Fruit Punch Bars

Creating a delightful treat that bursts with sweet and tangy flavors is a wonderful way to elevate your baking skills and impress your loved ones. Fruit Punch Bars are a colorful and refreshing dessert that combines the vibrant taste of assorted fruits with a buttery and crumbly crust. These bars are perfect for a sunny afternoon tea or as a dessert option for any gathering. Follow the following recipe to whip up a batch of these tasty and eye-catching treats that are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Fruit Punch Bars

Ingredients:
For the Crust:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Fruit Filling:
– 2 cups mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/2 cup chopped pineapple
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal of the bars later.

2. To prepare the crust, in a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

3. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

4. While the crust is cooling, prepare the fruit filling. In a saucepan, combine the mixed berries, chopped pineapple, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruits have softened and the mixture has thickened, about 10-12 minutes.

5. Pour the fruit filling over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

6. Once done, remove the Fruit Punch Bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Then, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to set before cutting into bars.

7. When ready to serve, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars of your desired size and arrange them on a serving platter.

Enjoy these luscious Fruit Punch Bars as a delightful dessert bursting with the flavors of ripe fruits and a buttery crust. Serve them chilled for a refreshing treat or pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch. These bars are not only visually appealing but also a delicious way to showcase the seasonal bounty of fruits. Share them with your family and friends and watch them savor every bite of these fruity delights.