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When the sun blazes and the temperature soars, there's nothing quite like a refreshing frozen dessert to cool you down. Frozen treats evoke memories of childhood summers, poolside lounging, and joyful gatherings with family and friends. Among the myriad of options available, Zesty Frozen Raspberry Lemonade Bars rise to the occasion as a delightful blend of tart and sweet flavors. These bars are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a vibrant addition to any summer spread, making them perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply enjoying on a hot afternoon at home.

Frozen Raspberry Lemonade Bars

Beat the heat this summer with Zesty Frozen Raspberry Lemonade Bars! This refreshing dessert combines a crispy graham cracker crust with a luscious raspberry-lemon filling, making it a perfect treat for hot days. With fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, even novice bakers can create this fun and vibrant dish. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or just a sweet indulgence at home, these bars are sure to delight your taste buds and bright up any gathering.
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Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

2 cups fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 3-4 lemons)

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

For Garnish (optional):

Fresh raspberries

Lemon slices

Mint leaves

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven:

    - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for the crust baking.

      Make the Crust:

        - In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Stir until evenly mixed.

          - Gradually add the melted butter to the crumb mixture, combining until it resembles wet sand.

            - Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking dish to form an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.

              Prepare the Raspberry Filling:

                - In a blender or food processor, add the fresh raspberries, granulated sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Blend until you achieve a smooth puree.

                  - For a smoother texture, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds (this step is optional but recommended).

                    Whip the Cream:

                      - In a clean mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks begin to form. Gradually add the vanilla extract and continue whipping until stiff peaks are achieved.

                        Combine Mixtures:

                          - Carefully fold the raspberry puree into the whipped cream using a spatula. Gently combine until just blended, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream to maintain a light, airy filling.

                            Assemble the Bars:

                              - Pour the raspberry-lemon filling over the cooled crust in the baking dish, spread it evenly with a spatula. Tap the dish lightly on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles and ensure a smooth surface.

                                Freeze:

                                  - Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the freezer. Allow it to freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is fully set.

                                    Serve:

                                      - Once frozen, remove the dessert from the dish using parchment overhangs (if you used parchment paper). Cut into squares or bars using a sharp knife.

                                        - Optional: Garnish each bar with fresh raspberries, a slice of lemon, and a sprig of mint for an added touch of color and flavor.

                                          Enjoy:

                                            - Serve the bars immediately for a refreshing treat, or store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week.

                                              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                                                Presentation Tips: For an elegant presentation, serve the raspberry lemonade bars on a white platter topped with the garnishes and a drizzle of lemon zest for a vibrant pop of color.