Indulge in the delightful combination of tangy lemon and floral hibiscus with these Hibiscus Lemon Bars. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these bars are perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The refreshing flavors of lemon and hibiscus create a unique and delicious treat.
- Quick and simple to prepare, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or dessert cravings.
- Perfect for meal prep, these bars can be stored for a few days, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Stick unsalted butter, room temperature: Provides a rich and buttery base for the crust.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and filling.
- Flour: Creates a sturdy and crisp crust.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Vanilla bean paste: Infuses the crust with a warm vanilla aroma.
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice: Gives the filling a bright and zesty flavor.
- Dried hibiscus or hibiscus tea: Adds a floral and slightly tart note to the bars.
- Large eggs: Bind the filling together.
- Confectioner’s sugar: Dusting on top for a sweet finish.
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 dish and bake until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the lemon juice, hibiscus, eggs, sugar, and flour for the filling.
- Pour the filling over the crust and bake until set.
- Let cool, then dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For an extra floral flavor, steep the hibiscus in hot water before adding it to the filling.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Swap out the hibiscus for other dried flowers like lavender for a different twist.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for clean, neat cuts.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair these Hibiscus Lemon Bars with a cup of hot tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To maintain freshness, store the bars in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at a low temperature to preserve the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
- Can I use fresh hibiscus flowers instead of dried? Dried hibiscus or hibiscus tea works best for this recipe.
- How can I adjust the sweetness level? Taste the filling before baking and adjust the sugar accordingly.
- Can I freeze these bars? It is not recommended as the texture may change upon thawing.
Conclusion:
Don’t miss out on the delightful combination of flavors in these Hibiscus Lemon Bars. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to become a new favorite. Try them out and share your feedback with us!
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Hibiscus Lemon Bars
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Hibiscus Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on the classic lemon bars with a floral and tangy flavor. The buttery crust complements the zesty lemon filling perfectly, creating a refreshing and indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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 and bake until set.
- Cool and garnish: Let the bars cool, dust with confectioner’s sugar, and cut into squares before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh hibiscus flowers for dried hibiscus or hibiscus tea for a more intense flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg