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Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars

I’ve been whipping up a storm in the kitchen lately, and one of my all-time favorite treats has to be these Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars. Trust me, there’s something so refreshing and bright about the combination of tart lemon and sweet raspberries that just makes my heart sing. If you haven’t tried them yet, you absolutely should! They’re perfect for brunches, picnics, or even just a cozy night in.

What Are Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars?

At their core, Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert that combines a buttery crust, a zesty lemon filling, and beautifully tart raspberry goodness, all topped with a crumbly, sweet topping. They’re an absolute treat for those who love a little sweetness with a citrus punch. Plus, the crunchy crumble on top gives them that lovely texture contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Honestly, once you try these, you’ll understand what I mean!

Ingredients Overview for Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these gorgeous Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars. Feel free to mix things up with some substitutions if you’re low on supplies or looking for healthier alternatives!

All-purpose flour: This is the base for the crust and crumble.
Granulated sugar: For sweetness; you can also use coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Unsalted butter: Adds that rich, buttery flavor; margarine works if you need a dairy-free option.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best for that zingy flavor, but store-bought can work in a pinch.
Lemon zest: Adds brightness. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip it, but it really brightens the flavors!
Eggs: They help bind everything together; flax eggs can be a great vegan alternative.
Raspberries: Fresh or frozen will do; just make sure to thaw and drain if using frozen.
Baking powder: Helps the filling puff up a bit for a lighter texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these scrumptious bars! Just follow these simple steps.

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s always great to start with this so it’s nice and ready.
Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and melted butter until crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until it’s just lightly golden. Take it out and let it cool for a bit.
Make the Filling: Whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Stir in the raspberries gently.
Pour Filling Over Crust: Spread the lemon filling evenly over the cooled crust.
Prepare the Crumble Topping: Mix the remaining crust mixture with some extra butter until crumbly. Sprinkle it over the filling.
Bake Again: Return to the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and set.
Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. This is the hardest part!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars at room temperature or chilled, whichever you prefer! They’re also fantastic paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which adds that creamy goodness to the tartness of the bars. You can even sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for that extra wow factor.

Tips For the Perfect Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars

Don’t skip the zest: It adds so much flavor!
Use fresh raspberries for the best taste, but frozen work just fine in a bind.
Let them cool completely before slicing for cleaner edges.
Double the recipe for a crowd but remember to extend the baking time a little.

Q&A Section

Can I substitute the raspberries with other fruits? Absolutely! Blueberries, strawberries, or even peaches would work well.

How do I store leftover bars? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I freeze these bars? Yes! Just wrap them well and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

What if I don’t have all-purpose flour? You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend if needed.

Why You’ll Love It

These Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars are a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors that will wake up your taste buds. The buttery crust combined with the soft filling and crumbly top makes them a delight with each bite. Plus, they are super easy to whip up, so you get maximum dessert satisfaction without spending all-day baking in the kitchen. You’re going to love how quickly they disappear!

Behind The Scenes

When I first tried making these Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars, let’s just say, it was quite the adventure. I had a bit of a runaway raspberry situation where I completely mashed them, leaving a messy filling. But hey, the result was still delicious! After a couple of tries, I found a balance that worked like a charm. If you’re interested in seeing more of my culinary explorations, check out my Pinterest page for recipes and inspiration: MyRecipeCast on Pinterest. Just like with any kitchen experiment, it’s all about learning and having fun!

I hope you enjoy baking and indulging in these oh-so-delicious Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars as much as I do! Let me know how your adventure turns out!