Lemon Raspberry Bars

why make this recipe

Lemon Raspberry Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness. These bars are bright, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. With their buttery crust and creamy lemon filling studded with fresh raspberries, they are sure to please everyone. They are simple to make, with a short ingredient list, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Plus, they look beautiful when dusted with powdered sugar, adding to their appeal!

how to make Lemon Raspberry Bars

Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for crust)
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for filling)
• 3 large eggs
• 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 0.75 cup fresh raspberries
• powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix melted butter, 0.25 cup sugar, vanilla, and salt. Fold in 1 cup flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden at the edges.
4. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup sugar and 2 tbsp flour. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and zest, whisking until smooth.
5. Pour the filling over the hot crust, scattering the raspberries evenly on top.
6. Bake for 22–26 minutes until the center is set.
7. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing.
8. Lift from the pan, slice cleanly, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

how to serve Lemon Raspberry Bars

Serve Lemon Raspberry Bars chilled or at room temperature. They are great on their own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also garnish with extra fresh raspberries or lemon slices to make the dessert even more appealing.

how to store Lemon Raspberry Bars

Store any leftover Lemon Raspberry Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Simply wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.

tips to make Lemon Raspberry Bars

• Use fresh lemons and raspberries for the best flavor.
• Make sure the crust is well-baked before adding the filling to avoid a soggy bottom.
• Allow the bars to chill completely before slicing, as this helps achieve clean cuts.
• Dust with powdered sugar right before serving to keep it looking fresh and beautiful.

variation

You can easily modify this recipe by adding different fruits like blueberries or strawberries in place of raspberries. For a twist, consider adding a bit of coconut or almond extract to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Just make sure to let them thaw and drain excess moisture before adding them to the filling.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the center is set, and a toothpick inserted into the filling comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Lemon Raspberry Bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just remember to store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Lemon Raspberry Bars

These Lemon Raspberry Bars are a delightful treat that balances tartness and sweetness with a buttery crust and creamy lemon filling studded with fresh raspberries.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for crust)
• 0.25 tsp salt

For the filling

• 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for filling)
• 3 large eggs
• 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 0.75 cup fresh raspberries
• powdered sugar (for dusting)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix melted butter, 0.25 cup sugar, vanilla, and salt. Fold in 1 cup flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden at the edges.

Filling

1. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup sugar and 2 tbsp flour. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and zest, whisking until smooth.
2. Pour the filling over the hot crust, scattering the raspberries evenly on top.
3. Bake for 22–26 minutes until the center is set.

Serving

1. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing.
2. Lift from the pan, slice cleanly, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Use fresh lemons and raspberries for the best flavor. Make sure the crust is well-baked before adding the filling to avoid a soggy bottom. Allow the bars to chill completely before slicing, as this helps achieve clean cuts. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving to keep it looking fresh and beautiful.