Strawberry Lemonade Dream Bars

Summer just got a whole lot sweeter with these Strawberry Lemonade Dream Bars. Combining the tangy freshness of lemonade with the juicy sweetness of strawberries, these bars are the ultimate summer dessert that will have you dreaming of sun-kissed afternoons and lazy, warm evenings. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply a refreshing treat on a hot day, these bars are sure to become a new favorite.

Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar with a zesty lemon flavor and a burst of fresh strawberries. The creamy lemon layer sits atop a buttery shortbread crust, making each bite a delightful combination of textures and flavors. These Strawberry Lemonade Dream Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and steps.

These bars are a perfect way to enjoy the bright, vibrant flavors of summer. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or just enjoying a quiet moment at home, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face and a touch of sunshine to your day.

Resume of the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Dream Bars are a delightful summer treat featuring a tangy lemon layer and sweet strawberry topping on a buttery shortbread crust. With a perfect balance of zesty lemon and juicy strawberries, these bars are easy to make and perfect for any summer occasion.

Exciting Story: I first made these Strawberry Lemonade Dream Bars for a summer get-together, and they were an instant hit. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet strawberries brought a burst of fresh flavor that everyone loved. They quickly became my go-to summer dessert, and now I make them whenever I want to add a touch of brightness to my day. Each time I bake them, I’m reminded of the joy of sharing delicious treats with loved ones.

Why These Strawberry Lemonade Dream Bars?

• Refreshing Flavors: The combination of lemon and strawberries creates a bright, refreshing flavor that’s perfect for summer.
• Perfect Balance: The tangy lemon layer and sweet strawberry topping complement each other beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Dream Bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal.
2. For the shortbread crust, in a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the lemon layer.
4. For the lemon layer, in a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour. Add the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth. Pour the lemon mixture over the pre-baked crust.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the lemon layer is set and the edges are lightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
6. For the strawberry topping, in a small bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.
7. Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the strawberries evenly over the lemon layer. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips:

• Ensure the lemon layer is fully set before adding the strawberry topping to avoid mixing.
• For a smoother lemon layer, strain the lemon juice before adding it to the mixture.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
• Substitute lime juice and zest for lemon for a different citrus flavor.

Make a Healthier Version:

• Use whole wheat flour in the crust for added fiber.
• Reduce the amount of sugar in both the lemon layer and strawberry topping to lower the overall sugar content.

Closing: And there you have it! These Strawberry Lemonade Dream Bars are a refreshing and delightful treat that’s perfect for summer. With their vibrant flavors and easy preparation, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Let us know how your bars turn out, and don’t forget to explore more of our delicious recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
   • Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
2. How should I store these bars?
   • Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
3. Can I freeze these bars?
   • Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
4. How do I prevent the lemon layer from cracking?
   • Avoid overbaking the lemon layer and let it cool gradually to prevent cracks.
5. Can I use other fruits for the topping?
   • Yes, you can use other berries or fruits like blueberries or raspberries as alternatives to strawberries.
6. How do I get a clean cut when slicing the bars?
   • Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for cleaner slices. Chilling the bars before cutting can also help.
7. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can make the bars a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
8. What can I use instead of granulated sugar?
   • You can use coconut sugar or a natural sweetener as a substitute for granulated sugar.
9. Can I add a glaze to these bars?
   • Yes, you can drizzle a lemon glaze over the bars for an extra touch of sweetness.
10. What should I do if the lemon layer is too runny?
    • If the lemon layer is too runny, ensure it’s fully cooked and set before removing it from the oven.

Strawberry Lemonade Dream Bars

Recipe by Alexandra

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: All Word Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup 1/2 granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup 1/2 unsalted butter, softened

• 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 salt

• For the Lemon Layer:

• 1 cup 1 granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup 1/4 all-purpose flour

• 3 large 3 eggs

• 1/2 cup 1/2 freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

• 1 tablespoon 1 lemon zest

• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 vanilla extract

• For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 cup 1 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 2 tablespoons 2 granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon 1 lemon juice

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal.
• For the shortbread crust, in a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the lemon layer.
• For the lemon layer, in a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour. Add the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth. Pour the lemon mixture over the pre-baked crust.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the lemon layer is set and the edges are lightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
• For the strawberry topping, in a small bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.
• Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the strawberries evenly over the lemon layer. Cut into squares and serve.

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