Glazed Fruit Punch Bars

Are you looking for a delightful treat to serve at your next gathering or maybe just a sweet pick-me-up for yourself? These Glazed Fruit Punch Bars are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, making them a wonderful addition to any occasion. The combination of fruity flavors and a light glaze make these bars irresistibly delicious. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how quickly they disappear once you set them out. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring some fruity goodness into your home!

Glazed Fruit Punch Bars

Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup fruit punch juice
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2-3 tbsp fruit punch juice
– Pink food coloring (optional)
– Assorted fresh fruit for topping (such as sliced strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal later.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg and then stir in the fruit punch juice and lemon zest.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, fruit punch juice, and a drop of pink food coloring until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker glaze.
10. Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
11. Decorate the glazed bars with fresh fruit on top, creating a colorful and inviting display.
12. Allow the glaze to set for about 30 minutes before cutting the bars into squares.

These Glazed Fruit Punch Bars are a delightful combination of fruity flavors and a light, sweet glaze, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, these bars are sure to be a hit. The fresh fruit topping adds a vibrant touch and a burst of color that makes them as visually appealing as they are delicious. Enjoy the process of making these bars and sharing them with loved ones – they are bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection!