Raspberry Lemonade Bars

Raspberry lemonade bars are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and buttery. I love how the zingy lemon flavor balances with the fresh brightness of raspberries, all layered on top of a rich shortbread crust. These bars bring a burst of sunshine to any dessert table and are as pretty as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a refreshing twist on classic lemon bars. The addition of raspberries gives them a beautiful pink color and a fruity lift that makes them feel extra special. They’re easy to make, perfect for summer gatherings, and they slice up beautifully into portable squares. Whether I serve them at a party or keep them in the fridge for a quick treat, they’re always a hit.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

• All-purpose flour

• Granulated sugar

• Salt

• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the raspberry lemonade filling:

• Fresh or frozen raspberries

• Granulated sugar

• Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• Lemon zest

• Eggs

• All-purpose flour

• Salt

• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. To make the crust, I combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl, then cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. I press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan and bake it for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden.

4. While the crust is baking, I prepare the filling. I puree the raspberries in a blender or food processor, then strain them to remove the seeds.

5. In a separate bowl, I whisk together sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, salt, and the raspberry puree until smooth.

6. I pour the raspberry lemon mixture over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven.

7. I return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.

8. Once cool, I chill the bars in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing. I usually dust them with powdered sugar right before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 squares, depending on how I cut them.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40–45 minutes
Cooling/chill time: 2 hours
Total time: About 3 hours including chilling

Variations

Sometimes I swirl in whole raspberries just before baking for a textured finish. I’ve also tried using a mix of lemon and lime juice for a more complex citrus flavor. If I want a gluten-free version, I use a gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and the filling. For extra tartness, I reduce the sugar slightly, or for more sweetness, I increase it depending on the berries.

Storage/reheating

I store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They hold up well and actually taste better once they’ve had time to chill. I don’t reheat them since they’re best served cold or at room temperature. If I need to freeze them, I wrap each bar in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month—just thaw in the fridge overnight.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, I’ve used frozen raspberries many times. I just thaw and drain them well before pureeing.

Do I have to strain the raspberry seeds?

I recommend it for a smoother filling, but I’ve left them in when I’m short on time—it still tastes great.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. I usually make them a day ahead and keep them chilled until ready to serve.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but I’ve used bottled in a pinch and it still worked well.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing?

I always chill the bars fully and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat squares.

Conclusion

These raspberry lemonade bars are a vibrant, zesty treat that never lasts long in my kitchen. I love the burst of berry and citrus in every bite, paired with that buttery crust. Whether I’m baking for a summer picnic, holiday table, or just craving something fruity and sweet, these bars always deliver.

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