If you’re craving a bright, luscious dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet, these Lemon Raspberry Bars Recipe are an absolute must-try. Imagine a buttery gluten-free shortbread crust topped with a creamy, tangy lemon and fresh raspberry filling that bursts with flavor in every bite. They’re vibrant, refreshing, and simple enough to whip up for a casual gathering or a special brunch treat. Once you’ve made these bars, they’ll quickly become your go-to when you want a dessert that’s both elegant and utterly comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of several baking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a clear glass bowl filled with bright red raspberries. Surrounding it, there are three white eggs, two whole yellow lemons, a small white bowl of white granulated sugar, a small white bowl of white powder (likely baking powder), a white bowl filled with white flour, two sticks of pale-yellow butter still wrapped in paper, and a small white jug containing amber-colored liquid, possibly vanilla or syrup. The composition is clean and bright, with each ingredient clearly visible and separated. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Lemon Raspberry Bars Recipe shines because of its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one lends a special touch—whether it’s the rich butter crafting the perfect shortbread or the fresh raspberries adding their jewel-like color and flavor. Whipping up these bars requires pantry staples that come together to create magic in the kitchen.

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides a rich, creamy base for the shortbread crust, ensuring a tender yet sturdy bottom layer.
½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough to balance the tartness of the lemons without overpowering the flavors.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the buttery crust, elevating every bite.
1 tsp lemon zest: Infuses the crust with a fresh citrus aroma that hints at the filling’s bright flavors.
2 cups gluten free flour: The structure of the crust, keeping it crumbly and gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
½ cup gluten free flour: Used again in the filling to help it set beautifully while keeping that tender texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness for the filling to balance the natural tartness of the lemon and raspberries.
3 eggs: Essential for binding the filling and providing a custard-like consistency.
¾ cup mashed raspberries: Bursting with pure raspberry flavor and a gorgeous pink hue, they make the bars look as stunning as they taste.
½ cup lemon juice: The star of the filling, delivering vibrant citrus zing that pairs perfectly with the raspberries.
1 tbsp lemon zest: Adds an extra punch of citrus fragrance, deepening the lemon flavor in the filling.
Powdered sugar (optional garnish): A delicate dusting that adds a pretty finishing touch, making these bars look irresistible.

How to Make Lemon Raspberry Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

First things first, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes taking the bars out effortless later on. Trust me, this little prep step saves a lot of frustration.

Step 2: Create the Shortbread Crust

In your stand mixer bowl, toss in the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Beat these together for about a minute until they’re perfectly combined and fluffy. This mixture is the buttery base that forms the foundation of your bars, giving both flavor and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Gluten Free Flour for Structure

Next, add the 2 cups of gluten free flour. Stir just until it comes together to form a thick dough. You want to handle this mixture gently so your shortbread crust stays tender, yet firm enough to hold the luscious filling that’s coming up.

Step 4: Press and Bake the Crust

Press your dough into an even layer in the prepared pan. Aim for a smooth surface so your bars bake evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown and the center feels set. This creates the perfect base for the tangy filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling Blend

While your shortbread is baking, mix the remaining ½ cup gluten free flour with 1 cup granulated sugar in a bowl. Then add in the eggs, mashed raspberries, ½ cup lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest. Stir everything together until well combined. This mixture is creamy with natural texture from the raspberries, packing an intense citrus and berry punch.

Step 6: Add Filling and Finish Baking

Once your shortbread layer is out of the oven, pour the filling evenly over the hot crust. Return the pan to bake for another 20 minutes. The filling should be mostly set but still have a slight jiggle in the center—this juicy texture makes these bars extra addictive.

Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy

When baking is complete, take the pan out and allow the bars to cool completely. To speed this up, chilling in the fridge works wonders. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if you like, slice into squares, and prepare for smiles all around.

How to Serve Lemon Raspberry Bars Recipe

The image shows square dessert bars placed on a white marbled surface, each bar having three layers: a golden-baked base layer, a thick middle layer of reddish fruit with a textured, moist appearance, topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar. One square in the center is garnished with a glossy, bright yellow lemon wedge that highlights its juicy texture and contrasts with the red fruit layer beneath. The bars are evenly spaced with clear sharp edges, presenting a clean and fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A delicate dusting of powdered sugar creates a beautiful contrast with the vibrant pink filling and adds a touch of sweetness. For a little extra flair, consider a few fresh raspberries on top or a thin slice of lemon zest twisted elegantly—simple details that make presentation pop.

Side Dishes

These bars are delightfully rich on their own but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the tartness. For brunch, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a refreshing mint tea to keep flavors light and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting these bars into bite-sized squares skewered with decorative cocktail sticks for a party appetizer. Or layer them in a clear glass with whipped cream and fresh berries to create a stunning trifle. Presentation is where you can let your creativity shine and make this recipe your own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Lemon Raspberry Bars Recipe is cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, maintaining their fresh flavor and luscious texture.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, these bars freeze very well. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When stored properly, they last up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

Since these bars feature a custard-like filling, it’s best to enjoy them chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them slightly warmed, gently heat in the microwave in 10-second bursts—just enough to take the chill off without losing that delicate texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of mashed?

Fresh raspberries are certainly delicious, but mashing them releases juices that blend beautifully into the filling for that perfect balance of flavor and texture. You can lightly mash fresh berries or even use frozen, thawed ones if fresh aren’t available.

Is this Lemon Raspberry Bars Recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely! This recipe uses gluten free flour, making it a wonderful treat for those avoiding gluten. Just be sure that all your ingredients, especially leavening agents or flours, say gluten-free to keep it safe.

Can I substitute the butter with a vegan alternative?

You can try using a vegan butter or margarine substitute, but it may slightly affect the texture and richness. The buttery flavor is a key component, so choose a high-quality vegan butter to get the closest results.

How tart are these bars? Can they be adjusted for sweetness?

These bars strike a lovely balance where tart lemon and raspberry flavors shine, but the sugar in the filling tempers the sour notes nicely. If you prefer sweeter bars, you can increase the sugar slightly, but the natural tartness is what makes them so refreshing.

Can I make these bars without a stand mixer?

Definitely! While a stand mixer makes the crust preparation easier, you can mix the ingredients by hand using a sturdy spoon or whisk. Just be sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Raspberry Bars Recipe is one of those rare treats that feels special every time you make it, yet remains wonderfully simple. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just to brighten your own day, these bars deliver a burst of sunshine in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and fall in love with how such a few ingredients can create such a memorable dessert.