The Zesty Raspberry Lemon Tart Bars Recipe You’ll Adore

Crafting a delightful raspberry lemon tart bars recipe promises a burst of vibrant flavors that dance across your palate.

Bright citrus notes intertwine with sweet, juicy berries in this elegant dessert.

Summer afternoons feel magical when you slice into these tangy-sweet treats.

Each bite combines silky smooth lemon curd with fresh raspberry intensity.

Delicate pastry creates a perfect crisp foundation for the luscious filling.

Light and refreshing, these bars become an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

What Tastes Great With Lemon Tart Bars

• Pair with Sparkling Rosé: Choose a light, fruity rosé champagne or sparkling wine that complements the tart's bright raspberry and lemon flavors, enhancing the dessert's zesty profile.
• Serve with Lavender Whipped Cream: Create a delicate lavender-infused whipped cream as a subtle, aromatic accompaniment that softens the tart's citrusy intensity and adds elegant complexity.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside the tart bars, providing a cool, creamy contrast that balances the dessert's tangy and sweet notes.
• Enjoy with Earl Grey Tea: Brew a fragrant Earl Grey tea with bergamot hints that harmonize beautifully with the lemon zest, creating a sophisticated and refreshing flavor combination.

Keep Raspberry Lemon Tart Bars Fresh and Bright

Wrap the tart bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping them in an airtight container. Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste.

Layer bars between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain texture. Alternatively, let bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften naturally.

Dust with powdered sugar or add fresh raspberries before serving to refresh the appearance and enhance the flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Thaw and drain them completely before mixing with sugar to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

• How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Freeze the crust before baking and pre-bake it until set. This helps create a barrier that prevents the filling from making the crust soggy.

• What if I don't have a food processor for the crust?

You can use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Mix wet ingredients by hand until the dough comes together.

• How can I tell if the filling is fully baked?

The filling is done when the center is set and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan. It should look slightly firm but not completely solid.

Why These Tart Bars Hit All the Notes

• Craft Simple Dessert: Raspberry Lemon Tart Bars blend classic flavors with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for bakers wanting a delightful treat without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Versatile recipe works beautifully for family gatherings, potlucks, summer parties, or casual weekend desserts that everyone will love and appreciate.
• Quick Preparation Magic: Straightforward ingredients and uncomplicated steps mean you can create a gorgeous dessert without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy home cooks seeking delicious results.
• Flavor Explosion: Tangy lemon and sweet raspberries create a vibrant taste combination that balances tartness and sweetness, delivering a refreshing and memorable dessert experience.

What Goes in Raspberry Lemon Tart Bars

• Flour: A base ingredient that provides structure for the tart bar.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Cold Butter: Creates a flaky and rich texture in the crust.
• Buttermilk, Egg Yolks, Vanilla: Provide moisture, richness, and depth of flavor.

• Raspberries: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Sugar: Sweetens the raspberries and filling.
• Eggs: Bind the filling and create a smooth, custard-like texture.
• Flour: Helps thicken the filling.
• Lemon Zest: Provides bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic notes.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness and balances the sweetness.

• Plastic Wrap: Used for chilling and storing the tart bars.
• 8×8 Pan: The baking vessel that shapes the tart bars.

How to Make Raspberry Lemon Tart Bars Today

Step 1: Mix Crust Ingredients

Grab your food processor and combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Pulse these dry ingredients until well mixed.

Slice cold butter into small chunks and add to the processor. Pulse until the mixture looks like tiny pebbles.

In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. While the processor runs, slowly pour in the wet ingredients and mix until the dough starts clumping together.

Step 2: Chill and Shape Crust

Transfer the dough onto plastic wrap and shape into a smooth disc. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for one hour or freeze for 15-20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.

Press the chilled dough evenly across the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Freeze the pan for an additional 20 minutes.

Step 3: Partially Bake Crust

Remove the plastic wrap and bake the crust for 20-25 minutes until set but not golden brown. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.

