Lemon Raspberry Bars

Sweet raspberries baked on top of a crisp, buttery cookie crust define these Lemon Raspberry Bars. Easily prepared, these treats are perfect for any gathering or simply to satisfy a sweet tooth at home. The combination of tart lemon and juicy raspberries creates a delightful experience that stands out among traditional desserts. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening, these bars are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes of prep time, making it an easy choice for busy bakers.
• Unique Flavor Profile: The tangy lemon zest paired with sweet raspberries offers a refreshing taste that’s perfect for any season.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these bars chilled, at room temperature, or even warm with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Easily Scalable: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs, ensuring you always have enough to share.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With their vibrant colors and delicious flavors, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit at gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, having the right tools will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Proper equipment ensures consistent results and makes the process much easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows for easy combining of ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Perfect for incorporating air into mixtures, especially when blending butter and sugar.
• Baking dish: A standard size ensures even baking and proper thickness of your bars.
• Rubber spatula: Helps in scraping out every bit of batter for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Sweet raspberries baked on top of a crisp, buttery cookie crust. This recipe comes together so quickly and is the perfect treat for any kind of get together!

For the Cookie Crust

• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (soft but not melted)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

For the Raspberry Filling

• 3/4 cup water or berry juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 ounce water
• 2 Tablespoons clear gel (or cornstarch)
• 3/4 cup sugar

How to Make Lemon Raspberry Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it prepares the oven for even baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, baking powder, salt, and flour. Mix until dough forms.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Spread the dough evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Raspberry Filling

In another bowl, combine water (or berry juice), sugar, salt, raspberry filling ingredients including lemon zest and juice. Stir well until mixed.

Step 5: Combine Filling with Clear Gel

Dissolve clear gel (or cornstarch) in water then add it to the raspberry mixture. This will help thicken your filling as it bakes.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake Again

Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour raspberry filling over it. Bake again for about 15-20 minutes until set.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Raspberry Bars!

Servings: [’24’, ’24 servings’]
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT45M
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 135 kcal

How to Serve Lemon Raspberry Bars

Lemon Raspberry Bars are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make the most of these tasty bars.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the tartness of the lemon and raspberries.

Over Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm Lemon Raspberry Bars over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious mix of hot and cold.

Accompanied by Fresh Berries

• Garnish with fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries for added color and flavor.

Paired with Herbal Tea

• Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, to balance the sweetness.

Topped with Mint Leaves

• A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves on top not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal.

How to Perfect Lemon Raspberry Bars

To ensure your Lemon Raspberry Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these essential tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Softened butter and room-temperature eggs blend more easily, ensuring a smooth batter.

• Measure Flour Properly – Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. This prevents dense bars due to excess flour.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of tender ones.

• Cool Completely Before Cutting – Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Raspberry Bars

Lemon Raspberry Bars pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their bright flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides sweetness and texture that balances the tart bars.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and berries enhances both flavor and nutrition, creating a delightful combination.
3. Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which offer a creamy contrast to the tangy bars.
4. Nutty Granola – A side of crunchy granola adds texture and pairs well with the sweet-tart flavors.
5. Chilled Lemonade – Refreshing lemonade is perfect for washing down these delightful treats on warm days.
6. Simple Green Salad – A light salad with mixed greens dressed in vinaigrette can cleanse the palate between bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid overmixing the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined for a tender crust.
• Don’t skimp on lemon zest. Zest adds essential flavor. Use fresh lemons for the best taste and aroma.
• Forgetting to let the bars cool completely. Cutting too soon can ruin the texture. Allow them to cool in the pan before slicing.
• Ignoring measuring ingredients properly. Accurate measurements ensure consistent results. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Using frozen raspberries without thawing. This can make the bars soggy. Thaw and drain frozen raspberries before use.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Lemon Raspberry Bars

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Lemon Raspberry Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat wrapped bars for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars in 15-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Lemon Raspberry Bars?

Lemon Raspberry Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with sweet raspberries and a zesty lemon filling, perfect for gatherings or casual snacking.

Can I make Lemon Raspberry Bars vegan?

Yes! To create vegan Lemon Raspberry Bars, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

How do I know when my Lemon Raspberry Bars are done baking?

Look for a slightly firm center and golden edges. The filling should not jiggle excessively when gently shaken.

Can I use other fruits instead of raspberries?

Absolutely! You can substitute raspberries with blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries for delicious variations of these bars.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Raspberry Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Their bright flavors make them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a picnic or a family gathering. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or using different fruit combinations to suit your taste!