Satisfy your sweet tooth with Abby's Lemon Raspberry Dessert Bars. This recipe combines the zesty flavor of lemons with the fruity goodness of raspberries, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy. These bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or just craving a delicious dessert, these bars are sure to impress. With a buttery crust, a luscious lemon filling, and a burst of raspberry in every bite, these dessert bars are a must-try!
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- - 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- For the Lemon Filling:
- - 4 large eggs
- - 1 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- - 1/2 cup lemon juice
- - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- - Zest of 2 lemons
- - 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Raspberry Swirl:
- - 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Add the cold butter pieces and using a pastry cutter or your hands, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, flour, lemon zest, and salt until well combined.
- Once the crust is ready, pour the lemon filling over the hot crust and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
- While the bars are baking, prepare the raspberry swirl. In a small saucepan, heat the raspberries and sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the raspberries break down and release their juices. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Drizzle the raspberry swirl over the cooled bars, using a spoon or a piping bag. Swirl it gently with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the raspberry swirl is set.
- Once chilled, cut into squares or bars and serve. Enjoy the refreshing and tangy flavors of Abby's Lemon Raspberry Dessert Bars!
Interesting Facts
The combination of lemon and raspberry is a classic pairing in desserts.
These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze these bars for longer shelf life, up to 1 month.
Feel free to add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each bar for extra indulgence.