Tangy Raspberry Lemon Bars

Bright, zesty, and bursting with berry flavor—these Tangy Raspberry Lemon Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart. A buttery shortbread crust holds a luscious lemon-raspberry filling that’s smooth, vibrant, and full of fresh citrusy punch. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, they’re an elegant dessert for spring, summer, or any time you crave a fruity treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfectly Tangy – Lemon and raspberries combine for a bold, refreshing flavor.
Simple Yet Elegant – A classic dessert that always impresses.
Ideal Make-Ahead – Tastes even better after chilling.
Easy to Cut & Serve – Clean slices for dessert trays or picnics.
Bright & Seasonal – A great way to showcase fresh berries.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt

For the Raspberry Lemon Filling:
1½ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 cup fresh raspberries (or thawed frozen, patted dry)
Pinch of salt

For Topping:
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Extra raspberries and lemon zest (optional for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Whisk or hand mixer
Citrus juicer and zester
Fine mesh sieve (for lemon juice, optional)
Parchment paper (for easy removal)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add flour and salt, and mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Filling
7. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
8. Gently fold in the raspberries, being careful not to mash them too much.
9. Pour the lemon-raspberry mixture over the warm crust.

Step 3: Bake the Bars
10. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the center is no longer jiggly.
11. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).

Step 4: Slice & Serve
12. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang.
13. Dust the top with powdered sugar.
14. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve chilled, optionally garnished with fresh raspberries or lemon zest.

Tips for Perfect Tangy Raspberry Lemon Bars
Use Fresh Lemons – Fresh juice and zest make a huge flavor difference.
Chill Thoroughly – This makes slicing easier and gives the filling time to set.
Don’t Overmix – Keep raspberries mostly whole for a pretty appearance.
Use a Hot Knife – For clean slices, rinse your knife under hot water between cuts.

Serving Suggestions
With Whipped Cream – Adds a light, airy finish.
Next to Tea or Lemonade – A lovely combo for brunch or afternoon snacks.
On a Dessert Platter – Pair with cookies, brownies, and fruit tarts.
Topped with Yogurt – Makes a bright breakfast treat.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating:
Not necessary—these bars are best served chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
   Fresh is best, but bottled will work in a pinch—just use real lemon juice, not concentrate.
2. What if I don’t have raspberries?
   Try blackberries, blueberries, or omit for classic lemon bars.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes! Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend in both crust and filling.
4. How do I prevent a soggy crust?
   Pre-bake the crust as directed and let it cool slightly before pouring in the filling.

Final Thoughts

Tangy Raspberry Lemon Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just your own citrus cravings, these bars deliver every time. They’re simple to make, beautiful to serve, and impossible to resist.

Try them out and let me know how they turn out! Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest and tag us with your twist on this zesty dessert.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Bar – 1 of 20):
Calories: 190 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 26g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 60mg

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