Lemon Raspberry Dessert Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances the tartness of fresh lemons with the sweetness of ripe raspberries. As I take a bite, I am instantly transported to sunny afternoons spent in my grandmother’s garden, where she would whip up these vibrant bars to share with family and friends. The history of this dessert is rooted in summer gatherings, where the bright flavors evoke feelings of joy and nostalgia.
People adore Lemon Raspberry Dessert Bars not just for their refreshing taste, but also for their delightful texture. The buttery crust provides a satisfying crunch, while the creamy lemon filling melts in your mouth, complemented by the juicy bursts of raspberry. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a go-to recipe for potlucks, picnics, or simply a sweet treat at home. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the lemon filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the raspberry layer:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For garnish:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh raspberries and lemon slices (optional)
Preparing the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended.
- Add ½ cup of softened unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want it to be crumbly but still hold together when pressed.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure to pack it down firmly to create a solid base.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Preparing the Lemon Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, crack 3 large eggs and whisk them until they are well beaten.
- Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the eggs and whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour in ⅓ cup of fresh lemon juice and add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. This will give your filling that bright, zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the raspberries.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This will help to thicken the filling and give it a nice texture.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, whisking continuously until everything is well combined and smooth. Make sure there are no lumps!
Preparing the Raspberry Layer
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of fresh raspberries (or thawed frozen raspberries), 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Gently toss the raspberries to coat them evenly with the sugar and cornstarch mixture.
- Set the raspberry mixture aside for a few minutes to allow the sugar to draw out some of the juices from the berries. This will create a lovely syrup that will enhance the flavor of the bars.
Assembling the Dessert Bars
- Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the lemon filling over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Next, drop spoonfuls of the raspberry mixture over the lemon filling. You can use a fork or a skewer to gently swirl the raspberries into the lemon filling, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix; you want to see both the lemon and raspberry layers.
- Return the baking dish
Conclusion:
In summary, these Lemon Raspberry Dessert Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful treat that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness. The zesty lemon flavor combined with the juicy raspberries creates a refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic, a family gathering, or simply a sweet ending to a weeknight dinner. For serving suggestions, I love to pair these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the flavors even further. You can also sprinkle some fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider swapping out the raspberries for blueberries or strawberries, or even adding a layer of cream cheese frosting for a richer taste. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of making these Lemon Raspberry Dessert Bars yourself. Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a picture of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for this delightful dessert together! Happy baking! Print
Lemon Raspberry Dessert Bars: A Refreshing Treat for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
These delightful Lemon Raspberry Dessert Bars feature a buttery crust, a tangy lemon filling, and a sweet raspberry layer, making them a perfect treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
Lemon Raspberry Dessert Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- For the filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar for the crust. Add the softened butter and mix until crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour, and mix until smooth.
- Gently fold in the fresh raspberries, being careful not to break them apart.
- Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center may still have a slight jiggle, but it will firm up as it cools.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. For best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Serving and Garnishing
- Once chilled, lift the bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles.
- Dust the tops with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon slices if desired.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious lemon raspberry dessert bars!
Notes:
- For a more intense lemon flavor, you can increase the lemon zest to 2 tablespoons.
- Feel free to substitute the raspberries with other berries like blueberries or blackberries.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 16 bars
Recipe Description:
These delightful Lemon Raspberry Dessert Bars feature a buttery crust, a tangy lemon filling, and a sweet raspberry layer, making them a perfect treat for any occasion!
Notes
- For a more intense lemon flavor, you can increase the lemon zest to 2 tablespoons.
- Feel free to substitute the raspberries with other berries like blueberries or blackberries.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
