Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars

Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars are made with a buttery crust, creamy lemon filling, and fresh raspberry swirls. They serve 12 and take about 20 minutes to prep. These bars are fruity, tangy, and sweet—perfect for summer snacks, parties, or dessert tables.

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🩷 Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars Recipe:

Beautiful swirled layers with eye-catching colors: Each bar features a marbled blend of bright raspberry and smooth lemon, making it not just delicious but also stunning for presentation. The natural colors pop without any artificial dyes.
Sweet-tart balance from raspberry and lemon: The fresh lemon filling brings a zesty brightness while the raspberry swirl adds fruity tartness, creating a perfectly balanced flavor that’s not too sweet and not too sour.
Great for parties, holidays, and spring/summer gatherings: Their fresh flavor and vibrant color make Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars ideal for Easter, baby showers, picnics, BBQs, and tea parties. They’re a hit at any festive event.
Buttery shortbread crust that melts in your mouth: The base of these bars is rich, crumbly, and buttery—just the right amount of contrast to the bright, smooth filling.

🍒 Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp salt

Lemon Filling:

1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest

Raspberry Swirl:

1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp lemon juice

🧁 Directions:

Make the crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment. Mix butter, flour, sugar, and salt until crumbly. Press into pan and bake for 15 minutes.
Prepare raspberry swirl: Heat raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Mash and cook until thickened. Strain seeds (optional).
Mix lemon filling: Whisk sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
Assemble: Pour lemon filling over warm crust. Drop raspberry mixture by spoonfuls on top and swirl with a knife.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the center is set. Cool completely.
Chill: Refrigerate for 1–2 hours before slicing.
Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and cut into bars.

💡 Recipe Tips

Use room-temperature eggs to mix smoothly and avoid lumps in the lemon filling.
Don’t over-swirl the raspberry sauce—it looks prettier with a few bold swirls.
Chill fully before slicing to get neat edges.
Double the lemon zest if you love strong citrus flavor.
Frozen raspberries work fine—just simmer a little longer to reduce extra water.
Add a pinch of salt to the lemon mix for flavor balance.
For thicker bars, use an 8×8 pan and bake a few minutes longer.
Make it gluten-free by using a GF flour blend in crust and filling.
Skip raspberry seeds by straining the sauce.
Decorate with fresh berries on top for a fancy look.

🍷 What To Serve With Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars?

Serve Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars with iced tea, a fruit salad or whipped cream. They pair well with coffee or lemonade too. These bars make a perfect finish to brunch, a tea party, or a summer picnic in the sun.

🧊 How To Store Leftovers Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars?

In the fridge: Place leftovers raspberry lemon swirl bars in an airtight container refrigerate up to 5 days. Always layer parchment between stacked bars.
In the freezer: Wrap each bar in plastic, then place in a freezer-safe bag freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

❓ FAQs

Can I make Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars ahead of time?

Yes, Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in the fridge the flavor actually improves as they chill.

Can I use bottled lemon juice in Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars?

Fresh lemon juice is best for Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars, but bottled works in a pinch expect slightly less vibrant flavor.

Are Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars gluten-free?

Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars are not gluten-free by default, but you can use gluten-free flour blends for the crust and filling.

What raspberries should I use in Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars?

Use either fresh or frozen raspberries in Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars frozen ones may need extra cooking time for the swirl.

Can I strain the seeds from Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars?

Yes, strain the raspberry mixture if you want seed-free Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars. It gives a smoother texture.

Can I use lime instead of lemon in Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars?

You can swap lemon for lime for a tropical twist on Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars, though it changes the flavor profile.

Are Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars healthy?

Raspberry Lemon Swirl Bars are a lighter dessert option compared to cakes, with real fruit and less fat if using Greek yogurt in the swirl.

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