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Lemon Raspberry Swirl Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 90 reviews
  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 bars 1x

Description

Lemon Raspberry Swirl Bars combine the tartness of fresh lemon with the sweetness of raspberries in a soft, buttery base. Perfect for a quick and delightful dessert, these bars feature a beautiful marbled effect and a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Ideal for any occasion, they are easy to make with simple ingredients and offer a refreshing burst of citrusy and fruity flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Raspberry Swirl

  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Topping

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
  2. Mix the Base: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. Add the melted unsalted butter, large egg, and vanilla extract, then mix until a smooth batter forms.
  3. Spread the Mixture: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula to form a level base layer for the bars.
  4. Prepare the Raspberry Mixture: In a separate bowl, mash the fresh raspberries gently with a fork until slightly chunky. Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to create a flavorful swirl mixture.
  5. Create the Swirl: Spoon dollops of the raspberry-lemon mixture over the batter in the baking dish. Using a knife or toothpick, gently swirl the raspberry mixture into the batter to create an attractive marbled pattern.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool and Dust: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. If parchment paper was used, lift the bars out carefully, then cool completely on a wire rack. Dust the top with powdered sugar before slicing into squares and serving.

Notes

  • For an extra zing, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter.
  • You can substitute blueberries for raspberries for a different fruity flavor.
  • Enjoy these bars chilled for a refreshing treat, especially on warm days.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
  • Do not overmix the batter; some lumps are okay.
  • Let the bars chill in the fridge before serving for more intense flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon bars, raspberry swirl bars, lemon dessert, raspberry dessert, baked bars, fruity bars, easy dessert, summer dessert, sweet and tart dessert

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Find it online: https://mealsbylana.com/lemon-raspberry-swirl-bars-recipe/