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:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. 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.
3. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
4. 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.
5. Gently fold in the fresh raspberries, being careful not to break them apart.
6. 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.
7. 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

1. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles.
2. Dust the tops with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon slices if desired.
3. 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!