Indulging in a slice of quick and easy lemon raspberry squares is like a mini-vacation for your taste buds. Picture this: a zesty lemon flavor dancing playfully with the sweet, tart burst of fresh raspberries, all embraced by a buttery crust that crumbles just perfectly. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and making you wonder if you’ve stumbled upon a secret dessert recipe from the heavens. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
- How can I make these squares gluten-free?
- What’s the best way to serve these squares?
- 📖 Recipe Card
These lemon raspberry squares aren’t just a treat; they’re a celebration. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon picnic or a family gathering, these delightful bites will have everyone reaching for seconds while you bask in the glory of your culinary prowess. Trust me; you’ll be the star of any occasion.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] The preparation is so simple that even a kitchen novice can whip it up effortlessly. Bursting with vibrant flavors, this dessert is sure to impress your guests. Its stunning presentation makes it perfect for any special event or casual get-together. Best of all, it’s versatile enough to adapt with different fruits throughout the year. [/info_box]
The first time I made these squares, my friends couldn’t believe how quickly they disappeared—they thought I had summoned some magical baking powers!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that gives structure to the crust; use fresh flour for best results.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling and balances the tanginess of lemon and raspberries.
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for an easy blend into the crust; it adds richness and flavor.
- Fresh Lemons: Choose bright, firm lemons for juicing; their zest will elevate the flavor profile immensely.
- Fresh Raspberries: Opt for plump, juicy raspberries; they add a beautiful burst of color and tartness to each bite.
- Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together and provide a lovely texture in the filling.
- Baking Powder: This little leavener ensures that your squares rise just right, making them light and fluffy.
- Powdered Sugar: A dusting on top adds a beautiful finishing touch and extra sweetness without being overpowering.
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) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes—trust me, it’s worth it.
Add Flour: Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour and baking powder into the mixture until crumbly dough forms. You want to see small clumps forming; avoid overmixing to keep that delightful texture.
Press into Dish: Gently press the dough evenly into the bottom of your greased baking dish using your fingers or a spatula. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden—it will smell heavenly!
Create Lemon Raspberry Filling: While the crust cools slightly, whisk together sugar, eggs, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh raspberries in a separate bowl until combined. Imagine those vibrant colors melding beautifully!
Bake Again: Pour the filling over your cooled crust and return to oven for another 20-25 minutes. Look for that perfect jiggle—firm but not set completely—and let cool on wire rack before cutting into squares.
Enjoy these quick and easy lemon raspberry squares chilled or at room temperature—though I won’t judge if you sneak one straight from the pan!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] These Quick and Easy Lemon Raspberry Squares are a delightful treat, combining tangy lemon with sweet raspberries. Perfect for any occasion, they brighten up your dessert table while being surprisingly simple to make. The vibrant colors and refreshing flavors will impress your friends and family alike. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the crust. This way, the crust bakes perfectly golden as you mix the filling.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out raspberries for blueberries or strawberries for a twist on this classic recipe. You can also add a sprinkle of coconut for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat briefly in the microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use fresh lemons for maximum zing; their bright flavor elevates the dish wonderfully. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted to achieve a crumbly crust texture. Cutting squares with a warm knife helps prevent sticking and preserves their beautiful shape. [/info_box]
Reflecting on my first attempt at these squares, my friends couldn’t stop raving about them! Their smiles made all the flour-splattered chaos worth it.
FAQ
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain excess moisture before adding to the mix.
How can I make these squares gluten-free?
Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
What’s the best way to serve these squares?
Serve chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Quick and Easy Lemon Raspberry Squares
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a delightful slice of lemon raspberry squares, where zesty lemon meets sweet, tart raspberries atop a buttery crust. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion, bringing vibrant flavors and stunning presentation to your table. With every bite, you’ll experience a mini-vacation for your taste buds, making it an instant favorite among family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus 1/2 cup for filling)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour and baking powder until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and raspberries until combined.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set but with a slight jiggle.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (45g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
