Description
Sweet, tangy, and bursting with fresh berry flavor, these Raspberry Lemonade Bars are the perfect easy dessert for spring and summer gatherings. Featuring a soft buttery base layered with vibrant raspberry lemonade topping and finished with a light lemon glaze, these dessert bars are refreshing, colorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you need quick dessert ideas, easy party treats, brunch desserts, picnic sweets, or fruity baked goods for holidays and celebrations, this easy recipe delivers bright citrus flavor and juicy raspberry goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup whole milk
2 cups raspberries
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook until thickened, then let cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
5. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients while alternating with milk.
7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. Spoon the raspberry mixture over the batter and gently swirl with a knife.
9. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
10. Allow the bars to cool completely before glazing.
11. Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
12. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
13. Slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest lemonade flavor and best overall taste.
Chill the bars before slicing for cleaner cuts and more defined layers.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bars soft, moist, and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: raspberry lemonade bars, easy dessert bars, summer dessert, lemon raspberry dessert, fruity dessert bars, easy baking recipe, brunch desserts, picnic desserts