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When summer rolls around, the craving for refreshing and vibrant desserts becomes irresistible, and that’s where Raspberry Lemonade Bars come into play. These delightful treats perfectly encapsulate the essence of summer with their bright flavors and stunning presentation. With just the right balance of tartness from the lemons and sweetness from the raspberries, these bars are a tantalizing option for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while keeping things light and refreshing.

Raspberry Lemonade Bars

Dive into summer with these irresistible Raspberry Lemonade Bars! Bursting with bright flavors and a vibrant presentation, these treats perfectly balance tart lemons and sweet raspberries. They're easy to make, making them ideal for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. Enjoy them chilled for a refreshing dessert that feels light yet satisfying. Plus, garnishing with a drizzle of glaze adds an elegant touch. Experience the taste of summer in every bite!
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Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon salt

For the Lemonade Layer:

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 ½ cups fresh raspberries (or thawed frozen)

For the Glaze (optional):

½ cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal.

    Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

      Bake the crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

        Make the lemonade layer: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.

          Add the raspberries: Gently fold in the fresh raspberries, being careful not to break them too much, as you want some whole berries to create a lovely burst of flavor.

            Pour the filling: Carefully pour the raspberry lemonade mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly.

              Bake again: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.

                Cool and set: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the baking dish at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.

                  Prepare the glaze (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the chilled bars just before serving.

                    Slice and serve: Lift the bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve chilled for a refreshing treat!

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 min | 1 hr 10 min | 12 bars