Lemon Raspberry Bars

this Recipe

There’s something truly special about recipes that bring brightness to the table—and these Lemon Raspberry Bars do just that! From their buttery shortbread crust to the luscious lemon layer swirled with juicy raspberries, this dessert is sunshine in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a spring brunch, a summer picnic, or just need a pick-me-up, these bars deliver a sweet, tart, and utterly irresistible experience.

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What Are Lemon Raspberry Bars?

Lemon Raspberry Bars are a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar. They feature a rich, buttery shortbread base topped with a silky lemon custard and bursts of fresh raspberries. Baked until just set and dusted with powdered sugar, these bars balance tanginess and sweetness beautifully.

Reasons to Love These Lemon Raspberry Bars

• Vibrant flavor: The tangy lemon and sweet-tart raspberries are the ultimate flavor duo.
• Simple ingredients: You probably have everything you need already in your kitchen.
• Great for any occasion: From lunchbox treats to elegant dessert platters.
• Easy to make ahead: They chill beautifully and taste even better the next day.
• Crowd-pleasing: Seriously, people always ask for this recipe!

What Do Lemon Raspberry Bars Taste Like?

These bars are the perfect marriage of bright lemony zing and juicy raspberry sweetness. The shortbread crust adds a melt-in-your-mouth richness that anchors the fruity filling. Each bite is creamy, tart, and satisfying with just enough chew from the raspberry seeds to add texture. Think of it like lemon curd meeting raspberry jam in the best way possible!

Benefits of This Recipe

• Rich in vitamin C from fresh lemons and raspberries
• Minimal prep time (under 20 minutes!)
• Freezer-friendly for long-term storage
• Customizable with seasonal berries

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ⅔ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
• 1 cup fresh raspberries (can use frozen, see tips)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Microplane or zester
• Citrus juicer (or just strong hands!)
• Fine mesh sieve (optional, for extra smooth lemon juice)
• Offset spatula (helpful but not essential)

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Additions & Substitutions

Additions:

• White chocolate chips sprinkled into the crust for extra richness.
• Coconut flakes mixed into the crust or sprinkled on top before baking.
• Crushed almonds or pistachios for a nutty twist.

Substitutions:

• Use lime instead of lemon for a tropical citrus version.
• Swap raspberries for blueberries or blackberries—equally delicious!
• Gluten-free flour mix works well in place of regular flour for a GF version.

How to Make Lemon Raspberry Bars

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until just lightly golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a large bowl until smooth.

Step 4: Add the Raspberries
Gently fold in the raspberries. If using frozen, do not thaw first—this helps keep the color from bleeding too much.

Step 5: Bake Again
Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust. Return to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is just set and no longer jiggles.

Step 6: Cool and Chill
Let the bars cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 more hours to fully set.

Step 7: Slice and Serve
Dust with powdered sugar, cut into bars, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

What to Serve with Lemon Raspberry Bars

• Fresh berries and whipped cream for a light, elegant finish.
• Hot tea or iced herbal tea—especially hibiscus or mint.
• Vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert plate.
• A glass of chilled rosé if you’re serving these at a brunch or gathering.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Raspberry Bars

• Use fresh lemon juice—bottled just doesn’t compare.
• Don’t overbake! You want a slight jiggle in the center.
• Chill completely before slicing for clean, neat squares.
• Use parchment paper to lift the bars out easily and prevent sticking.
• Double the recipe for parties—trust me, they disappear fast!

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars in parchment and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

General Information

• Yield: About 20 bars
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: Approx. 3 hours (including chilling)
• Skill level: Easy to moderate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They actually taste better after chilling overnight.

Can I use frozen raspberries?
Absolutely. Just use them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, sub in vegan butter for the crust and they’ll still be delicious.

Why is my filling runny?
Most likely underbaking or not chilling long enough. Make sure it sets fully before slicing.

Conclusion

These Lemon Raspberry Bars are a joyful treat that bring a splash of sunshine to any occasion. They’re easy to make, bursting with citrusy flavor, and versatile enough to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a party, sharing them with family, or sneaking a quiet slice with your afternoon tea, they’re always a good idea.

Looking for more irresistible treats and dinner ideas? Check out these hand-picked favorites:

• Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits – Perfect for brunch or a sweet breakfast bite!
• Irresistible Sweet Chili Garlic Salmon – A bold and flavorful dinner with just the right kick.
• Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce – The comfort food you didn’t know you needed.

💬 If you make these Lemon Raspberry Bars, I’d LOVE to hear about it! Leave a comment below, tag your creation on Pinterest at Pinterest.com/recipedunep, or share your photo with the hashtag #MmmRecipesLove so we can drool together!

Nutritional Information (Approx. per bar)

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

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