Description

These Raspberry Lemonade Bars are bright, buttery, tangy, and sweet with a soft shortbread crust, fresh lemon filling, and a pretty raspberry swirl. They are an easy dessert recipe for spring baking, summer parties, potlucks, brunch ideas, dessert bars, picnic treats, and make-ahead food ideas when you want something fresh, colorful, and simple to slice.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 large eggs

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup raspberries

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons powdered sugar for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides.

2. In a bowl, mix 1 cup flour, powdered sugar, salt, and melted butter until a soft crust mixture forms.

3. Press the crust firmly into the prepared pan and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges.

4. While the crust bakes, mash raspberries with 1 tablespoon sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened, then strain if desired.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons flour together. Add eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla, then whisk until smooth.

6. Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust. Spoon raspberry sauce over the top and gently swirl with a toothpick or thin knife.

7. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, until the center is just set with a slight jiggle.

8. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

9. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving.

Notes

Chill the bars fully before slicing so the lemon filling sets cleanly and the edges look neat.

Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest lemonade flavor. Bottled juice can taste dull or sharp.

Dust with powdered sugar right before serving because it can dissolve into the chilled filling over time.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 185
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: raspberry lemonade bars, lemon bars, raspberry dessert, easy dessert recipe, dessert bars, summer dessert, spring baking, potluck dessert, make ahead dessert