Hibiscus Lemon Bars
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of hibiscus and lemon with these delicious Hibiscus Lemon Bars. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply craving a sweet treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of tangy lemon and floral hibiscus creates a unique and delightful flavor profile.
- With a quick prep time and simple ingredients, these bars are perfect for busy schedules or last-minute dessert needs.
Ingredient Notes:
- Stick of unsalted butter: Provides the rich and buttery base for the crust.
- Sugar: Sweetens the crust and balances the tartness of the lemon filling.
- Flour: Creates a delicate and crumbly texture for the crust.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors in both the crust and filling.
- Vanilla bean paste: Adds a hint of aromatic vanilla to the crust.
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice: Gives the filling a bright and zesty flavor.
- Dried hibiscus or hibiscus tea: Infuses a subtle floral note into the lemon filling.
- Large eggs: Bind the filling together and give it a smooth consistency.
- Confectioner’s sugar: A sweet and powdery topping for the finished bars.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and prepare the crust by mixing butter, sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla bean paste.
- Press the crust into a baking pan and bake until lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, hibiscus, eggs, sugar, and flour for the filling.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust and return to the oven until set.
- Let the bars cool, then dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, add lemon zest to the crust or filling.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Swap hibiscus for other floral teas like lavender or chamomile for a different twist.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use room temperature eggs for a smoother filling texture.
- Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator before serving for easier slicing.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these Hibiscus Lemon Bars with a cup of hot tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert pairing.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To maintain the best texture and flavor, store leftover bars in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at a low temperature to crisp up the crust.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh hibiscus flowers instead of dried hibiscus?
- Fresh hibiscus flowers can be used, but make sure to adjust the quantity accordingly.
- Can I freeze these bars for later?
- Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
- How can I adjust the sweetness of the bars?
- Simply reduce the amount of sugar in the filling for a less sweet version.
- Can I use a different type of citrus juice instead of lemon?
- Feel free to experiment with lime or grapefruit juice for a unique twist on this recipe.
Conclusion:
Experience the delightful combination of hibiscus and lemon in these irresistible Hibiscus Lemon Bars. Whether you’re a fan of citrusy treats or looking for a new dessert to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it out and share your feedback with us!
PrintHibiscus Lemon Bars
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Hibiscus Lemon Bars are a delightful treat with a tangy lemon filling infused with the floral notes of hibiscus, all on top of a buttery crust. The perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup flour
- pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
Filling:
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp dried hibiscus or hibiscus tea
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
Garnish:
- Confectioner’s sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Mix butter, sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla until crumbly. Press into a baking pan and bake until lightly golden.
- Make the filling: Whisk lemon juice, hibiscus, eggs, sugar, and flour until smooth. Pour over the baked crust.
- Bake: Bake until the filling is set. Let cool, then dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of hibiscus to your preference for a stronger or milder flavor.
- For a more vibrant color, you can add a drop of red food coloring to the filling mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg