Lemon Raspberry Dessert Bars: A Refreshing Treat for Any Occasion

Lemon Raspberry Dessert Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance the tartness of fresh lemons with the sweet juiciness of ripe raspberries. As I take a bite, I am instantly transported to sunny afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would whip up these vibrant bars to celebrate the arrival of summer. The history of this dessert is rooted in the classic combination of citrus and berries, a pairing that has delighted taste buds for generations.

People love Lemon Raspberry Dessert Bars not only for their refreshing flavor 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 burst of raspberry goodness. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to make, making them a perfect choice for gatherings or a sweet indulgence after dinner. Join me in exploring this irresistible recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!

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

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

1. In a large mixing bowl, crack 3 large eggs and whisk them until they are well beaten.
2. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the eggs and whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, whisking continuously until everything is well combined and smooth. Make sure there are no lumps!

Preparing the Raspberry Layer

1. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of fresh 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.
2. Let the raspberry mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes. This will allow the raspberries to release some of their juices and create a lovely syrup.

Assembling the Dessert Bars

1. Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the lemon filling over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. 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.
3. Bake the assembled dessert bars in the oven for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is

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 dust these bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider swapping out the raspberries for other berries like blueberries or strawberries, or even adding a hint of coconut for a tropical twist. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the burst of flavors for yourself. Once you’ve made these Lemon Raspberry Dessert Bars, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the joy of baking together! Trust me, you won’t regret making these delightful bars a part of your dessert repertoire.

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