There’s something magical about the combination of tart lemon and sweet raspberry, isn’t there? Quick and easy lemon raspberry squares burst with a refreshing zing that dances on your taste buds like a joyous summer festival. These delightful treats have a buttery crust that crumbles perfectly, complemented by a luscious filling that’s both bright and indulgent. The aroma wafting from your kitchen will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a charming little bakery, where everything is made with love. For more inspiration, check out this easy breakfast ideas recipe.
Picture this: it’s a sunny afternoon, and you’re sitting on your porch, savoring these squares while sipping iced tea. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just because you deserve a treat, these lemon raspberry squares are bound to bring smiles all around. Trust me; once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This quick and easy lemon raspberry squares recipe takes minimal time and effort while delivering maximum flavor
- The vibrant colors make it visually stunning for any gathering
- They can easily be customized with different fruits for seasonal variations
- Perfect as a light dessert or an afternoon snack with tea!
Every time I bake these lemon raspberry squares, my friends ask me if I’ve discovered the secret to happiness. It’s hard to argue with them when we all end up smiling over dessert!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this delicious desserts and sweets recipe.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your crust; use fresh flour for best results.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your taste!
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for the crust; it brings richness and flavor.
- Fresh Lemons: You’ll need juice and zest; choose juicy lemons for maximum flavor.
- Raspberries: Fresh or frozen work well; either adds delightful color and tartness.
- Eggs: These provide structure; go for large eggs at room temperature for best mixing.
- Baking Powder: This helps create lightness in the filling; ensure it’s fresh for rising.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top; adds a lovely finishing touch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks.
Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and softened butter until you achieve a crumbly texture. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared dish.
Bake the Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until lightly golden. The aroma will start wafting through your house—trust me; it’s worth it!
Mix the Filling: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice and zest until smooth. Gently fold in raspberries without crushing them to keep those beautiful bursts of color intact.
Add Filling to Crust: Pour this zesty mixture over your baked crust evenly. Use a spatula to spread it out if needed.
Bake Again!: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set in the center. It should jiggle just slightly like you’re doing a happy dance!
Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature—it’s delicious either way!
Enjoy every mouthful of these quick and easy lemon raspberry squares! Whether sharing with friends or indulging alone (we won’t tell), they promise sunshine in every bite!
You Must Know
- These Quick and Easy Lemon Raspberry Squares are not only delicious but also super simple to make
- The bright flavors and gorgeous colors will impress anyone, making them perfect for any occasion
- Plus, they’re a delightful balance of tart and sweet, offering something special with every bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you mix the crust ingredients. Press the crust into the pan first before blending the filling to ensure a seamless process.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap raspberries with blueberries or strawberries for a different fruity twist. Adding a touch of almond extract can also elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store your lemon raspberry squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For best results, enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always zest your lemons before juicing them; it maximizes flavor
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the crust’s ideal texture
- Chill your squares well before cutting for cleaner slices and better presentation
It was during a sunny picnic that my friend took her first bite, her eyes lighting up like it was Christmas morning. She declared me a culinary genius, which felt pretty great, considering I almost burnt my first batch!
FAQ
Can I use frozen raspberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen raspberries work well; just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
How do I know when my lemon raspberry squares are done?
Look for a slightly golden top and firm edges; they should be set in the middle.
Can I make these lemon raspberry squares gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour as a substitute for regular flour in the crust.
Quick and Easy Lemon Raspberry Squares
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 squares 1x
Description
Quick and Easy Lemon Raspberry Squares are a delightful blend of tart lemon and juicy raspberry, all nestled in a buttery crust. These refreshing treats are perfect for sunny afternoons or gatherings, offering a burst of flavor that will brighten anyone’s day. With a simple preparation process, these squares are not only visually stunning but also customizable to suit your favorite fruits. Enjoy them chilled for a light dessert or snack that promises to leave you wanting more!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, and softened butter until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Bake the crust for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Gently fold in raspberries.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set in the center.
- Allow to cool, then dust with powdered sugar before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (40g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg