Go Back
As the warm sun graces our days and the air fills with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, summer beckons us to embrace the season of outdoor gatherings and refreshing treats. One standout dessert that embodies the spirit of summer is the Zesty Raspberry Lemonade Bars. These delightful bars capture the essence of sun-soaked days, offering a perfect balance of vibrant flavors that invigorate the palate. With a luscious combination of tart lemons and sweet raspberries, this dessert not only looks enticing but also delivers a refreshing burst of flavor that makes it an ideal choice for warm-weather festivities.

Raspberry Lemonade Bars

Embrace summer with these refreshing Zesty Raspberry Lemonade Bars! This vibrant dessert combines sweet raspberries and zesty lemons for a perfect balance of flavors, making it an ideal treat for outdoor gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon. With a buttery, flaky crust and a luscious fruity filling, these bars not only look stunning but are also light and satisfying. Discover the joy of summer baking and impress your family and friends with this delightful recipe!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup powdered sugar

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

½ teaspoon salt

For the Raspberry Lemonade Filling:

1 cup fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)

Zest of 2 lemons

¼ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

For the Topping:

Extra powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

    Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

      Bake the Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

        Prepare the Raspberry Filling: In a blender or food processor, puree the fresh raspberries until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds if desired.

          Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, baking powder, and the raspberry puree until fully combined and smooth.

            Bake Again: Pour the raspberry lemonade filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned.

              Cool and Slice: Once out of the oven, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles.

                Serve: Dust with extra powdered sugar if desired. Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 12-16 servings