Lemon Raspberry Bars: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss

Oh, where do I even begin with these Lemon Raspberry Bars? They are a burst of sunshine in every bite! Picture this: a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base topped with a tangy lemon raspberry layer that’s both sweet and tart. Honestly, it’s a flavor combination that dances on your taste buds! I first made these bars for a summer picnic, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than I could say “Lemon Raspberry Bars!” Everyone kept coming back for more, and I was filled with pure joy seeing their smiles. Every time I whip up this recipe, it feels like summer, even on the grayest days. They’re perfect for any occasion, be it a family gathering or a simple treat at home. Trust me, once you taste these bars, you’ll understand why they’ve become a staple in my kitchen. Let’s dive into making these delightful treats together!

Ingredients List

Before we jump into the kitchen, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients for these scrumptious Lemon Raspberry Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Raspberry Purée
• 2 cups raspberries (250 g), fresh or frozen
• Shortbread Base
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (281 g)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (226 g), melted
• Lemon Raspberry Layer
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 g)
• 1/3 cup cornstarch (40 g)
• 6 large eggs
• 1/4 cup reduced raspberry purée (60 ml)
• 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (180 ml)

Make sure you have everything ready before we start baking. Freshly squeezed lemon juice works wonders in this recipe, and trust me, it’s worth the extra squeeze! Now, let’s get started!

How to Prepare Lemon Raspberry Bars

Get ready to bring some sunshine into your kitchen as we whip up these delightful Lemon Raspberry Bars! Follow these simple steps, and I promise you’ll have a dessert that’s sure to impress.

Prepare the Raspberry Purée

First things first, let’s make that luscious raspberry purée! Take your 2 cups of raspberries—fresh or frozen, whatever you have on hand—and toss them into a blender. Blend until smooth; seriously, it should be a vibrant red dream! Now, grab a fine sieve and strain the purée over a bowl to catch those pesky seeds. This step is crucial for that smooth texture we’re after. Once you’ve got your beautiful purée, transfer it to a saucepan and simmer over low-medium heat. Stir occasionally for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens up nicely. Then, just remove it from the heat and let it cool off while we work on the base. Easy peasy!

Make the Shortbread Base

Now, let’s get our shortbread base ready! Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper—this makes for an easy release later. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. You want this to be well mixed! Next, pour in that glorious 1 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until a thick dough forms, and don’t be shy about getting your hands in there to really combine it if needed. Now, press that dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure to create a slight edge to hold in that scrumptious filling. Pop it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until it’s lightly golden, and don’t forget to prick the surface with a fork when it comes out—this helps with the layering!

Create the Lemon Raspberry Layer

Time for the star of the show—the lemon raspberry layer! In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar and 1/3 cup of cornstarch until blended. Then, crack in 6 large eggs and whisk until it’s all combined. Now, here’s the fun part: gradually whisk in your cooled raspberry purée and 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. The combination of flavors is just heavenly! Make sure everything is mixed well, and then pour this vibrant mixture over your warm shortbread base. It’s going to look so beautiful!

Bake the Bars

Let’s get these bars baking! Place the pan back in the oven and bake at 325°F (160°C) for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still has a little jiggle in the center. It’s okay; it’ll firm up as it cools! Once done, take them out and let them cool at room temperature for about an hour. After that, pop them into the fridge for at least 2 hours to chill and set completely. Trust me, you’ll want to wait for this part—it makes slicing them so much easier! When you’re ready to serve, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice with a clean knife. Enjoy every tangy, sweet bite!

Nutritional Information

Before you dig into those delicious Lemon Raspberry Bars, it’s good to know what you’re getting in each delightful bite! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are just an estimate to give you a general idea:

• Calories: 277 kcal
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 22 g
• Protein: 4 g

These bars are a delightful treat, and while they may have some sugar, they’re made with wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about. Enjoy your sweet indulgence!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just a bit of blending and mixing, you can whip up these bars in no time! Perfect for when you need a delicious dessert without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tangy lemon and sweet raspberries creates a flavor explosion that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Seriously, each bite is like a taste of sunshine!
• Versatile Treat: These Lemon Raspberry Bars are perfect for any occasion! Whether it’s a summer picnic, a cozy family dinner, or a potluck with friends, they’re a hit every time.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the raspberry layer against the buttery shortbread make these bars not only tasty but also visually stunning. They’ll wow your guests before they even take a bite!
• Make Ahead Option: You can easily prepare these bars a day in advance. Just chill them in the fridge, and they’ll be ready to serve when you are!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Lemon Raspberry Bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by. These little nuggets of wisdom will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your baking game!

