If you have a sweet tooth but crave something refreshingly tangy, this Raspberry Lemon Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. These bars boast a buttery, flaky crust topped with a zesty lemon filling studded with juicy fresh raspberries that burst with flavor in every bite. They offer the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a summer gathering or just want a delightful homemade dessert, this recipe brings a bright and vivid splash of flavor to your dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Raspberry Lemon Bars Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor—from the rich, tender crust to the tangy, fruity filling that makes this dessert stand out.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a luscious, tender base and adds rich flavor to the crust.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup + 1 1/2 cups): Sweetens both the crust and the tangy lemon filling perfectly without overpowering the fruit.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups, divided): Gives structure to the crust and filling for that classic bar-like texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Large eggs (4): Bind the filling ingredients together, ensuring a smooth, custard-like consistency.
- Fresh lemon juice (2/3 cup): Packs a bright, tangy punch that is the heart of this dessert’s character.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the citrus aroma and flavor with vibrant oils from the lemon peel.
- Fresh raspberries (1 1/2 cups): Add bursts of juicy tartness and a beautiful pop of color.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Gives a pretty, snow-kissed finish that also softens the tartness with a gentle sweetness.
How to Make Raspberry Lemon Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and half a cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this is key for a tender crust. Stir in two cups of flour and salt until crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until it’s a delicate golden color. This buttery base will provide the perfect foundation for your scrumptious lemon-raspberry filling.
Step 2: Whisk the Filling
While the crust is baking, mix 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1/4 cup flour in a large bowl to ensure your filling is thick and luscious. Beat in the eggs one at a time for a smooth, airy texture. Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to give that signature bright lemon flavor that makes this Raspberry Lemon Bars Recipe so irresistible. Gently fold in the fresh raspberries without breaking them up too much, preserving their beautiful shape and bursting bursts of tartness in every bite.
Step 3: Bake the Bars
Once your crust is out of the oven and still warm, pour the luscious lemon-raspberry filling over it, spreading gently and evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a set center with lightly browned edges—signs that your filling is perfectly cooked without drying out. When done, allow it to cool completely in the pan. For best results, refrigerate the bars for at least one hour before slicing—this helps them firm up and makes cutting clean slices a breeze.
How to Serve Raspberry Lemon Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Before bringing these beauties to the table, sprinkle a generous dusting of powdered sugar on top for a classic, elegant touch. For an extra pop of color and texture, arrange a few fresh raspberries or a thin lemon twist on each bar. These simple additions make your Raspberry Lemon Bars Recipe look as beautiful as they taste, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Side Dishes
Raspberry lemon bars are a delightful dessert on their own, but pairing them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the experience even further. For a brunch or afternoon tea, serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or light herbal tea to complement their bright, fruity notes without overshadowing the flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serving them on a tiered dessert stand for a charming, party-ready display. You can also bake them in mini muffin tins for individual portions—just reduce baking time accordingly. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with a ribbon makes a wonderful homemade gift that anyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Their flavor actually deepens after resting overnight, so they’re perfect to make a day ahead of your event. Just remember to keep them chilled to maintain that perfect tender texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Raspberry Lemon Bars Recipe well into the future, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is usually unnecessary. However, if you prefer them slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds—just long enough to take the chill off without melting the powdered sugar topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
While fresh raspberries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen raspberries if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from affecting the filling consistency.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour in both the crust and filling with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but the delicious tangy flavor will still shine through.
How can I get clean cuts when slicing the bars?
For neat slices, refrigerate the bars thoroughly before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut to avoid messy edges, especially because of the juicy raspberries in the filling.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the bars?
Absolutely! If you like your bars a bit less sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly in the filling or the crust. Just keep in mind that the lemon and raspberry tartness will become more pronounced with less sugar.
What is the best way to serve these bars at a party?
Cut your Raspberry Lemon Bars Recipe into small, bite-sized squares for easy, mess-free serving. Arrange them attractively on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and garnish with fresh raspberries or lemon zest curls to wow your guests.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about homemade Raspberry Lemon Bars Recipe that brightens any day with its sunshine and ruby-red bursts of flavor. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it becomes a fast favorite—combining buttery crust, tangy lemon, and fresh raspberries in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. So go ahead, bake a batch and share the joy of this utterly delightful dessert with the people you love!
Print
Raspberry Lemon Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Raspberry Lemon Bars featuring a buttery crust topped with a tangy lemon and fresh raspberry filling. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, these bars are an ideal summer dessert or anytime treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides to help remove the bars easily later.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 cups of flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar and 1/4 cup flour. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and whisk until smooth and fully combined.
- Add raspberries: Gently fold in the fresh raspberries into the lemon mixture, taking care not to break the berries too much to avoid excessive juicing.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the raspberry lemon filling evenly over the warm crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned.
- Cool and chill: Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up before slicing into bars.
- Serve: Just before serving, dust the bars generously with powdered sugar. Cut into 16 bars, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.
Notes
- Use fresh raspberries for the best texture and flavor.
- Store remaining bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For cleaner slices, wipe the knife between each cut.
