If you adore bright, sunny flavors with a burst of fresh fruit, then you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Lemon Raspberry Bars Recipe. These bars combine a crisp, buttery crust with a tangy lemon filling studded with juicy raspberries, creating a perfect balance of tart and sweet in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a casual brunch, or just as a delightful everyday treat, these bars will brighten anyone’s day with their vibrant color and irresistible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple, yet each plays a crucial role in making these Lemon Raspberry Bars sing with flavor. From the rich butter that forms a tender crust to the fresh raspberries that add vibrant pops of color and freshness, every element contributes to the fantastic texture and taste of this dessert.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a sturdy yet tender crust that holds the bars together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps create a delicate texture in the crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and tartness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives the crust a rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the lemon filling and give it a silky, custard-like consistency.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the lemon filling just right without overpowering it.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor, making it bright and aromatic.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds essential tang that makes the bars refreshing and lively.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the lemon filling for perfect sliceability.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Lightly lifts the filling for a soft, airy texture.
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries: Bursts of juicy berry goodness that complement the lemon’s zing.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: A pretty finishing touch that adds a delicate sweetness and makes the bars look irresistible.
How to Make Lemon Raspberry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While it warms up, grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easier to lift out your bars later and prevents sticking, ensuring every piece comes out perfectly intact.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. This dry mix sets the base for your crust. Adding the softened butter next, mix until the ingredients come together into a crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan—think of it as creating a buttery, crisp canvas for the delicious filling.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Pop the crust into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until it turns a lovely light golden brown. This step not only cooks the crust but also helps it develop a subtle nuttiness and crunch that contrast so nicely with the creamy topping.
Step 4: Whip Up the Lemon Filling
While your crust bakes, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice for that bright, tangy kick. Then mix the flour with baking powder and gradually add it to the wet ingredients, combining everything until silky smooth.
Step 5: Add the Raspberries
Gently fold fresh raspberries into the lemon batter, taking care to not crush them. These beautiful berries add both vibrant color and juicy bursts of sweetness that perfectly complement the zesty lemon. This balance makes the Lemon Raspberry Bars Recipe stand out as a fresh and memorable dessert.
Step 6: Bake It All Together
Once your crust is ready, pour the luscious lemon raspberry mixture evenly over the warm crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is just set and has a faint golden hue. This finishing bake creates a wonderful contrast in texture between the firm, buttery crust and the soft, tangy filling.
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Allow your bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack—this step is essential for clean slicing. Once cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also a little extra sweetness for anyone who loves that final flourish.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Cut into squares and get ready to delight your taste buds! These bars are perfectly portable treats for picnics, tea time, or just a moment of sweet self-indulgence.
How to Serve Lemon Raspberry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Topping lemon raspberry bars with a few extra fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint adds a burst of color and freshness. A light drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream can also elevate the experience, making each bite feel a little more special.
Side Dishes
These bars make a lovely companion to a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of herbal tea. Their bright flavors cut through creamy or rich side options beautifully, turning your snack or dessert into a well-rounded treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, consider serving Lemon Raspberry Bars Recipe on a decorative platter dusted with powdered sugar. Alternatively, arrange the bars into a layered parfait with whipped cream and extra raspberries for an unexpected but delightful presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy those bright lemon and raspberry flavors well beyond the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for up to two months. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container to keep them tasting fresh. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For a warm treat, let the bars come to room temperature or heat gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings out the lemon aroma and softens the texture just enough without making them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones?
While fresh raspberries are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen raspberries. Just make sure they are thawed and well-drained to avoid adding extra moisture that could affect the bar’s consistency.
Can I substitute lemon juice with bottled lemon juice?
Bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, but fresh lemon juice is best for the brightest flavor and natural zest. If you use bottled, try to find one with no added preservatives for the best taste.
Are these bars gluten-free?
This Lemon Raspberry Bars Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make a tasty alternative, keeping in mind that texture may vary slightly.
How can I make the crust more crumbly?
Using cold butter instead of softened butter and pulsing the ingredients together quickly can create a flakier, crumbly crust. Also, avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking times slightly, watching closely for that perfect golden crust and set filling.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way a batch of these Lemon Raspberry Bars Recipe can brighten a day and satisfy a sweet tooth with something fresh and flavorful. They are surprisingly simple to make, but full of charm and zest that will make them a favorite in your recipe collection. Go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Lemon Raspberry Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars (depending on cut size)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Raspberry Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a tangy lemon-infused custard studded with fresh raspberries. Baked to a golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, they offer a refreshing dessert perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Filling
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust and filling.
- Prepare Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Crust Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Add Butter to Crust: Incorporate 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter into the dry mixture, mixing until the dough starts coming together.
- Form Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust base.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for about 15 minutes until it turns lightly golden brown.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: While the crust bakes, whisk 2 large eggs and 1 cup granulated sugar in a separate bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 2 tablespoons lemon juice to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Prepare Filling Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
- Combine Filling: Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until fully blended.
- Fold in Raspberries: Gently fold 1/2 cup fresh raspberries into the batter, taking care not to crush them.
- Pour Filling Over Crust: Once the crust is baked, pour the lemon raspberry mixture over the warm crust evenly.
- Bake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is set and lightly golden.
- Cool Bars: Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set properly.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, dust the surface with powdered sugar for a decorative and sweet finish.
- Serve: Cut the bars into squares and serve as a delightful dessert.
Notes
- For easier removal, lining the baking pan with parchment paper is recommended.
- Handle raspberries gently to keep them intact for a beautiful appearance.
- Ensure bars are completely cooled before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
