Pink Lemonade Bars

Name: Pink Lemonade Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 1/2 pint Fresh Raspberries (or 1 cup frozen raspberries, thawed); 2 1/4 cups Granulated Sugar (for filling); 6 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (for filling); 6 Eggs; Juice from 3 Lemons

Published: June 2, 2025

by Emilia

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These Pink Lemonade Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance sweet and tart flavors. The vibrant pink hue, derived from raspberry puree, adds a fun twist to this classic dessert. Perfect for picnics, summer parties, or just a sweet snack at home, these bars will surely impress your family and friends with their unique flavor profile and stunning appearance.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With a simple ingredient list and straightforward instructions, these bars are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Refreshing Flavor: The combination of lemon and raspberry creates a bright, uplifting taste that’s ideal for warm weather.
Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family gathering, these bars fit right in.
Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the pink color and fruity flavor, making them an excellent choice for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
Perfectly Portable: Cut into squares and easily transported, they’re great for potlucks or picnics.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather all necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9 x 13 baking pan
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Sieve
Blender

Importance of Each Tool

9 x 13 baking pan: This size is perfect for creating the right thickness for your Pink Lemonade Bars.
Parchment paper: Lining the pan makes it easy to lift out the bars after baking, ensuring clean cuts.
Blender: A powerful tool to make smooth raspberry puree without any seeds.

Ingredients

For the Crust

1 cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar

For the Filling

1/2 pint Fresh Raspberries (or about 1 cup frozen raspberries, thawed)
2 1/4 cups Granulated Sugar
6 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
6 Eggs
3 Lemons, Juice

How to Make Pink Lemonade Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Lightly grease your 9 x 13 baking pan and line it lengthwise with parchment paper. This makes removing the bars much easier later.

Step 2: Prepare the Raspberry Puree

Blend the raspberries with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Strain through a sieve to remove seeds. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, flour, salt, and granulated sugar until smooth. You can mix by hand or use a standing mixer. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the crust begins to turn golden.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While your crust is baking, make the filling by mixing together granulated sugar and flour in a separate bowl. Whisk in eggs and lemon juice until well combined. Gradually add raspberry puree one tablespoon at a time until you reach a light pink hue. Pour this filling over your baked crust.

Step 5: Bake Until Set

Bake in the oven until outer edges start pulling away from the pan and are lightly browned—around 25 to 30 minutes. The center may wobble slightly but will firm up as it cools. Allow bars to cool completely before slicing them into triangles for serving.

Enjoy these refreshing Pink Lemonade Bars as a delightful summer dessert!

How to Serve Pink Lemonade Bars

Serving Pink Lemonade Bars can elevate your dessert game at any gathering. With their vibrant color and delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, they are perfect for summer events, picnics, and potlucks.

At a Summer Picnic

Chilled Slices: Keep the bars chilled in a cooler to enhance their refreshing taste on hot days.
Fruit Garnish: Serve with fresh raspberries or lemon slices for an extra touch of color and flavor.

As a Party Dessert

Colorful Plates: Arrange the bars on colorful platters to make them visually appealing at your gathering.
Pair with Ice Cream: Offer scoops of vanilla or lemon sorbet alongside for a creamy contrast.

For Afternoon Tea

Tea Pairing: Serve with a light herbal tea or lemonade to complement the citrus flavors.
Small Portions: Cut into smaller squares for bite-sized treats that are easy to enjoy while sipping tea.

Kid-Friendly Treat

Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the bars into fun shapes for a playful twist that kids will love.
Decorative Topping: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate for added sweetness and decoration.

How to Perfect Pink Lemonade Bars

Making the perfect Pink Lemonade Bars is all about precision and care. Follow these tips to ensure your bars turn out delicious every time.

Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice enhances flavor much more than bottled juice.
Strain Thoroughly: When making raspberry puree, strain it well to ensure a smooth filling without seeds.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the edges; they should be lightly browned while the center remains slightly wobbly.
Cool Completely: Allow bars to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts and better presentation.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Pink Lemonade Bars

Pairing side dishes with Pink Lemonade Bars can create a delightful dessert spread. Here are some great options to consider:

Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and complements the tartness of the bars.
Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like goat cheese or brie that create a nice balance with the sweet flavors.
Mini Sandwiches: Light sandwiches with cucumber or chicken salad work well as savory counterparts.
Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with lemon vinaigrette can brighten up your dessert table.
Vegetable Crudités: Crisp veggies served with a tangy dip provide a great crunchy contrast.
Lemonade Spritzers: Offer fizzy lemonade drinks that echo the flavors in the bars for a cohesive theme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pink Lemonade Bars, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly.

Skipping the parchment paper: Not lining the baking pan with parchment paper can make it difficult to lift out the bars. Always use parchment for easy removal.
Overmixing the filling: Mixing the filling too much can incorporate excess air, causing cracks in the top. Gently combine until just mixed.
Not cooling completely: Cutting into warm bars can lead to a messy presentation. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.
Using unripe raspberries: Unripe or overly tart raspberries can alter the flavor balance. Choose ripe berries for the best taste.
Ignoring oven temperature: Each oven is different, and baking times may vary. Keep an eye on the edges and adjust as needed.

Refrigerator Storage

Store Pink Lemonade Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They will stay fresh for up to one week when properly stored.

Freezing Pink Lemonade Bars

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for up to three months without losing quality.

Reheating Pink Lemonade Bars

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10 minutes for warm bars.
Microwave: Heat each bar on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes while covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my Pink Lemonade Bars extra pink?

Adding more raspberry puree will enhance the pink color. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can overpower the lemon flavor.

Can I use other fruits besides raspberries?

Yes! You can substitute with strawberries or blackberries for a different twist on your Pink Lemonade Bars.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons?

You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemons provide a brighter flavor that enhances your bars.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe yields 24 pieces, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying throughout the week.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare Pink Lemonade Bars a day or two in advance. Just store them properly in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

These Pink Lemonade Bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their beautiful pink hue. Their perfect balance of sweet and tart makes them an ideal dessert for any occasion. Feel free to customize this recipe by experimenting with different fruit purees or adding zest from oranges or limes for an extra citrus kick!

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