Raspberry Lemonade Bars (Printable)

Bright, tangy dessert bars with buttery shortbread crust and fresh raspberry-lemon filling, ideal for summer entertaining.

# What You'll Need:

→ Shortbread Crust

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Raspberry Lemonade Filling

05 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
06 - 3 large eggs
07 - 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
08 - 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
09 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
10 - 1 cup fresh raspberries
11 - Powdered sugar for dusting

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - Beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add flour and salt, mixing until crumbly dough forms.
03 - Press dough evenly into pan bottom. Bake 18-20 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
04 - Whisk sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Whisk in flour until fully combined.
05 - Gently fold raspberries into filling, taking care not to crush completely.
06 - Pour filling over hot crust immediately. Return to oven and bake 20-22 minutes until center is just set.
07 - Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Refrigerate at least 2 hours for clean slicing.
08 - Lift bars from pan using parchment. Dust with powdered sugar and slice into squares. Garnish with extra raspberries if desired.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The buttery shortbread melts in your mouth while the tangy filling wakes up every taste bud
  • They look impressive with minimal effort and actually taste better after chilling overnight
  • Raspberries add gorgeous jewel tones and fresh sweetness that balances the lemon perfectly
02 -
  • Pouring filling onto a hot crust is essential because it creates a seal that prevents leaking
  • The center should still have a slight wiggle when you remove it from the oven
  • Chilling time is non negotiable for clean edges and neat serving pieces
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent curdling and ensure smooth incorporation
  • Use the parchment overhang like handles to lift the entire batch out at once

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