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- 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup powdered sugar - ¼ teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest - ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 cup fresh raspberries - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - ¼ teaspoon baking powder - Additional powdered sugar for dusting These ingredients come together to make the perfect Raspberry Lemonade Bars. Each one plays a key role in creating that sweet and zesty flavor. The flour forms the base crust, giving it a nice texture. Powdered sugar adds sweetness and helps the crust stay soft. The salt balances the flavors. Softened butter makes it easy to mix. The eggs and granulated sugar create a light and fluffy filling. Fresh lemon zest and juice give that bright, tangy taste. Fresh raspberries add a burst of flavor and color. Tossing them with cornstarch helps them keep their shape. Baking powder gives the filling a bit of lift. Finally, using extra powdered sugar for dusting adds a lovely finish. Each bite will be a delightful mix of sweet and tart! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease or line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. - In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. - In another bowl, cream ½ cup of softened butter until it is smooth. - Gradually mix the flour blend into the butter. Combine until it forms a soft dough. - Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. - Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until it turns a light golden brown. - In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs and 1 cup of granulated sugar until fluffy. - Add 2 tablespoons of lemon zest and ⅓ cup of lemon juice. Mix until smooth. - In a small bowl, toss 1 cup of fresh raspberries with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. - Fold the raspberries gently into the lemon mixture. - Once the crust is done, pour the lemon-raspberry mixture over the hot crust. - Bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. The filling should be set and the edges slightly golden. - Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. - Once cool, slice into squares or bars. - Dust with additional powdered sugar just before serving for a lovely finish. - Use softened butter. Softened butter blends well, making the crust light. - Avoid overmixing the lemon-raspberry filling. This keeps the texture smooth and creamy. - Garnish with lemon slices and fresh raspberries. This adds color and makes the bars pop. - These bars are perfect for picnics and summer gatherings. They are easy to share and enjoy. - Do not overbake. This can lead to dry bars that lose their soft texture. - Always use cornstarch for the raspberries. It helps the filling set and keeps it from being runny. Pro Tips Chill the Bars Before Serving: Allow the baked bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least an hour. This helps the layers set better and makes cutting neater. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh lemons and raspberries. Fresh ingredients enhance the tartness and brightness of the bars. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter treat, feel free to increase the granulated sugar in the filling by a couple of tablespoons. Taste the lemon mixture before pouring it onto the crust. Experiment with Flavors: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of almond extract to the lemon filling for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can switch fresh raspberries for frozen ones. Just be sure to thaw them first. This change works well when fresh raspberries are hard to find. You can also try other citrus fruits. Lime or orange juice gives a nice twist to the bars. If you need a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of regular flour. This swap keeps the bars tasty while meeting dietary needs. You can also lower the sugar by using sweeteners like honey or agave. These options keep your dessert sweet without all the sugar. Want to jazz up your bars? Add fresh herbs like mint. This gives a cool flavor that pairs well with lemon. You can mix in other fruits too. Blueberries or strawberries add color and taste. These additions make your bars unique and fun to eat. To keep your Raspberry Lemonade Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps them stay moist and flavorful. You can layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking. A glass or plastic container works well for storage. Just make sure it seals tightly. To freeze your Raspberry Lemonade Bars, first cut them into squares. Next, place each piece on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about two hours until firm. Once frozen, transfer the bars to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date and type of treat. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight, or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. These bars last about 3 days at room temperature. For best flavor, store them in the fridge, where they can last up to a week. Enjoy them chilled for a refreshing treat on warm days! Yes, you can switch up the fruit! Here are some great options: - Blueberries: They pair well with lemon. - Strawberries: A classic choice for a sweet twist. - Blackberries: Their tartness adds depth to the flavor. - Peaches: Fresh, juicy slices can brighten the bars. You can even mix fruits for a fun blend. Just keep the same measurements! To cut back on the sugar, try these tips: - Use less granulated sugar in the filling. Start with ¾ cup instead of 1 cup. - Swap some sugar for a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. - Add a bit more lemon juice. It boosts flavor and balances sweetness. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance! For clean slices, follow these steps: - Use a sharp knife. A dull knife squishes the bars. - Lightly dust the knife with powdered sugar. It helps prevent sticking. - Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts. This keeps edges neat. Cut the bars while they are cool for the best results. Yes, these bars are great for making in advance! Here’s how: - Bake and cool the bars completely. - Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. - For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. In this post, we explored how to make delicious lemon-raspberry bars. We covered all the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to perfect your treat. Remember, keep butter soft and don’t overmix your filling. You can also experiment with different fruits or make these bars gluten-free. With proper storage, these delightful snacks will last longer. Enjoy making and sharing these bars at your next gathering. Your friends and family will love them!

Zesty Raspberry Lemonade Bars

Deliciously tangy and sweet raspberry lemonade bars with a buttery crust.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
  • 0.33 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 0.25 teaspoon baking powder
  • to taste cup additional powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easier removal of the bars later.
  • Prepare the crust: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt until well combined.
  • Cream the butter: In a larger mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter until it becomes smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter, mixing gently until everything is well integrated.
  • Form the crust: Press the buttery flour mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown.
  • Make the lemon filling: While the crust is baking, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together in another bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  • Add citrus flavors: Incorporate the fresh lemon zest and lemon juice into the egg mixture, whisking until everything blends smoothly.
  • Prepare the raspberries: In a small bowl, gently toss the fresh raspberries with cornstarch to give them a light coating. Carefully fold the coated raspberries into the lemon mixture to maintain their shape.
  • Combine and finish the filling: Sprinkle the baking powder over the lemon-raspberry mixture and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • Bake the bars: Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon-raspberry mixture evenly over the hot crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are slightly golden.
  • Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, slice into squares or bars. Dust with additional powdered sugar for an elegant finish just before serving.

Notes

For a beautiful display, serve the lemon bars on an elegant platter or individual dessert plates. Garnish each serving with a thin slice of lemon and a few fresh raspberries for a vibrant touch.
Keyword dessert, lemon bars, raspberry, sweet, tangy