Citrus Bliss Bars
Indulge in these delightful Citrus Bliss Bars that perfectly combine the zesty flavors of lemon and lime for a refreshing dessert perfect for any spring gathering. These bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a smooth, creamy filling that bursts with citrus goodness. Dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with elegant lemon and lime peels, they are not only pleasing to the palate but also to the eye. Bring these bars to your next potluck or picnic, and watch them disappear in no time! Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens.
32
Servings
75
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
powdered sugar
1/2 cup (sifted)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
butter
3/4 cup (cut into small pieces)
eggs
4 (lightly beaten)
granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups (none)
half-and-half
1/3 cup (can substitute coconut cream)
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (none)
finely shredded lemon peel
1 teaspoon (none)
lemon juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
finely shredded lime peel
1 teaspoon (none)
lime juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
green food coloring
1 drop (optional)
powdered sugar
for dusting (sifted, optional)
thin strips lemon and lime peel
for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well.
4
Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in 3/4 cup cold butter pieces until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with visible bits of butter remaining. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
5
Bake for 15 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden but still appears dry.
6
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together 4 lightly beaten eggs, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, and 1/3 cup half-and-half (or coconut cream). Divide this mixture into two bowls.
7
To one bowl, add 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel and 1/3 cup lemon juice. In the second bowl, add 1 teaspoon finely shredded lime peel, 1/3 cup lime juice, and a drop of green food coloring (if using).
8
Once the crust is ready, pour the lemon filling over it and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until set.
9
Carefully pour the lime filling on top of the baked lemon layer and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes or until the lime layer is also set.
10
Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
11
Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and sift powdered sugar over the top. Garnish with thin strips of lemon and lime peel if desired.
12
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
4.7g
Fat
8.8g
Carbs
0.9g
Protein
0.2g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citrus Bliss Bars?
Citrus Bliss Bars are a refreshing dessert that combines the zesty flavors of lemon and lime with a buttery crust and a smooth, creamy filling.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 32 servings.
What is the calorie count for one Citrus Bliss Bar?
Each bar contains approximately 75 calories.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
You should use a 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Grease the pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
What ingredients are used to make the crust?
The crust is made from sifted all-purpose flour, sifted powdered sugar, cornstarch, salt, and cold butter pieces.
How long does the crust need to bake initially?
The crust should bake for 15 minutes until it is lightly golden.
Can I substitute the half-and-half in the filling?
Yes, you can substitute coconut cream for the 1/3 cup of half-and-half.
What are the two different citrus layers in the bars?
The bars feature a lemon filling layer and a lime filling layer.
How much lemon juice is needed for the lemon layer?
You will need 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How do I make the lime layer green?
You can add one drop of green food coloring to the lime mixture if desired.
How long does the lemon filling bake before adding the lime layer?
The lemon filling should bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until it is set.
What is the baking time for the final lime layer?
The lime layer should also bake for 10 to 12 minutes until set.
How should the bars be cooled?
Let the bars cool completely in the baking pan on a wire rack.
What is the best way to remove the bars from the pan?
Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
How are the bars finished before serving?
Cut the bars into squares, sift powdered sugar over the top, and garnish with thin strips of lemon and lime peel.
How should I store leftover Citrus Bliss Bars?
Any leftover bars should be stored in the refrigerator.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 4.7g of fat.
How much sugar is in one serving?
Each bar contains 5g of sugar.
What is the protein content of these bars?
Each serving provides 0.9g of protein.
How many total ingredients are required?
The recipe calls for 16 ingredients in total.
Is the lemon juice used in this recipe fresh?
Yes, the recipe recommends using 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the preparation for the eggs?
The four eggs should be lightly beaten before being added to the mixture.
What tool should I use to cut butter into the flour?
You can use a pastry blender or a fork to cut in the butter pieces.
What type of flour is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour.
Does this recipe include dietary fiber?
Yes, each bar contains approximately 0.2g of fiber.
What is the source inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from Better Homes & Gardens.
Are Citrus Bliss Bars good for specific occasions?
They are ideal for spring gatherings, potlucks, and picnics.
What gives the bars their zest?
The zest comes from finely shredded lemon peel and finely shredded lime peel used in the fillings.