Lemon Raspberry Swirl Bars

introduction

Bright, zesty, and perfect for snack trays or dessert boards, Lemon Raspberry Swirl Bars deliver a sunny burst of lemon with ribbons of sweet-tart raspberry in every bite. Lemon Raspberry Swirl Bars are an easy bake that looks bakery-fancy but comes together in one pan — ideal for Pinterest-worthy photos and quick weeknight baking. If you love pairing sweet bars with bold fruit flavors, try a complementary spread like raspberry chipotle sauce for a modern twist on serving.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Raspberry Swirl Bars :

• Bright lemon flavor balanced by fresh raspberries — not too sweet, not too tart.
• One-pan bake that’s simple to prep and easy to slice for gifts or potlucks.
• Family-friendly and kid-approved texture: soft, tender bars with a fruity swirl.
• Great for make-ahead dessert or portion-controlled snacking.
• Photogenic marbled top perfect for Pinterest pins and brunch tables.

Ingredients Needed :

Dry ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Fruit

• 1 cup fresh raspberries

For a crunchy or graham-inspired base, consider adapting your crust like a simple crumb layer similar to a Golden Graham Bars approach for added texture. See a great example in the Golden Graham Bars recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions :

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Fold in the raspberries gently. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, and swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool before slicing into bars.

Serving Suggestions Lemon Raspberry Swirl Bars

• Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
• Add a few extra fresh raspberries and thin lemon slices for a pretty platter presentation.
• Serve slightly warmed with vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert.
• For a crunchy contrast, top with toasted graham crumbs or a crumble inspired by the Golden Graham Bars recipe idea.

Tips for Success Lemon Raspberry Swirl Bars

• Use room-temperature butter and eggs so the batter blends smoothly and bakes evenly.
• Gently fold raspberries to avoid turning the batter completely pink — the goal is a swirl, not a puree.
• If using frozen raspberries, do not thaw — toss them in a little flour to reduce bleeding.
• Check doneness at 25 minutes; ovens vary, and you want the center set but still tender.
• Let bars cool completely in the pan for neat, clean slices.

variation (if any)

• Blueberry swap: Replace raspberries with 1 cup fresh blueberries for a softer, sweeter swirl.
• Lemon glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp lemon juice and drizzle after cooling.
• Gluten-free: Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour and bake a few minutes longer if needed.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes — store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Q: Can I freeze Lemon Raspberry Swirl Bars?
A: Absolutely. Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Q: How do I prevent the raspberries from sinking?
A: Gently fold berries into the batter and spread batter evenly. If concerned, lightly coat berries in a teaspoon of flour before folding in.

Q: Can I use lemon extract instead of lemon juice?
A: You can add 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract for extra lemon aroma, but keep the 1/4 cup lemon juice for proper acidity and texture.

Q: My swirl blended too much — any tips?
A: Use a light hand when swirling: insert a knife and make a few figure-eight motions rather than stirring continuously.

Lemon Raspberry Swirl Bars

Bright and zesty Lemon Raspberry Swirl Bars deliver a sunny burst of lemon with sweet-tart raspberry ribbons, perfect for snacking or dessert boards.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 9 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Use room temperature for best results.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs Use room temperature for best results.
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Fruit

• 1 cup fresh raspberries Gently fold into the batter.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Fold in the raspberries gently. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, and swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.

Baking

1. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let cool before slicing into bars.

Notes

Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert. Gently fold raspberries to maintain the marbled effect.