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Grapefruit Bars are just like your favorite lemon bars with a shortbread crust and citrus curd, but with the sweeter flavor of pink or ruby red grapefruit.

Grapefruit bars (like lemon bars) stacked on top of each other with a dusting of powdered sugar.

There’s lemon bars and lime bars, so why not grapefruit bars?!

When I originally made this recipe in February 2012, I used ruby red grapefruit. As I tested this recipe again, I realized that it’s not quite as tart as I like my citrus desserts to be.

Grapefruit bars (just like lemon bars) cut into squares with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.

Types of Grapefruit

Depending on the type of grapefruit used, it may not be as tart as its citrus counterparts (i.e. lemons or limes). You can spike up the tangy flavor by swapping some of the grapefruit juice with lemon juice. (See notes in the recipe card.)

FYI: Pink or white grapefruit is more tart than ruby red grapefruit, which is more sweet. Keep that in mind as you make this recipe. Both will work fine as far as the chemistry goes while baking.

Grapefruit bars (just like lemon bars) cut into squares with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.

Crust to Filling Ratio

I prefer my citrus bars to have almost equal parts of crust to filling. More like 1/3 crust, and 2/3 filling. The crust is merely to hold that luscious citrus layer, because if I had it my way, I’d eat the curd with a spoon.

The shortbread crust is still good though. A classic and sturdy base for a softer set fruit curd topping. You can always double the crust portion of the recipe if you would like a ratio of equal crust to filling.

A little dusting of powdered sugar on top with a fine mesh sieve is the icing on the cake, and oh so pretty.

Grapefruit bars (like lemon bars) stacked on top of each other with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Grapefruit Bars

These grapefruit bars are fashioned after the recipes for my lemon and lime bars with just a little more zest and juice. Since grapefruits are naturally more mild, they need just a little extra oomph.

If you’re a citrus fan like I am, I’m sure you will enjoy these pretty pink dessert bars. Happy Baking!

Grapefruit bars (just like lemon bars) cut into squares with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
Grapefruit Bars are just like your favorite lemon bars with a shortbread crust and citrus curd, but with the sweeter flavor of pink grapefruit.

Grapefruit Bars

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 12 bars

Grapefruit Bars are just like your favorite lemon bars with a shortbread crust and citrus curd, but with the sweeter flavor of pink or ruby red grapefruit.

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature (cut into 8 pieces)

Filling:

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 Tablespoon grapefruit zest
  • 1 cup grapefruit juice (or combination or grapefruit + lemon juice*)
  • pink food coloring, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease or line an 11x7-inch baking dish with parchment paper that overhangs 2-inches on both sides. (Do not overdo it on the cooking spray; just a very light coating.)
  2. CRUST: Combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter in a food processor or stand mixer. Pulse/mix until mixture resembles fine crumbs that start to clump together. Press onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake at 350˚F for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  3. FILLING: Prepare filling when crust is just about done. Whisk together the sugar and flour in a bowl. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Add the zest, juice, and 3 drops or so of food coloring (if desired). Whisk together.
  4. Pour filling over hot crust and bake an additional 20 minutes or until filling no longer jiggles, and edges brown.
  5. Let cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours until cold. Lift bars out of pan with parchment paper for easy cutting and serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • NOTE: Grapefruits are a very mild citrus fruit compared to tangy lemons or limes. Consider using 3/4 cup of grapefruit juice and 1/4 cup lemon juice to help boost the flavor and/or use more zest (up to 1 Tbsp more).
  • FYI: Pink or White Grapefruit is more tart than Ruby Red Grapefruit
  • This can be made in a 9x9-inch square baking dish, but would be best made with less filling. The crust measurements can remain the same.
  • To reduce the filling for a 9x9-inch pan, I would do: 1 cup granulated sugar, 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour, 3 large eggs, 2 tsp grapefruit zest, and 2/3 cup grapefruit juice.
  • This recipe can be made in a 13x9-inch pan, but you may want to 1.5x the crust recipe, or the crust will be very thin.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 253Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 134mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 0gSugar: 27gProtein: 4g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix, and is an estimation only.

author: Amber | Dessert Now Dinner Later / Category: Bars and Brownies
© Dessert Now Dinner Later. All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please re-create the recipe, snap YOUR OWN PHOTO and re-write the recipe in YOUR OWN WORDS, or link back to this post for the recipe.

*Originally published 2/7/12. Updated 3/25/20.