Zesty Lemon-Raspberry Bars With A Crumbly Topping

I first tried Lemon-Raspberry Crumb Bars a few years ago and I was instantly hooked. These bars are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. The sweet and tart flavors of the lemon and raspberry work together beautifully and the crumbly topping adds the perfect crunchy texture. The recipe is easy to follow and comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight desserts.

Lemon-Raspberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ⅔ cup raspberry baking chips
• 1 (10 ounce) jar lemon curd
• ½ cup raspberry preserves
• 2 tablespoons raspberry liqueur

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and both sugars until the mixture is combined.
• Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly.
• Spread half of the crumb mixture into an ungreased 8×8 inch baking pan.
• Sprinkle the raspberry baking chips over the crumb mixture.
• Spread the lemon curd over the baking chips.
• Spread the raspberry preserves over the lemon curd.
• Drizzle the raspberry liqueur over the raspberry preserves.
• Top with the remaining crumb mixture.
• Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown.
• Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
• Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 197
• Fat: 7.2g
• Carbohydrates: 30.8g
• Protein: 1.2g
• Sugar: 16.8g
• Sodium: 30mg

What makes lemon-raspberry crumb bars a great summer dessert?

Lemon-raspberry crumb bars are a summer dessert favorite because they combine a tart, fruity flavor with a crunchy and sweet crumb topping. The tangy raspberry flavor complements the bright lemon zest, while the crumb topping provides a contrast in texture. These bars are a portable and easy-to-make dessert that can be enjoyed at a picnic or any summer gathering.

The combination of zesty lemon and tart raspberry is what makes these bars so great. The addition of fresh lemon zest to the batter brings out the tart flavor of the raspberry, while the crumb topping gives a crunchy contrast to the sweet, moist bars. The raspberry also adds a vibrant red hue to the dessert, making it a beautiful addition to any table.

Making lemon-raspberry crumb bars is also a breeze. They require simple ingredients, come together quickly, and can be made ahead of time. The bars are easily transported and can be served at room temperature, meaning no need for reheating or cooling.

In conclusion, lemon-raspberry crumb bars make a great summer dessert because of their flavorful combination of tart raspberry and zesty lemon, as well as their ease of preparation. They are a portable and delicious dessert perfect for any outdoor gathering.

What are the health benefits of the ingredients used in lemon-raspberry crumb bars?

The health benefits of the ingredients used in lemon-raspberry crumb bars are plentiful. The combination of these ingredients provides a nutritious snack that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

• Whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour is a great source of dietary fiber, protein, and a range of vitamins and minerals. It also helps to lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Lemon zest: Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and keeps skin healthy. Lemon zest also adds a great flavor to any recipe.
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a great source of healthy fats, which can help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels. It is also packed with antioxidants, which can help protect against free radical damage and reduce the risk of some diseases.
• Almonds: Almonds are a great source of protein, dietary fiber, and healthy fats. They are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and manganese.
• Raspberries: Raspberries are a great source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. They are also packed with antioxidants, which can help protect against free radical damage and reduce the risk of some diseases.

Overall, the ingredients used in lemon-raspberry crumb bars provide a nutritious snack with a variety of health benefits.

How can lemon-raspberry crumb bars be customized to suit individual tastes?

Lemon-raspberry crumb bars can be easily customized to suit individual tastes. With some simple changes to the ingredients and baking instructions, these bars can be transformed to suit a variety of different flavors.

For a more tart flavor, extra lemon juice can be added to the crumb topping and/or the filling to give the bars a zesty kick. Alternately, for a sweeter taste, more raspberry preserves and/or sugar can be incorporated. To make the bars even more indulgent, white chocolate chips can be added to the crumb topping or a layer of chocolate ganache can be spread over the top. For a more savory flavor, spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can be added to the crumb topping or the filling.

For those looking to make a gluten-free version of lemon-raspberry crumb bars, simply substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour called for in the recipe. Additionally, oats can be used in place of the flour in the crumb topping for a more wholesome version.

With creativity and imagination, lemon-raspberry crumb bars can be customized to suit any individual’s tastes. Whether looking for a sweeter, tart, savory, or gluten-free version, these bars can easily be transformed with only a few simple changes.

What is the history of the lemon-raspberry crumb bars dessert?

The lemon-raspberry crumb bars dessert has been around since the early 2000s, when it first started appearing in magazines and cookbooks. While the precise origin of the recipe is unknown, it has become a popular treat due to its simple preparation, delicious flavor, and attractive presentation.

The classic lemon-raspberry crumb bars dessert is a layered combination of buttery crumbs, a tart lemon filling, and a sweet raspberry topping. The crumb layer is made with a combination of butter, flour, sugar, and salt, and is usually pressed into the bottom of a baking dish. The lemon filling combines fresh lemon juice, sugar, and eggs, while the raspberry topping is usually made with raspberries, sugar, and water.

The lemon-raspberry crumb bars dessert has become an increasingly popular treat in recent years. It is a popular choice for potlucks, picnics, and other gatherings, and can be pre-made and stored in an airtight container for up to three days. It can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent treat.

The lemon-raspberry crumb bars dessert is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is sure to please. Whether you are looking for a simple, tasty snack or a show-stopping dessert, the lemon-raspberry crumb bars are sure to fit the bill.

How can lemon-raspberry crumb bars be served to make a memorable dessert experience?

Lemon-Raspberry Crumb Bars can make a memorable dessert experience when served with a dollop of freshly-whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of raspberry sauce. These decadent bars are the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

When serving Lemon-Raspberry Crumb Bars, be sure to give each guest a generous portion. A perfect way to present them is to either cut them into square bars or into individual triangles. The bars should be dusted with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar to add a bit of sweetness and to make them look extra special.

Adding a few extra touches can also make the dessert experience even more memorable. For example, placing a few fresh raspberries around the plate or adding a few sprigs of mint can make the presentation more elegant. If desired, you can also add a few drops of raspberry liqueur or raspberry extract to the freshly-whipped cream for an added layer of flavor.

Lemon-Raspberry Crumb Bars are a scrumptious dessert that can easily be served to make a memorable experience. Whether enjoyed with a dollop of freshly-whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of raspberry sauce, these decadent bars are sure to impress any guest.