Raspberry Lemonade Bars

Indulging in a delightful dessert can elevate any gathering, transforming a simple get-together into a memorable occasion. For those who appreciate a balance of sweet and tart flavors, Zesty Raspberry Lemonade Bars are the perfect choice. With their vibrant combination of fresh raspberries and zesty lemon, these bars are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight. The recipe we will explore in this blog post is easy yet impressive, making it suitable for a variety of settings—be it parties, picnics, or a well-deserved treat for yourself.

Brighten your gatherings with irresistible Zesty Raspberry Lemonade Bars! This delightful dessert features a buttery crust, creamy lemon filling, and a burst of fresh raspberries, offering the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Easy to make and visually stunning, they are ideal for potlucks, summer picnics, or a sweet treat at home. Learn how to whip up these refreshing bars and impress your friends and family with this vibrant dessert that’s sure to be a hit!

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Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1/4 teaspoon fine salt

2 large eggs, preferably at room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 medium lemons)

1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

1/2 cup fresh raspberries, mashed (plus additional for garnish)

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Extra powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter.

Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, and fine salt. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, blend the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs. Press this crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring a compact base.

Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until it turns a light golden color. After baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Make the Filling: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and the mashed fresh raspberries until combined. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of the raspberry mixture to create a slurry, then incorporate this back into the main filling mixture. Stir until everything is well blended.

Pour and Bake Again: Carefully pour the raspberry lemonade filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and feels slightly firm to the touch. Note that it may puff up during baking but will settle as it cools.

Cool and Cut: Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack while still in the dish. When fully cooled, gently lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer them to a cutting board. Cut into squares or bars of your desired size.

Serve and Enjoy: Dust the tops of the bars with additional powdered sugar for a sweet finish and garnish with extra fresh raspberries for added flair. These bars can be served chilled or at room temperature, allowing the flavorful lemon and raspberry combination to shine!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

- Prep Time: 15 minutes

- Total Time: 1 hour

- Servings: 9 bars