Description
Raspberry Lemon Tart Bars combine the bright, zesty freshness of lemon with the sweet, juicy burst of raspberries, all baked into a buttery, tender crust. These visually stunning bars are easy to prepare, making them perfect for any occasion from casual desserts to celebrations. With adaptable ingredients and a balance of tart and sweet flavors, they are sure to delight your taste buds and impress guests.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup sugar
For the Lemon Filling
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh raspberries and thin lemon slices, for garnish
- Whipped cream or mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Start by creaming the softened butter with sugar until smooth and fluffy. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into a parchment-lined 8×8 or 9×13 inch baking pan to create the base.
- Bake the crust: Place the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden and firm. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Make the lemon filling: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar until well combined. This mixture provides the refreshing tartness balanced with sweetness.
- Add raspberries: Evenly scatter fresh raspberries over the baked crust. Carefully pour the lemon filling over the berries, allowing them to peek through the filling.
- Bake the tart bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the bars for at least one hour to ensure clean slices and enhanced flavors. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with extra raspberries or lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons and raspberries for the best flavor brightness.
- Mix crust dough just until combined to keep it tender and avoid toughness.
- Distribute raspberries evenly to prevent clumping and ensure every bite has berry flavor.
- Remove the tart from the oven when the filling is slightly jiggly; residual heat will finish setting it.
- Chill the bars thoroughly before slicing to achieve clean, attractive pieces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of recipe)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: raspberry lemon tart bars, lemon dessert, berry tart bars, easy baking, summer dessert, citrus dessert