Lemon Raspberry Bars (Printable)

Buttery shortbread crust meets tangy lemon and fresh raspberry filling in these delightful bars.

# 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
10 - 1 tablespoon lemon zest
11 - 1 cup fresh raspberries

→ Serving

12 - Powdered sugar for dusting

# Step-by-step:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between the buttery, crumbly shortbread and the bright, tangy lemon-raspberry layer is absolutely divine
  • These bars look stunning on a dessert plate, with that gorgeous jewel-toned layer peeking through the golden crust
  • They're somehow both refreshing and indulgent, making them perfect for any season or celebration
02 -
  • Cold butter is absolutely essential for the crust, and working quickly to keep it cold will reward you with the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture
  • The lemon layer will still look slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven, but it will firm up beautifully as it cools, so don't overbake
  • Room temperature ingredients for the filling layer prevent curdling and ensure a silky, smooth texture that sets perfectly
03 -
  • Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for the cleanest, most professional-looking bars
  • Use the freshest raspberries you can find, as they're the star of the show and really need to shine
  • Room temperature lemons yield more juice, so let them sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before zesting and squeezing

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