Description
Sweet, tangy, buttery, and bursting with fresh berry flavor, these Raspberry Lemonade Bars are the perfect easy dessert for spring and summer gatherings. With a soft lemon-infused base, vibrant raspberry topping, and delicate lemon glaze, every bite tastes refreshing and irresistible. This easy recipe works beautifully for brunch spreads, picnic desserts, holiday trays, bake sales, and family treats. If you are searching for dessert ideas, fruity bar recipes, easy baking recipes, summer dessert bars, or crowd-pleasing food ideas, these Raspberry Lemonade Bars deserve a spot in your kitchen. They are simple to prepare, easy to slice, and packed with bright citrus flavor balanced by juicy raspberries.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs room temperature
2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup whole milk or buttermilk
3 cups fresh raspberries
½ cup granulated sugar for raspberry layer
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice for glaze
½ teaspoon vanilla extract for glaze
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternating with the milk until fully combined.
7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Cook until slightly thickened.
9. Spoon the raspberry mixture evenly over the batter.
10. Bake for 35 to 42 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
11. Allow the bars to cool completely before glazing.
12. Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
13. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
14. Slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest citrus flavor and aroma.
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for cleaner and firmer squares.
Chilling the bars for 20 to 30 minutes before serving improves both texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg