Description
Bright, buttery, and bursting with fruity flavor, these Raspberry Lemonade Bars are an easy dessert that feels perfect for spring brunches, summer parties, and anytime you want a sweet treat with a fresh citrus twist. With a soft lemon-infused base, a vibrant raspberry topping, and a simple glaze, this easy recipe is a beautiful choice for dessert boards, snack tables, party food ideas, and make-ahead baking.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups raspberries
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons milk or fresh lemon juice
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
7. In a small saucepan, cook the raspberries with the cornstarch over medium heat until thickened slightly.
8. Spoon the raspberry mixture over the batter and spread gently.
9. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
10. Cool the bars completely in the pan.
11. Whisk together the powdered sugar with enough milk or lemon juice to make a smooth glaze.
12. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, then slice and serve.
Notes
Let the bars cool fully before glazing so the drizzle stays visible and does not melt into the topping.
Fresh lemon zest gives the bars their brightest flavor, so it is worth using real lemons here.
For neat slices, chill the bars for 20 to 30 minutes before cutting and wipe the knife between cuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 52mg