Use Fresh Ingredients

When it comes to flavor, fresh really does make a difference! Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled—trust me, the vibrant taste is unmatched. And whether you choose fresh or frozen raspberries, make sure they’re ripe and sweet. If using frozen, let them thaw slightly before blending for the best texture.

Don’t Rush the Raspberry Purée

While it might be tempting to skip the straining step for the raspberry purée, don’t! Removing the seeds is crucial for that smooth, luxurious texture. Be patient while simmering it down, too—this step concentrates the flavor and thickens the purée beautifully.

Watch the Baking Time

Keep a close eye on your bars while they’re in the oven. Every oven is different, and even a few minutes can make a big difference. Look for a slight jiggle in the center when you take them out; it’ll firm up as they cool. If you overbake, you risk losing that delightful, creamy texture!

Let Them Cool Completely

After baking, resist the urge to slice into the bars right away! Allow them to cool at room temperature for at least an hour before refrigerating. This step is key for setting the filling and getting those clean cuts when it’s time to serve.

Use a Clean Knife for Slicing

When you’re ready to slice, use a clean knife and wipe it between cuts. This keeps the edges neat and helps maintain that beautiful presentation. Plus, it makes for easier serving, and who doesn’t love a perfectly cut bar?

Store Properly

These bars are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep well for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they’ll be ready for a sweet treat later on.

With these tips in your back pocket, I know you’re going to rock these Lemon Raspberry Bars! Happy baking!

Variations

One of the best things about these Lemon Raspberry Bars is how versatile they are! You can easily mix things up and create your own twist on this classic recipe. Here are some fun variations to consider:

Switch Up the Berries

While raspberries are amazing, don’t hesitate to experiment with other berries! Try blueberries or blackberries for a different flavor profile. You can even make a mixed berry purée for a beautiful, colorful layer. Just remember to adjust the sweetness based on your berry choice, especially if you’re using tart berries!

Add a Zesty Twist

If you really love that citrus kick, consider adding some lime or orange zest to your lemon layer. It’ll enhance the flavor and give your bars a refreshing twist. You could also swap out some of the lemon juice for lime juice, which pairs beautifully with the raspberries!

Incorporate Spices

For a cozy flavor, sprinkle in some ground ginger or cinnamon into the shortbread base. It adds a warm undertone that complements the tangy lemon and sweet raspberries perfectly. Just a pinch can elevate the whole dessert!

Make it Gluten-Free

If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum to help with the texture. The flavor will still shine through, and you won’t miss the gluten at all!

Top it Off

For an extra touch, consider topping your bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream when serving. You could even add some toasted coconut flakes for a delightful crunch. Each bite will be a little party for your taste buds!

These variations let you customize your Lemon Raspberry Bars to suit your taste or occasion. So, go ahead and get creative—your perfect bar is waiting to be made!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve made these delightful Lemon Raspberry Bars, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious! Storing them properly is key to enjoying every last bite.

To store your Lemon Raspberry Bars, let them cool completely at room temperature first. Once they’re cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper and transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Trust me, the flavors only get better as they sit!

If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a bar, simply take one out and let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

Now, if you prefer your bars a little warm (who wouldn’t?), you can easily reheat them! Just pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This will warm them up nicely without compromising their texture. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overheat, or they might get a bit too soft.

With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll always have a sweet treat on hand whenever the craving strikes! Enjoy every tangy, buttery bite!

FAQ Section

Q1. What makes these Lemon Raspberry Bars so special?
These Lemon Raspberry Bars are a delightful combination of a buttery shortbread base topped with a tangy, sweet raspberry layer. The balance of flavors creates a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!

Q2. Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to let them thaw slightly before blending to achieve that smooth purée. They’ll taste just as delicious as fresh ones!

Q3. How should I store the leftover bars?
To keep your Lemon Raspberry Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They actually get better as they sit, so you can enjoy them for a few days!

Q4. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Q5. What’s the best way to slice these bars for a clean cut?
For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices. This helps keep the edges neat and preserves that beautiful presentation. Plus, it makes serving so much easier!

Q6. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix that contains xanthan gum. The flavor will still shine through, and you won’t miss the gluten at all!

Q7. What if I want to add more flavor to the lemon layer?
If you want to add a zesty twist, consider mixing in some lime or orange zest to the lemon layer. It enhances the citrus flavor and adds a refreshing touch that pairs beautifully with the raspberries!

Pour plus de recettes, suivez-moi sur ma page Pinterest.

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