Lemon Raspberry Bars (Printable Version)

Buttery crust topped with tangy lemon and fresh raspberry filling

# What You'll Need:

→ Crust

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

→ Lemon Raspberry Layer

05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
07 - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
10 - 1 tablespoon lemon zest
11 - 1 cup fresh raspberries

→ For Serving (Optional)

12 - Powdered sugar, for dusting

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt for the crust. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
03 - Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
04 - In a bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and baking powder. Add eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest; whisk until smooth.
05 - Gently fold in the fresh raspberries.
06 - Pour the lemon raspberry mixture over the warm crust. Return to oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles.
07 - Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. For best results, chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before cutting into bars.
08 - Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • That moment when sweet raspberries meet tart lemon is pure magic
  • The shortbread crust adds this buttery richness that balances everything perfectly
02 -
  • Warm crust helps the filling start cooking immediately and prevents soggy bottoms
  • Chilling before cutting makes the difference between messy bars and neat squares
03 -
  • Frozen raspberries work in a pinch, just thaw and drain them really well first
  • The center should still have a slight wiggle when you take them out, they firm up as they cool