Print

Lemon Raspberry Bars

Lemon raspberry bars with powdered sugar on a rustic wooden table.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a vibrant and tangy fresh lemon filling, and a sweet-tart raspberry swirl. They are a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for any occasion from family dinners to picnics. The recipe emphasizes using fresh lemon juice and zest for the best possible flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Shortbread Crust:
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • For the Lemon Filling:
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup (160ml) fresh lemon juice (from 4-5 lemons)
  • Zest of 2 large lemons
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) whole milk or heavy cream
  • For the Raspberry Swirl:
  • 1/3 cup (about 100g) seedless raspberry jam or preserves

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
  2. Make the crust: In a bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Press the dough firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
  3. Make the filling: In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until combined and slightly pale. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Slowly whisk in the fresh lemon juice and zest, then the milk or cream, until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Assemble: Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust. Dollop small spoonfuls of raspberry jam evenly over the filling. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the jam into the lemon layer, creating a marbled effect.
  5. Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is set (the center should have a slight jiggle).
  6. Cool and chill: Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  7. Serve: Use the parchment paper to lift the bars from the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into 16 bars. For clean cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

Notes

Using fresh lemon juice and zest is crucial for the best flavor. Do not skip chilling the bars, as this is essential for clean slicing. The bars can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition