There’s something magical about the combination of zesty lemon and sweet raspberries. Imagine a sunny afternoon, the scent of fresh fruit wafting through the air, and a plate of Quick and Easy Lemon Raspberry Squares sitting enticingly on your picnic blanket. These delightful squares are not just desserts; they’re a celebration in every bite. With a buttery crust, tangy lemon filling, and vibrant raspberry swirls, they promise to whisk you away to flavor paradise. For more inspiration, check out this more delicious dessert recipes recipe.
Now, picture this: you’ve just had a long week at work, and all you want is something sweet that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. That’s where these gems come in—perfect for a spontaneous gathering or an evening treat while binge-watching your favorite show. The balance of tart and sweet will make your taste buds dance, and before you know it, you’ll be the star of every potluck. So grab your apron; let’s create some culinary magic!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dessert is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy days when you crave something sweet
- The lively flavors combine beautifully for an unforgettable taste experience
- Its cheerful appearance brightens up any occasion, from brunches to birthday parties
- Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature; they’re versatile enough for any time!
I once took these lemon raspberry squares to a family picnic and watched as my cousin declared them “life-changing.” Who knew that a simple dessert could cause such a stir?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use standard flour for a light texture; sifting helps avoid clumps.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives the crust its rich flavor; don’t skip this step!
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice provides vibrant acidity; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it.
- Lemon Zest: Use zest for extra citrus notes; it makes the flavor pop beautifully.
- Eggs: They help bind the filling together; use large eggs for best results.
- Fresh Raspberries: Choose plump berries for their sweet-tart goodness; frozen works too if fresh isn’t available.
- Powdered Sugar: Perfect for dusting on top; it adds that little touch of elegance.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get out an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This will make removing those squares much easier later!
Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add flour and mix until crumbly; then press into the bottom of your prepared pan evenly.
Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. You want it firm enough to hold everything together but soft enough to melt in your mouth.
Make the Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour until smooth and well-combined. The mixture should look silky with bright citrus notes wafting up.
Add Raspberries: Gently fold in fresh raspberries into your lemon mixture. Watch as those ruby gems create swirls of loveliness throughout!
Bake Again!: Pour the filling over your baked crust and return everything to the oven. Bake for another 20-25 minutes until set—look for a slight jiggle in the center that suggests pure deliciousness.
Let them cool completely before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving—it gives them that dreamy finish!
Enjoy these Quick and Easy Lemon Raspberry Squares at your next gathering or simply as an indulgent treat during some well-deserved downtime! They are bound to impress everyone who tries them—just like my cousin!
You Must Know
- These Quick and Easy Lemon Raspberry Squares are a delightful treat that balances tartness with sweetness
- Their vibrant colors and refreshing taste make them perfect for summer gatherings or cozy afternoons
- Plus, they’re so simple you might just find yourself making them every week!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To maximize flavor, start by preparing the crust first. While it bakes, mix your lemon filling. This two-step process ensures everything is perfectly timed and results in a deliciously harmonious dessert.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap raspberries for blueberries or strawberries for a different flavor twist. You can also add a sprinkle of coconut flakes or a dash of vanilla extract to elevate the lemony goodness!
Storing & Reheating
Store your lemon raspberry squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature; just let them sit out for about 10 minutes before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For best results, use fresh lemons for zest and juice—they enhance flavor beautifully
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted to create the right texture in your crust
- Allow the squares to cool completely before cutting for clean edges
I remember the first time I made these lemon raspberry squares; my friends devoured them in minutes! Their laughter filled the kitchen as they begged for seconds, which truly warmed my heart.
FAQ
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen raspberries work well but may release extra moisture during baking.
How do I know when my squares are done?
The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when done.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! They store well in the fridge for up to a week before serving.
Quick and Easy Lemon Raspberry Squares
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 9 servings 1x
Description
Quick and Easy Lemon Raspberry Squares are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances zesty lemon and sweet raspberry flavors. With a buttery crust and vibrant filling, these squares are simple to make and ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, these delicious bites promise to impress. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing treat that brightens up your day!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- For the crust, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Gradually add flour, mixing until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- While it bakes, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour until smooth.
- Gently fold in fresh raspberries into the lemon mixture.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg