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Raspberry Lemonade Bars


  • Author: Sally Roberts
  • Total Time: 52 minutes plus chilling
  • Yield: 16 bars
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Raspberry Lemonade Bars are bright, fruity, and beautifully soft, with a buttery lemon base, glossy raspberry topping, and sweet citrus glaze in every bite. This easy recipe is perfect for spring desserts, summer dessert ideas, brunch food ideas, picnic treats, holiday dessert trays, quick baking projects, and make-ahead sweets when you want something fresh, colorful, and crowd-friendly.


Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 1/2 cups raspberries, fresh or thawed frozen

1/3 cup raspberry preserves

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice or milk


Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment.

2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and light.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

5. Mix in the lemon juice and lemon zest until combined.

6. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until a soft batter forms.

7. Spread the lemon batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.

8. In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, raspberry preserves, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.

9. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly.

10. Let the raspberry topping cool for a few minutes, then gently spread it over the lemon batter.

11. Bake for 28 to 34 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.

12. Cool completely, then chill for at least 1 hour for cleaner slices.

13. Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice or milk until smooth.

14. Drizzle the glaze over the chilled bars, let it set, then slice and serve.

Notes

Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor because bottled lemon juice alone will not give the bars the same bright citrus aroma.

Chill the bars before slicing so the raspberry topping sets and the glaze stays neat.

If using frozen raspberries, thaw and drain them first so the topping does not become too watery.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 32 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 178
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 64mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 42mg

Keywords: Raspberry Lemonade Bars, raspberry lemon bars, easy dessert recipe, summer dessert ideas, spring desserts, brunch food ideas, picnic treats, make-ahead dessert