There’s something magical about the combination of tart raspberries and zesty lemon, especially when they’re tucked into buttery crumble bars. These Raspberry Lemon Crumble Bars are the ultimate summer dessert—sweet, tangy, and oh-so-easy to make! 🍋✨
I first made these bars on a sunny afternoon when I needed a quick treat for a backyard get-together. They were such a hit that my friends were asking for the recipe before the pan was even empty! Now, they’ve become my go-to dessert for everything from picnics to potlucks. Trust me, this one’s a keeper. ❤️
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No fancy equipment or skills required—just mix, layer, and bake!
- Bursts of Flavor: The tangy lemon complements the juicy raspberries perfectly.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for summer BBQs, brunches, or a sweet snack with coffee.
Ready to make your kitchen smell like sunshine? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these irresistible bars:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (swap with gluten-free flour if needed!)
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup raspberry preserves (or swap with strawberry for a twist!)
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Pro Tip: If fresh raspberries aren’t in season, frozen ones work beautifully. Just thaw and pat them dry first!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes removing the bars a breeze!
2. Make the Crumble Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until you have a crumbly, sandy mixture. Save about 1 cup of this for the topping.
3. Assemble the Base
Press the remaining crumble mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form the base. Bake for 10 minutes to give it a head start.
4. Add the Filling
Spread the raspberry preserves over the partially baked crust. Scatter the fresh raspberries on top, then drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle over the lemon zest.
5. Top It Off
Crumble the reserved mixture over the raspberry layer. Bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
6. Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This helps them hold their shape. (Patience is key here!)
Pro Tips and Variations
- For extra crunch: Add a handful of chopped almonds or walnuts to the crumble topping.
- Make it vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter to keep the bars dairy-free.
- Switch up the fruit: Blueberries, blackberries, or even peaches would work beautifully in this recipe.
Pro Tip: Serve these bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert!
How to Serve and Store Raspberry Lemon Crumble Bars
These bars are a treat on their own, but for a Pinterest-worthy presentation, try dusting them with powdered sugar or adding a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Store any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge—they’ll stay fresh for about a week.
Pinterest-Perfect Styling Tips
- Use a rustic wooden board or marble plate as a backdrop for your photos.
- Scatter a few fresh raspberries and lemon slices around the bars for a pop of color.
- Capture a close-up shot of the crumble topping to highlight its golden-brown texture.
Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can come back to it later! 📌
FAQs About Raspberry Lemon Crumble Bars
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and double the ingredients. Baking time may need a slight adjustment—just keep an eye on it.
What if I don’t have fresh raspberries?
No worries! Frozen raspberries work just as well. Just thaw them and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Perfect for prepping ahead of a party!
Final Thoughts
These Raspberry Lemon Crumble Bars are the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just want a treat to brighten your day, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. 🌞
If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on social media and don’t forget to pin this for later. Happy baking! ❤️