Strawberry Lemonade Bars

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 55 minutes | Course: Dessert | Servings: 9 

Strawberry lemonade bars are a delicious treat with a nutty shortbread crust. These bars have a gorgeous pink color and are dusted with powdered sugar just before serving. Tastes just like strawberry lemonade! Inspired by the lovely Alicia at The Baker Upstairs https://www.thebakerupstairs.com/2016/05/strawberry-lemonade-bars.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+thebakerupstairs/knVp+(the+baker+upstairs)

Shortbread:

1 1/2 cups flour

½  cup pecans, hazelnuts or walnuts (optional and delicious)

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter, cut into tablespoons

Strawberry Lemonade Filling:

1/4 cup flour or cornstarch (I’ve tried both)

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup sugar

1 lemon, zest of 

4 large eggs

1 cup fresh lemon juice

3/4 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen, chopped 

powdered sugar, for dusting

Preheat oven to 350*. Line a 8” baking dish with parchment and butter or spray with oil. Layer flour, nuts, salt, sugar and sliced butter into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture has come together in coarse crumbs. Press into a prepared dish and bake for 20 minutes or until a bit golden in color. keep food processor bowl for the filling. Prepare filling while baking.

Layer flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and lemon zest in the food processor. Pulse a couple of times to distribute. Add eggs, lemon juice and strawberries. Puree  until smooth. Pour into the baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. The filling will be a lovely pink and will be set. Allow to cool before dusting with powdered sugar and cutting into bars.