Raspberry Lemon Bars

Raspberry Lemon Bars are the perfect combination of tart and sweet, featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a luscious lemon-raspberry filling. These bars are bursting with fresh fruit flavor, offering a bright, tangy, and refreshing treat that can elevate any occasion. Whether for a summer picnic, holiday dessert, or just a special snack with a cup of tea, these bars are bound to impress.

I absolutely love making these Raspberry Lemon Bars because they strike the perfect balance between sweetness and tartness, making them irresistibly delicious. Plus, the vibrant pink hue of the raspberry filling is simply stunning, making them an eye-catching dessert to serve. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make and full of flavor, this one’s a winner.

Why You’ll Love These Raspberry Lemon Bars

These Raspberry Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar. I love how the buttery shortbread crust balances the tart lemon-raspberry filling, making for a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing. The combination of the tangy lemon and the juicy raspberries creates the perfect harmony of flavors. They’re also incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients, and their beautiful appearance makes them a showstopper for any gathering.

What I particularly enjoy is how versatile they are. Whether I’m preparing for a summer picnic, a holiday gathering, or just a fun tea party with friends, these bars always steal the show.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Raspberry Lemon Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• 1 cup raspberries (mashed)

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (to help thicken the filling)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For Garnish (Optional):

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

• Fresh raspberries and lemon slices (for decoration)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preparing the Shortbread Crust

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Crust Ingredients
   In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and cold butter. Pulse or mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Press into the Pan
   Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it down evenly to form a firm crust.

4. Bake Until Golden
   Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Making the Raspberry Lemon Filling

1. Mash the Raspberries
   In a small bowl, mash the raspberries until smooth. I like to strain them through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds, but this step is optional.

2. Mix the Filling Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, mashed raspberries, cornstarch, and flour until smooth.

3. Pour Over the Crust
   Spread the raspberry lemon filling evenly over the cooled shortbread crust.

Baking the Raspberry Lemon Bars

1. Bake Until Set
   Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.

2. Cool Completely
   Allow the bars to cool to room temperature. Afterward, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to firm up before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 9-12 bars, depending on how you slice them.

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes

• Cooking Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)

Variations

While these Raspberry Lemon Bars are amazing on their own, I love experimenting with different variations:

1. Mixed Berry Lemon Bars
   For a mixed berry twist, I combine raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries in the filling. It adds more complexity and color to the bars.

2. Coconut Raspberry Lemon Bars
   If I’m craving a little more texture, I add shredded coconut to the crust. It pairs wonderfully with the tangy lemon and fruity raspberry filling.

3. Vegan Raspberry Lemon Bars
   To make these bars dairy-free, I substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and replace the eggs with a flaxseed or cornstarch slurry.

4. Gluten-Free Raspberry Lemon Bars
   To make this recipe gluten-free, I swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. It works beautifully, and the flavor is just as great!

Storage/Reheating

These Raspberry Lemon Bars are best enjoyed fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I love the texture and flavor after they’ve chilled. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. When I want to enjoy them later, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and serve them cold.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the raspberries and drain any excess liquid before mashing them.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze raspberry lemon bars?

Yes! These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

I find that using a sharp knife and wiping it clean between cuts helps get clean, perfect squares every time.

How do I make them less sweet?

If you prefer a tarter flavor, you can reduce the sugar slightly or add more lemon juice for an extra tang.

Conclusion

Raspberry Lemon Bars are a fantastic treat that I always turn to when I want something refreshing and indulgent. They’re easy to make, visually stunning, and bursting with fruity flavor. Whether it’s a summer picnic, a holiday dessert, or a cozy tea party, these bars are sure to be a hit. Try making them next time you need a dessert that’s both vibrant and satisfying—I’m sure you’ll love them as much as I do!