of the dessert bars. It adds a touch of vibrancy and ties into the grapefruit theme, making the bars visually appealing.
*See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Grapefruit Bars
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350° F and prepare a baking pan with parchment paper. Place the crust ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and use a pastry cutter, a fork, or your hands to combine everything.
Step 2: Place the crust ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and use a pastry cutter, a fork, or your hands to combine everything.
Step 3: Place the mixture into the prepared pan and press it evenly into the bottom. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
Step 4: While the crust bakes, whisk flour and sugar in a bowl. Mix in eggs, then add juice, zest, and a few drops of pink food coloring.
Step 5: Once the crust has baked, remove it from the oven and carefully pour the filling over the hot crust. Bake for another 25 minutes or until the filling is no longer jiggly in the middle.
Step 6: Allow the bars to cool for at least an hour. and then place them in the refrigerator for 2 more hours to chill and set.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Dessert Bars Ever
- I used an 8x10 baking dish to make these because I knew I wanted a thick layer of grapefruit filling in each bar. This made the cooking time a little longer, but it was worth it!
- Parchment paper makes removing the bars from the pan SO much easier. Not to mention the bars don't stick to the pan!
- Since the eggs make the filling mixture a little orangy-yellow, the added food coloring makes the bars a beautiful pink color, but that step is completely optional.
- Sprinkle the powdered sugar on top right before serving since it does dissolve into the bar after a little while.
- When zesting the grapefruit, only get the top layer, not the bitter white pith.
- Store any leftover bars in a covered container in the fridge. They are best within 24 hours of baking and will last 2-3 days in the fridge.
If you get a chance to make these Pink Grapefruit Dessert Bars, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Pink Grapefruit Dessert Bars
Equipment
- deep baking dish (8x10 or 9x13)
- 2 mixing bowls
- juicer and zester
Ingredients
Crust
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temp
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup confectioners powdered sugar (and a little extra for sprinkling on top)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (omit if using salted butter)
Filling
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, strained (1-2 grapefruit depending on the size)
- 1 tablespoon grapefruit zest
- 2-3 drops pink food coloring
Instructions
Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350° F and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper. Tip: use a little butter or non-stick spray on the bottom of the pan before placing the parchment paper in so it doesn't move around.
- Place the butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Use a pastry cutter, a fork, or your hands to combine everything. You want a crumbly mixture with small pieces of butter throughout. You can also do this in a food processor but I find it's not necessary. Place the mixture into the prepared pan and press it evenly into the bottom. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
Filling
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. Place the flour and sugar in a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Add the eggs and beat in. Pour in the juice, zest, and 2-3 drops of pink food coloring and whisk everything together one more time.
- Once the crust has baked, remove it from the oven and carefully pour the filling over the hot crust. Place the pan back into the oven and bake for another 25 minutes or until the filling is no longer jiggly in the middle. Start checking around 20 minutes, the cooking time will depend on the size of your pan and your oven.
- Once the bars are done cooking, remove the pan from the oven and allow them to cool for at least an hour. They will cool faster if you place the pan on top of a cooling rack. Place the bars in the refrigerator for 2 more hours to chill and set. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice the bars into 12 even pieces. Sprinkle with powdered sugar right before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- I used an 8x10 baking dish to make these because I knew I wanted a thick layer of grapefruit filling in each bar. This made the cooking time a little longer, but it was worth it!
- Parchment paper makes removing the bars from the pan SO much easier. Not to mention the bars don't stick to the pan!
- Since the eggs make the filling mixture a little orangy-yellow, the added food coloring makes the bars a beautiful pink color, but that step is completely optional.
- Sprinkle the powdered sugar on top right before serving since it does dissolve into the bar after a little while.
- When zesting the grapefruit, only get the top layer, not the bitter white pith.
- Store any leftover bars in a covered container in the fridge. They are best within 24 hours of baking and will last 2-3 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
em says
have you tried using the actual fruit or canned grapefruit segments in the curd? just wondering if it would still set?
Emily says
Hi, I have not tried using fruit in the curd but I believe it would still set. Let me know if you give it a try!
emily (also) says
didn't really look like the pictures and ended up quite thin, however i used a big pan and didn't add food coloring so that's probably my issue. tastes great!
Emily says
Hi Emily! Sounds like that's why they were different but if they tasted good, that's all that matters! Thanks for giving it a try!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
This made me drool! Looks soooo delicious.
Emily says
LOL, thanks, Maggie!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says
This is a brilliant idea! We love lemon bars and I love grapefruit, so this would be amazing!
Emily says
Thanks! Yes, you have to try them if you love grapefruit!
Mihaela|https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
Wow! Not only an appetizing colour but a fruity flavour too! Great idea for snacks:)
Emily says
Yes! Thank you, Mihaela! These make the perfect snack.