Step 4: Prepare Raspberry Topping

In a bowl, gently mix raspberries with sugar. Let the berries sit and release their juices while preparing the filling.

Step 5: Create Lemon Filling

• Eggs
• Remaining sugar
• Flour
• Lemon zest

Mix until the color turns pale yellow. Stir in lemon juice until fully combined.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake Bars

Scatter prepared raspberries over the warm crust. Pour any raspberry juice into the lemon filling and whisk again.

Pour the lemon filling evenly over the raspberries and crust. Bake at 325°F for 20-30 minutes until the center is set and no longer wobbles.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow bars to cool completely before slicing. Serve immediately or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.

The bars can be stored wrapped in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 2-3 days.

Tricks to Get Tart Bars Just Right

• Refrigerate or freeze the crust dough to prevent shrinking and maintain a crisp texture during baking.
• Macerate raspberries with sugar to release natural juices and intensify their sweet-tart flavor without breaking the delicate fruit.
• Par-bake the crust before adding filling to create a barrier that keeps the bottom layer crisp and prevents liquid absorption.
• Scatter raspberries evenly across the crust to ensure consistent fruit in every bite and prevent clumping.
• Allow the tart to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate to set the filling and enhance flavor development.

Raspberry Tart Bars You Can Twist Creatively

• Berry Bliss Bars: Swap raspberries with a mixed berry blend of strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a colorful and vibrant fruit medley.
• Tropical Paradise Tart: Replace lemon zest and juice with fresh orange or lime juice, adding shredded coconut to the crust for a Caribbean-inspired treat.
• Lavender Lemon Dream: Infuse the filling with dried lavender flowers, creating a delicate floral undertone that complements the bright citrus notes.
• Almond Raspberry Crunch: Incorporate ground almonds into the crust and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for added texture and nutty flavor.

Raspberry Lemon Tart Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful raspberry lemon tart bars blend zesty citrus with sweet berry essence, creating a perfect summer dessert. Creamy filling nestled on a buttery crust promises refreshing flavors you’ll savor with each elegant bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/3 cups raspberries
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2/3 cup lemon juice

Supporting Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 2 large egg yolks
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Finishing Ingredients:

• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundation by combining buttermilk, egg yolks, and vanilla in a compact vessel. Set aside momentarily.
2. Utilize a food processor to blend flour, powdered sugar, and salt into a uniform mixture.
3. Incorporate cold butter and pulse until the texture resembles coarse pebbles.
4. Stream wet ingredients while processor operates, allowing dough to cohesively form.
5. Transfer dough onto plastic wrap, shape into a compact disc, and refrigerate for 60 minutes or freeze for 15-20 minutes.
6. Heat oven to 375F (190C).
7. Gently press chilled dough into a greased 8×8 pan, ensuring complete bottom coverage and slight side elevation.
8. Freeze prepared crust for 20 minutes, then bake for 20-25 minutes until firmly set but not golden.
9. Reduce oven temperature to 325F (163C).
10. Delicately combine raspberries with sugar, allowing natural juices to emerge.
11. Whisk eggs, remaining sugar, flour, and lemon zest until achieving a pale yellow consistency.
12. Integrate lemon juice thoroughly into the mixture.
13. Distribute macerated raspberries across warm crust.
14. Pour raspberry liquid into lemon filling, whisking again, then evenly spread over crust.
15. Bake at 325F for 20-30 minutes until center stabilizes and no longer trembles.
16. Allow complete cooling before slicing.
17. Serve immediately or refrigerate overnight to enhance flavor complexity.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent shrinkage and ensure a crisp, flaky crust that holds its shape perfectly.
• Macerate raspberries with sugar to release natural juices, intensifying their sweetness and creating a more vibrant flavor profile.
• Use room temperature eggs for the filling to guarantee smooth, even mixing and a silky texture without lumps.
• Consider swapping raspberries with other seasonal berries like blackberries or strawberries for delightful flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 203 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 37 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 57 mg