Description
These Cherry Lemonade Bars combine tart lemon flavor with sweet cherry glaze for a refreshing, zesty treat. Soft and buttery with a hint of citrus, they are perfect for summer gatherings or a bright dessert anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large lemon, zested
- 3/4 cup flour
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons Maraschino cherry juice
- 1 large lemon, zested
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the softened butter, sugar, eggs, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour and kosher salt until evenly mixed.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently with the hand mixer until the batter is smooth without overmixing.
- Bake the Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
- Cool the Bars: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for about 15 minutes to set.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, Maraschino cherry juice, and lemon zest until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Bars: Pour the cherry lemon glaze evenly over the cooled bars and spread it out with a spatula to cover the surface.
- Set and Serve: Allow the glaze to harden completely at room temperature before cutting into 15 bars. Serve and enjoy this bright, fruity dessert.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best lemon flavor.
- Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Maraschino cherry juice is key for the vibrant glaze; do not substitute with regular cherry juice as it is less sweet.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For sharper lemon flavor, let bars chill in the fridge after glazing.
