Strawberry Lemonade Bars

These Strawberry Lemonade Bars combine the bright, zesty flavor of lemon with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, all layered over a buttery shortbread crust. The perfect balance of sweet and tart, these vibrant bars make a refreshing treat for Mother’s Day, summer gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a light and citrusy dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet-Tart Perfection – The combination of lemon and strawberries creates a refreshing and vibrant flavor.
• Buttery Shortbread Crust – A rich and crumbly base that complements the bright citrus filling.
• Visually Stunning – The beautiful strawberry swirls make these bars as pretty as they are delicious.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a quick preparation time make this an effortless dessert.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for brunch, tea parties, or as a light summer treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Lemon Filling:

• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup (80ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Strawberry Swirl:

• ½ cup (75g) fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. Make the Shortbread Crust

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and butter until crumbly.
2. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

3. Prepare the Lemon Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, and salt until smooth.

4. Make the Strawberry Swirl

1. In a small bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch.

5. Assemble & Bake

1. Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust.
2. Arrange the strawberry slices on top and lightly swirl with a toothpick or knife.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.

6. Cool & Serve

1. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
2. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment overhang and slice into squares.
3. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 9 bars
• Calories: 220 kcal per serving

Variations

• Berry Medley: Use a mix of blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Citrus Flavor: Add a splash of lime juice or orange zest for more citrusy depth.
• Coconut Crust: Replace half the flour with shredded coconut for a tropical variation.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted white chocolate after baking for extra sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Let frozen bars thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes! Thaw them first and pat dry before using to prevent excess moisture.

How do I get clean slices?

Chill the bars before slicing and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Can I use store-bought lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.

Why is my filling too runny?

Ensure you bake until set and let the bars cool completely before slicing.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! They can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

How do I make the strawberry swirl more intense?

Mash the strawberries slightly before swirling to release more juice.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.

What pairs well with these bars?

They go well with tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Can I replace the strawberries with another fruit?

Yes! Raspberries, blueberries, or peaches are great alternatives.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The bars should be firm in the center with slightly golden edges.

Conclusion

Strawberry Lemonade Bars are a refreshing and zesty dessert, perfect for Mother’s Day, brunch, or summer gatherings. With a buttery shortbread crust, tangy lemon filling, and sweet strawberry swirls, these bars offer a delicious balance of flavors. Serve them chilled and dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant and delightful treat!