Raspberry Lemon Bars

Get ready to fall in love with these Raspberry Lemon Bars—they’re the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery crust and a luscious filling that’s practically bursting with fresh fruit flavor. The zesty lemon brings a refreshing brightness, while the raspberry adds a pop of color and a burst of berry goodness. They’re the ideal treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer party, enjoying a cozy afternoon, or craving a little something sweet. Trust me, these bars are going to become your new favorite indulgence.

Why You’ll Love Raspberry Lemon Bars

These Raspberry Lemon Bars aren’t just another dessert—they’re a slice of sunshine! Here’s why they’re a must-make:

Tangy and Sweet

The combination of fresh raspberries and tangy lemon creates a flavor explosion that’s both refreshing and indulgent. It’s the perfect mix of tart and sweet in every bite!

Buttery Crust

The buttery, shortbread-like crust is so rich and tender, providing the perfect base for the smooth, citrusy filling. It’s the perfect balance of textures—crispy on the bottom, soft on top.

Fresh and Light

With a little bit of fruit and a lot of citrus, these bars are a light but satisfying dessert that won’t weigh you down. They’re sweet, but not overly so, making them the ideal treat when you want something refreshing.

Simple and Delicious

Made with just a few basic ingredients, these bars are simple to whip up but look and taste like a dessert that’s a little more sophisticated. Plus, you can make them ahead of time, which makes them perfect for parties or potlucks.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at what goes into these delicious Raspberry Lemon Bars:

For the Crust:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tenderness to the crust.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the crust without making it overly heavy.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
• Butter: This adds that rich, buttery flavor and gives the crust its delicious texture.

For the Filling:

• Eggs: These help to set the filling, making it smooth and creamy.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tartness of the lemon.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the filling that bright, zesty flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: A little flour helps thicken the filling for the perfect consistency.
• Raspberries: Fresh or frozen, raspberries add the fruity flavor and vibrant color.
• Lemon Zest: Adds an extra punch of citrus flavor to the filling.

(Note: Full measurements are in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to get baking? Let’s dive into the steps to make these Raspberry Lemon Bars:

Make the Crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands for this.
3. Press the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Make the Filling:

4. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Be sure to fully combine the ingredients.
5. Add the Raspberries: Gently fold in the raspberries, being careful not to break them up too much. If using frozen raspberries, do not thaw them before adding—they’ll be easier to fold in without turning the filling too watery.

Bake the Bars:

6. Pour and Bake: Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake the bars for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden around the edges. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.
7. Cool and Set: Allow the bars to cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set. This step is key to getting that perfect, firm texture.

Serve and Enjoy:

8. Slice and Serve: Once chilled and set, slice into squares and dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. Serve chilled and enjoy every tart, sweet bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 200
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes (including cooling time)

How to Serve Raspberry Lemon Bars

These Raspberry Lemon Bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate them even further:

• With Fresh Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness and a beautiful presentation.
• With Extra Fruit: Pair with additional fresh raspberries, strawberries, or even a few slices of lemon to add a burst of color and flavor.
• As a Light Dessert: Serve as a refreshing dessert after a heavy meal—these bars are light enough to leave you feeling satisfied without being overly full.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• Frozen Raspberries: If fresh raspberries aren’t in season, you can absolutely use frozen ones. Just be sure to add them directly to the filling without thawing them first to avoid excess moisture.
• More Zesty: Want an even stronger lemon flavor? Add a little extra lemon zest to the filling or sprinkle more zest on top of the finished bars for a tangy twist.
• Mini Bars: Want to serve them at a party? Cut them into smaller pieces to make bite-sized mini bars. They’re perfect for gatherings!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen raspberries?
A1: Yes! Frozen raspberries work great in this recipe. Just make sure not to thaw them before adding them to the filling.

Q2: Can I make this without the raspberry layer?
A2: Absolutely! If you’re just in the mood for lemon bars, you can skip the raspberries and just make the lemon filling with the crust.

Q3: Can I make these bars in advance?
A3: Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead! After baking, refrigerate them for a couple of hours or overnight to let them set. They’ll keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Q4: Can I use a different fruit instead of raspberries?
A4: Yes! You can swap the raspberries for strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a similar result, or get creative with other fruits you love.

Q5: Can I freeze these bars?
A5: Yes! These bars freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment.

Q7: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A7: Yes! You can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in both the crust and the filling.

Q8: How do I get clean slices?
A8: Make sure the bars are fully cooled and refrigerated before slicing. Use a sharp knife and clean it between each cut for neat slices.

Q9: Can I add more lemon zest?
A9: Of course! If you love lemon flavor, feel free to add extra zest to the filling or sprinkle it on top for an extra citrusy punch.

Q10: How can I make the crust even more flavorful?
A10: You can add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to the crust to give it an added depth of flavor.

Conclusion

These Raspberry Lemon Bars are a sweet, tangy, and refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light dessert, a fun addition to a brunch spread, or just a simple afternoon snack, these bars will satisfy every craving. With a buttery crust, citrusy lemon filling, and sweet raspberry goodness, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Happy baking!

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