Description
Bright, fruity, and irresistibly refreshing, these Raspberry Lemonade Bars combine sweet raspberries with zesty lemon flavor in one soft and buttery dessert. The tender lemon-infused base pairs beautifully with the vibrant raspberry topping and delicate citrus glaze, creating the perfect balance of tart and sweet in every bite. Whether you are looking for an easy dessert recipe, spring brunch treat, summer dessert bar, or colorful party dessert, these Raspberry Lemonade Bars are guaranteed to impress. Perfect for bake sales, family gatherings, afternoon snacks, or holiday dessert tables, this easy recipe delivers bakery-style flavor using simple ingredients. The refreshing lemonade flavor and juicy berry topping make these bars ideal for anyone searching for dessert ideas, fruit desserts, easy baking recipes, or homemade sweet treats.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter softened
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs room temperature
2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sour cream
2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
2 cups raspberries
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 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 bowl, beat the softened 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 sour cream, mixing until just combined.
7. Gently fold the raspberries into the batter.
8. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
9. Bake for 32 to 38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
10. While the bars bake, prepare the topping by combining raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
11. Mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the raspberry mixture. Cook until thickened.
12. Allow the bars to cool completely, then spread the raspberry topping evenly over the surface.
13. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to make the glaze.
14. Drizzle the glaze over the raspberry topping.
15. Chill the bars for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use fresh lemons whenever possible for the brightest lemonade flavor and aroma.
Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour to keep the bars soft and tender.
Chill the bars before slicing to create clean bakery-style squares and improve the flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg