Description
Zesty Raspberry Lemon Bars are a delightful dessert that embodies summer. They burst with tangy lemon and sweet raspberries, offering a perfect, refreshing balance. These bars are visually stunning and incredibly easy to make, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in 2 cups of flour and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Firmly press the crust mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining sugar until well mixed. Slowly add the remaining flour, whisking until smooth and combined.
- Gently fold in the raspberries, ensuring not to crush them too much.
- Once the crust has finished baking, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon-raspberry filling over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges begin to brown.
- Take the bars out of the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for at least an hour before slicing into squares.
- Before serving, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh lemons and ripe raspberries.
- Do not overmix the filling, especially after adding the raspberries.
- Ensure the bars cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Swap raspberries for blueberries or strawberries for a variation.
- Add fresh mint or basil to the lemon filling for an aromatic twist.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freeze bars for up to three months, layered with parchment paper.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg