Strawberry Lemonade Bars

Crust:
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:
1 cup fresh lemon juice
2-3 teaspoons lemon zest
1/2 cup pureed strawberries (about 3/4 cup berries)
1 1/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

Crust: In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter, until smooth and fluffy. Working at a low speed, gradually beat in flour and salt until mixture is crumbly. Pour into prepared pan and press into an even layer. Bake for about 17 minutes, until set at the edges.

While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In the bowl of a food processor, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, strawberry puree, sugar and eggs and process until smooth. Add in flour, baking powder and salt, then pulse until smooth. Gently pour the filling over the hot crust when it has finished baking. Return pan to oven and bake for 23-26 minutes, until the filling is set (There will be a light colored “crust” on top from the sugar in the custard). Cool completely before slicing.

Use a damp knife to cut into squares. Store bars in the refrigerator.

Makes 24 bars.