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The crust of these Zesty Raspberry Lemonade Bars forms the foundation that supports the vibrant, tangy filling. Understanding each ingredient helps ensure that your bars turn out perfectly every time.

Raspberry Lemonade Bars

Indulge in the refreshing taste of summer with Zesty Raspberry Lemonade Bars! These delicious treats feature a tart raspberry and lemon filling nestled in a buttery crust. Discover the step-by-step process to create these easy-to-make bars, along with their health benefits and creative variations. Perfect for picnics or as a delightful dessert at home, these bars are sure to impress. Get ready to elevate your dessert game and enjoy every zesty bite!
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Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup powdered sugar

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

½ teaspoon salt

For the Raspberry Lemonade Filling:

1 cup fresh raspberries (reserve a few for garnish)

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 medium lemons)

Zest of 2 lemons

¼ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

For the Topping:

Additional powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the edges for easy lifting later.

    Make the Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture achieves a texture similar to coarse crumbs. Evenly press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring it covers the entire base.

      Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly as you prepare the filling.

        Prepare the Raspberry Filling: In a blender or food processor, puree the fresh raspberries until smooth. If desired, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds for a smoother texture.

          Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, eggs, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, baking powder, and the raspberry puree. Whisk the mixture together until all ingredients are fully combined and result in a smooth filling.

            Bake Again: Carefully pour the raspberry lemonade filling over the cooled crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned.

              Cool and Slice: Once the baking time is complete, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the dish. After cooling, use the overhang of the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles according to your preference.

                Serve: Optionally dust the top of the bars with extra powdered sugar for a sweet finish. For an elegant touch, garnish with reserved fresh raspberries and a few sprigs of mint leaves before serving.

                  Prep Time | Total Time | Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 12-16 servings