| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 417 | 18g | 9g | 65g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 47g | 1g | 6g | 0.08g |
Hello fellow food enthusiasts, I want to share with you one of my absolute favorite fruit-based recipes. Let’s dive right into the enticing world of the Miracle Berry Lemon Bars. This delightful dessert comes with a twist: the miracle berries. These extraordinary fruits have the unique ability to make sour foods taste sweet, which when used in this recipe gives the lemon bars an extraordinary depth of flavor.
The Cuban Connection
Dancing between the passion of my Cuban roots and the finesse of my Spanish heritage, this recipe holds a special place in my heart. Growing up in Miami, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by diverse cultures whose unique cuisines influenced my love for cooking. This recipe, though not a classic tapas or tropical cocktail which I am incredibly fond of, has an undeniable Caribbean flair, thanks to the miracle berries, and conjures up memories of my grandmother’s kitchen.
Echoes of Health
Beyond the allure of the unique taste, the Miracle Berry Lemon Bars have considerable health benefits. Lemons, for example, are packed with vitamin C and have strong health benefits. Miracle berries are also thought to be beneficial for regulating taste for patients undergoing chemotherapy. But remember, while these are dessert bars, and there is sugar involved, everything should be enjoyed in moderation.
Miracle Berry Lemon Bars remind me of the iconic Cuban pastelitos but with a unique twist. Their citrusy zing and crumbly texture make them a perfect pair to a robust cup of Spanish espresso. Alternatively, these lemon bars can be served as a refreshing finale to a seafood paella night, definitely elevating the whole experience. I am sure they would also work perfectly as a sweet accompaniment to your favorite brunch dishes, perhaps a Spanish tortilla or huevos rancheros.
I hope you enjoy making and eating these Miracle Berry Lemon Bars as much as I do. Savour every bite and let your tastebuds be enthralled by this mix of sweet, tart and the tropical. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 miracle berries
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (around 4 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Confectioners sugar, for dusting
Method
Step One
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×8-inch baking pan and grease it or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step Two
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar. Add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and blend the mixture until it forms a soft, crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
Step Three
Put the baking pan in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Once it’s done, remove the pan from the oven but keep the oven on.
Step Four
Now, for the filling, first dissolve the miracle berries in your mouth. These berries have the ability to turn sour and astringent flavors into sweet ones. After the berries are dissolved take a large bowl, add 4 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step Five
In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Slowly add this dry mixture into the berry-lemon mixture, whisking continuously to ensure no lumps are formed.
Step Six
Pour the berry-lemon filling over the pre-baked crust and put it back into the oven. Bake for another 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step Seven
After the bars have cooled, dust them with a generous amount of confectioners sugar. Cut into squares and they’re ready to be served! Enjoy your Miracle Berry Lemon Bars!
