These Gluten-Free Raspberry Lemon Bars are a refreshing treat! They have a zesty lemon flavor paired with sweet raspberries, all nestled in a crumbly crust that’s simply delicious.
Every bite feels like sunshine! I love serving them chilled for dessert or a sweet snack. Plus, it’s fun to see everyone enjoy something gluten-free without even noticing! 🍋✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-Free Flour: Make sure to use a gluten-free all-purpose blend with xanthan gum for the right texture. If you’re missing xanthan gum, you can use almond flour or coconut flour, but be aware this might change the texture.
Raspberries: Fresh raspberries are great, but frozen ones work just as well! Just remember to thaw and drain any excess water. If you don’t have either on hand, consider substituting with blueberries or strawberries for a different flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness, but if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or vegan butter. Just ensure it’s cold to keep the crust nice and flaky!
Sugar: If you want a healthier twist, you can swap regular sugar for coconut sugar or honey, though this might slightly alter the taste and moisture of the bars.
How Do I Get the Crust Just Right?
The crust is essential for these bars, so here are a few tips to perfect it:
- Make sure your butter is really cold. This helps create a flaky texture!
- When mixing the butter into the flour, be gentle. You want to see little pea-sized pieces of butter, which will create flakiness as they melt.
- Don’t overwork the dough after adding the egg; just mix until combined.
- Press the dough firmly into the pan for a sturdy crust that won’t crumble!
Remember, the crust should be lightly golden when you take it out of the oven. This means you’ve nailed it!
Delicious Gluten-Free Raspberry Lemon Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Filling:
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 2 large eggs (for filling)
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to bake, plus a bit of cooling time. So, you’re looking at about 1 hour total before they’re ready to cut and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the bars out later!
2. Make the Crust:
In a mixing bowl, mix together the gluten-free flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and salt. Add in the cold butter cubes and cut them into the mixture using a pastry cutter, your fingers, or two forks until it looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Form the Dough:
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the flour mixture. Stir it until a dough forms. Press this dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to create a nice crust.
4. Bake the Crust:
Put the pan in the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
5. Make the Lemon Filling:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until everything is well mixed.
6. Assemble the Bars:
Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Then, carefully place your raspberries on top, gently pressing them into the filling.
7. Bake Again:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
8. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. When it’s cool, lift it out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
9. Serve:
Optionally, dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving. These bars are perfect as a refreshing dessert or a delightful snack!
10. Store Leftovers:
If you have any leftover bars (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Enjoy your bright, tangy, and sweet Gluten-Free Raspberry Lemon Bars! 🌟
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Raspberries?
Absolutely! Blueberries, blackberries, or diced strawberries also work well. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness to your taste, especially with sweeter fruits.
What If I Don’t Have Gluten-Free Flour?
If you don’t have gluten-free flour, you can make this recipe with regular all-purpose flour, but it won’t be gluten-free. Alternatively, you can try almond flour or a homemade blend of your choice!
How Long Will These Bars Last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these bars will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prep or as a quick snack!
Can I Freeze the Raspberry Lemon Bars?
Yes! Once cooled, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well wrapped or placed in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!
