Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars

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Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars: A Zesty, Sweet, and Irresistible Dessert

Few desserts strike the perfect balance between bright citrus flavor, sweet berry goodness, and crunchy texture like Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars. These bars combine the richness of a creamy lemon cheesecake-like filling with the sweet tartness of raspberries, all on a buttery graham cracker crust and finished with a golden, buttery crumble topping.

They’re easy to make, ideal for meal prep, and perfect for dessert tables, lunchboxes, picnics, or simply a cozy moment with coffee or tea.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars

  • Simple Ingredients – Made from pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly – Store well in the fridge or freezer.
  • Versatile – Use fresh raspberries or jam, quark or cream cheese.
  • Delightfully Balanced – Sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy in every bite.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious bars from scratch:

🔸 For the Crust:

  • 150 g graham crackers (or whole wheat butter biscuits)
  • 75 g melted butter

The base provides a buttery, crunchy contrast to the soft filling. Use a food processor to crush the crackers finely for the best results.

🔸 For the Lemon Filling:

  • 350 g soft cream cheese or quark
  • 100 g sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 60 ml fresh lemon juice

This filling is silky, zesty, and lightly sweet – somewhere between cheesecake and lemon curd. Quark gives a lighter, tangy twist if you’re in Europe; cream cheese is classic.

🔸 For the Raspberry Layer:

  • 225 g raspberry jam or lightly mashed fresh raspberries

For a chunkier, fresher texture, use mashed raspberries. For smoother and sweeter bars, go with jam. Either way, raspberries add vibrant color and a fruity punch.

🔸 For the Crumble Topping:

  • 60 g flour
  • 50 g brown sugar
  • 55 g cold butter, cubed

The crumble is golden, buttery, and adds a gorgeous crunch on top. Cold butter is key – it gives that perfect crumbly texture when baked.

Step-by-Step Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. Line a square 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper.
  3. Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
  4. Mix in the melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand.
  5. Press the mixture firmly into the base of the pan using the bottom of a glass.
  6. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from oven and let it cool slightly.

🔹 Step 2: Mix the Lemon Filling

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese or quark until smooth.
  2. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  3. Mix until fully combined and smooth – be careful not to overmix.

🔹 Step 3: Add the Raspberry Layer

  1. Spread a thin, even layer of raspberry jam or mashed berries over the pre-baked crust.
  2. Pour the lemon filling gently on top of the raspberry layer.

🔹 Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping

  1. In a small bowl, combine flour and brown sugar.
  2. Add the cold butter cubes and rub with your fingers or a pastry cutter until it forms pea-sized crumbs.
  3. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the lemon filling.

🔹 Step 5: Bake to Perfection

  • Bake in the preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and the topping is golden brown.
  • The filling should be firm but still slightly wobbly in the center.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before refrigerating for at least 2 hours for easier cutting.

Tips for Success

  • Chill before slicing: Refrigerating makes them easier to cut and enhances the flavor.
  • Line your pan: Use parchment paper with overhangs to lift out the bars cleanly.
  • Don’t overbake: Overbaking can dry out the filling. Remove when the center is just set.
  • Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and flour.
  • Add texture: Mix chopped almonds or oats into the crumble topping.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap each bar individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars are incredibly versatile. Serve them:

  • As a light summer dessert with whipped cream.
  • With hot tea or iced coffee for an afternoon treat.
  • On a dessert platter at brunches or baby showers.
  • As a holiday sweet with a dusting of powdered sugar and lemon zest on top.

Why These Bars Are a Must-Try

  • Perfect balance: The tartness of lemon, the brightness of raspberry, and the richness of cream cheese come together effortlessly.
  • Customizable: Swap the fruit or add white chocolate chips to the filling.
  • Foolproof recipe: With simple steps and basic tools, even novice bakers will succeed.

Whether you’re baking for guests, a picnic, or your personal stash, these Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars offer a burst of flavor, a dreamy texture, and that homemade goodness that everyone craves.

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