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Lemon Raspberry Bars with zesty lemon and fresh raspberries on a plate

Lemon Raspberry Bars

Bright and tart lemon meets juicy raspberry in these glossy bars with a tender shortbread base, perfect for snacks or elegant party trays.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Bakery
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Shortbread Base
  • 2 1/4 cups 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (281 grams) Use unbleached, fresh flour for best texture.
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon corn starch
  • 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams) (melted) Use real unsalted butter for clean flavor.
For the Lemon Raspberry Filling
  • 2 cups 2 cup raspberries (250 grams) (fresh or frozen) Use ripe, fragrant berries or high-quality frozen ones.
  • 1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
  • 1/3 cup 1/3 cup corn starch (40 grams)
  • 6 large 6 large eggs Use room-temperature eggs for a smooth filling.
  • 3/4 cup 3/4 cup lemon juice (180 ml) (freshly squeezed) Fresh lemon juice is recommended for best flavor.
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup reduced raspberry puree (60 ml) Reserve from step 1 preparation.

Method
 

Preparation of Raspberry Puree
  1. Place 2 cups raspberries in a small saucepan over medium heat and smash gently. Stir constantly until the berries release juices and begin to simmer. Cook until the volume reduces by about half and the puree thickens slightly, then strain through a fine mesh to remove seeds. Reserve 1/4 cup reduced raspberry puree for the lemon layer.
Making the Shortbread Base
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk together flour, sugar, corn starch, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Pour in melted unsalted butter and stir until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into a lined 9x13-inch pan.
  3. Bake until the edges are golden, about 18–22 minutes, and let cool slightly.
Preparing the Lemon Raspberry Layer
  1. Lower oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large bowl, whisk sugar with corn starch. Whisk in eggs until smooth.
  2. Add lemon juice and reserved raspberry puree; whisk until fully combined.
  3. Pour the lemon-raspberry mixture over the warm shortbread base and return to oven.
  4. Bake until the filling is set at the edges but wobbles slightly in the center, about 25–30 minutes. Cool to room temperature, then chill for at least 3 hours before slicing.

Notes

Store bars in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.