These Raspberry Lemon Crumble Bars combine a buttery crust, tangy raspberry-lemon filling, and a sweet drizzle for a perfect balance of flavors. Customize based on your raspberry sweetness. A perfect refreshing summer dessert.
2c.(240g)raspberriesfresh or frozen (thaw and drain)
¼c.(65g)granulated sugarsee note below
2tbsp.lemon juicefresh is best
1tbsp.lemon zest
1tbsp.cornstarch
¼tsp.salt
Sweet Drizzle:
¾c.(90g)powdered sugarsifted
1tbsp.lemon juice or milk - adjust for consistency
½tsp.vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat and Pan Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
Prepare the Crust and Crumble: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and vanilla extract. Use a pastry cutter or fingers to work butter into flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for the crumble topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the pan to form the crust.
Bake Crust: Bake for 20–22 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
Make the Raspberry Lemon Filling: Taste raspberries to determine sweetness. In a medium bowl, mix raspberries, ¼ to ½ cup sugar (based on sweetness), lemon juice, lemon zest, cornstarch, and salt. Gently mash some raspberries, leaving others whole.
Assemble Bars: Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the filling.
Bake Assembled Bars: Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes, until the crumble is golden and the filling is bubbly. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Cool and Cut: Let bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 1–2 hours) for clean slices. Lift bars out using parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares.
Add the Sweet Drizzle: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice or milk. Add more liquid (½ tsp at a time) until pourable but thick. Stir in vanilla extract. Drizzle glaze over cooled bars in a zigzag pattern using a spoon or piping bag.
Video
Notes
Parchment Paper Tip:Wettingandcrumplingasheetofparchmentpaperbeforeliningthe8x8-inchpanmakesiteasiertofitintocornersandensuressmoothremovalofthebars.
Sweetness Adjustment: Taste raspberries before mixing to choose the right sugar amount.
Sweet Raspberries: 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
Moderately sweet raspberries: 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
Tart raspberries: 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
Drizzle Suggestion: The sweet drizzle balances tartness, so don’t skip it if berries are tangy.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight.