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- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 tablespoons lemon zest - 1/3 cup lemon juice - 1 cup fresh raspberries - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for raspberries) - Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting To make raspberry lemonade bars, gather all your ingredients. Start with the basics: flour, sugar, and butter. The butter must be softened for easy mixing. You will also need salt to enhance flavors and eggs for richness. Lemon zest and juice add that bright, tangy taste we love. Fresh raspberries bring sweetness and color to the bars. Don't forget the cornstarch to help thicken the filling and extra sugar for the raspberries to make them sweet. If you want to add a special touch, have some powdered sugar ready for dusting on top. This will give your bars a pretty finish. Having everything prepared makes the cooking process smooth and fun. Enjoy the bright flavors and enjoy the summer vibes with these delicious treats! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 1/2 cup of softened butter. - Use a fork to blend until it looks crumbly. - Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8 inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden. - In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of lemon zest, and 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice. - In a small bowl, toss 1 cup of fresh raspberries with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This helps to thicken the raspberries. - After the crust is done, pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust. - Scatter the sweetened raspberries evenly on top. - Return the pan to the oven and bake again for 25-30 minutes. The edges should set, and the center should feel firm. Once baked, let the pan cool completely before lifting the bars out. Enjoy these refreshing treats! - Use softened butter. This helps the crust mix well. - Cool the bars fully before cutting them. This keeps them from falling apart. - Serve the bars chilled or at room temperature. Both ways taste great. - Add fresh raspberries or mint on top for a pop of color. Pro Tips Chill the Bars: For the best texture, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cutting. This helps them set properly and makes for cleaner cuts. Fresh Lemons Only: Always use fresh lemons for juicing and zesting to achieve the brightest flavor. Bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrant taste you want in these bars. Raspberry Substitutes: If fresh raspberries are out of season, try using blueberries or blackberries as a delicious alternative. Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of the berries. Presentation Matters: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to keep it from melting into the bars. For a pop of color, garnish with mint leaves or extra berries on the plate. {{image_4}} You can switch raspberries for other fruits. Blueberries and strawberries work great. They add a new flavor to your bars. You can also try a citrus blend. Mix in lime or orange juice for a zesty twist. These fruits will change the look and taste. Each option brings its own fun to the recipe. If you need gluten-free bars, use almond or oat flour. They replace all-purpose flour well. This change keeps the bars tasty and safe for everyone. For a vegan option, use flax eggs and vegan butter. Flax eggs are easy to make. Just mix ground flaxseed with water and let it sit. These swaps help more people enjoy this treat. To keep your raspberry lemonade bars fresh, store them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container after they cool. This method helps keep them soft and tasty. They can last up to a week in the fridge. If you want to save them for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight. These bars pair well with a nice cup of tea or a glass of lemonade. The tart flavor of lemonade enhances the sweet raspberry taste. You can also add toppings to make them extra special. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Fresh mint leaves or extra raspberries on top can make your bars look beautiful. They not only taste great but also look impressive on a dessert table. Can I use frozen raspberries? Yes, you can. Frozen raspberries work well in this recipe. Just thaw them first. Toss them with cornstarch and sugar to keep them from getting mushy. How long do the bars last in the refrigerator? These bars stay fresh for about a week in the refrigerator. Store them in an airtight container to keep them tasty. Can I make these bars ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make these bars a day or two in advance. They taste great when chilled. Just remember to keep them covered. What’s the best way to cut the bars? Wait until the bars cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. This makes for neat, even pieces. This article explored delicious raspberry lemonade bars. We covered ingredients, easy steps to make them, and tips for the best results. You can even swap fruits or adjust for dietary needs. Remember, these bars are great for sharing or enjoying yourself. With the right storage, they can last a while. I hope you feel inspired to bake and enjoy these treats. Happy baking!

Raspberry Zest Lemonade Bars

Deliciously tangy and sweet lemonade bars with a raspberry twist.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 quarter cup powdered sugar
  • 1 half cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 1 half teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
  • 1 third cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for coating raspberries)
  • optional powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter to the bowl and use a fork or pastry cutter to blend these ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Take the crumbly mixture and evenly press it into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form a solid base for the bars. Place it in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
  • While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • In a small separate bowl, gently toss the fresh raspberries with the cornstarch and the additional 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This step helps to thicken the raspberries and adds sweetness.
  • After the crust has finished baking, carefully pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust, smoothing it out with a spatula if necessary. Evenly scatter the sweetened raspberries on top of the lemon filling.
  • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center should feel slightly firm to the touch when done.
  • Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before lifting it out using the parchment paper. Cut into bars and, if desired, dust with powdered sugar for a lovely finish before serving.

Notes

Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh raspberries or mint.
Keyword dessert, lemonade bars, raspberry