These Raspberry Lemon Tart Bars are the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a buttery, crumbly crust, a luscious lemon filling, and a vibrant raspberry topping. If you’re craving something fresh, light, and absolutely irresistible, this is your new go-to dessert. Imagine biting into the tangy lemon filling, with just the right amount of sweetness, paired with the burst of juicy raspberries on top. These bars are like sunshine in dessert form and will brighten up any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a dinner party, or just a moment to treat yourself.
Why You’ll Love Raspberry Lemon Tart Bars
Zesty Lemon Filling The tangy lemon filling adds the perfect balance to the sweetness of the raspberries.
Buttery Crust The base of these bars is rich and buttery, providing the perfect foundation for the lemon and raspberry combo.
Bright & Refreshing The citrusy lemon and the juicy raspberries make these bars incredibly refreshing.
Easy to Make No need to fuss with fancy techniques—these bars come together quickly and easily.
Crowd-Pleasing This dessert is light, bright, and irresistible, so it’s sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Raspberry Lemon Tart Bars
These tart bars are made with simple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor.
Butter This gives the crust its rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while also adding depth to the overall flavor.
Granulated Sugar Sweetens the crust and the filling, balancing out the tartness of the lemon and raspberries.
Flour The base of the crust—simple but effective in giving it that satisfying crunch.
Lemon Zest Adds a punch of fresh citrus flavor to the filling.
Fresh Lemon Juice The key to the tart, tangy flavor that makes these bars so irresistible.
Eggs Help bind the filling together for a smooth and creamy texture.
Raspberries Fresh or frozen, these berries add a burst of fruity goodness that takes these bars to the next level.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Here’s how to make these delightful Raspberry Lemon Tart Bars:
Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Make the Crust
In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Prepare the Lemon Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar until smooth. Add the flour and mix again until fully incorporated. This will form the tangy lemon filling that will top your crust.
Add the Raspberries
Carefully spoon the raspberry mixture over the lemon filling, arranging the berries evenly. You can use fresh or frozen raspberries, depending on what you have on hand.
Bake to Perfection
Pour the lemon filling mixture over the baked crust and smooth it out with a spatula. Return to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden around the edges.
Cool & Serve
Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before slicing them into squares. Top with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 bars
Calories per serving: Approx. 200-250
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
How to Serve Raspberry Lemon Tart Bars
These tart bars are delicious on their own, but here are some fun ways to serve them:
- With Whipped Cream A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the tangy bars.
- With Fresh Mint A sprig of mint on top makes these bars even more refreshing and adds a pop of color.
- As Part of a Dessert Platter Serve these tart bars alongside other small desserts like cookies or brownies for a delightful treat tray.
- With a Scoop of Sorbet A scoop of raspberry or lemon sorbet pairs perfectly for an extra burst of fruitiness.
Additional Tips
- Use Room Temperature Eggs Room temperature eggs mix better and help create a smoother filling.
- Don’t Overmix the Filling Gently mix the filling ingredients so you don’t deflate the mixture, which could affect the texture.
- Frozen Raspberries Work Too If you’re using frozen raspberries, don’t thaw them before adding them to the bars. They’ll hold their shape better when baked.
- Make-Ahead These bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for an even firmer texture.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice will give the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
2. Can I use other berries instead of raspberries?
Yes! Blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries would work wonderfully in place of raspberries.
3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
4. How do I store leftover tart bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
5. Can I freeze these tart bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
6. Can I add a glaze on top?
A lemon glaze would be a delicious addition! Just mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and drizzle it over the cooled bars.
7. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The filling should be set and lightly golden around the edges when done. You can also give the pan a gentle shake—it should jiggle slightly but not be too liquid.
8. Can I make these bars dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the filling.
9. Can I make these bars with a pre-made crust?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust or shortbread crust.
10. Can I serve these bars warm?
While these bars are best served chilled, you can enjoy them warm if you prefer. Just allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Conclusion
These Raspberry Lemon Tart Bars are the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with a buttery crust that adds just the right crunch. Whether you’re hosting a party or just in the mood for a refreshing, citrusy dessert, these bars will quickly become a favorite. Give them a try, and prepare to wow everyone with your new baking masterpiece!
Print
Raspberry Lemon Tart Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Raspberry Lemon Tart Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and tart. A buttery shortbread crust, a creamy lemon filling, and a layer of fresh raspberries make these bars a delightful treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
**For the crust:**
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
**For the filling:**
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1 tbsp lemon zest
– 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (for topping)
– Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until the dough forms a crumbly texture.
3. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish to form an even crust layer. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
4. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, and flour until smooth.
5. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
6. Once the crust is finished baking, pour the lemon filling over the warm crust and bake for an additional 18-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges.
7. Let the tart cool completely in the baking dish, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
8. Once chilled, top with fresh raspberries and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
9. Cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
– You can substitute the raspberries with other berries like blueberries or strawberries if preferred.
– For extra tang, you can increase the lemon zest or add a little lemon extract to the filling.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
– These bars can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg