Frozen Lemon Raspberry Swirl Bars

Dive into summer with these refreshing Zesty Frozen Lemon Raspberry Swirl Bars. Combining the tangy taste of fresh lemons with sweet raspberries, they make for a visually stunning dessert perfect for picnics or gatherings. Made with simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, these bars feature a creamy lemon filling layered over a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Whether you're hosting a BBQ or just cooling off on a hot day, these bars are sure to impress!

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Lemon Filling:

1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

Zest of 2 lemons

1 cup heavy cream

For the Raspberry Swirl:

1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C).

- In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.

- Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking pan to create an even crust. Make sure to pack it down well to prevent crumbling.

- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until it is set and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.

Make the Lemon Filling:

- In a large bowl, use a whisk to blend together the fresh lemon juice and granulated sugar until the sugar has fully dissolved.

- Crack the eggs into the bowl one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition to ensure a smooth consistency.

- Finally, mix in the lemon zest and heavy cream until everything is well combined and smooth.

Prepare the Raspberry Swirl:

- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir frequently as the mixture cooks for about 5-7 minutes until the raspberries break down, creating a slightly syrupy sauce.

- Once removed from heat, let the raspberry mixture cool slightly. Use a fork or potato masher to gently mash the berries, creating a smooth but slightly chunky swirl base.

Assemble the Bars:

- Pour the prepared lemon filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly across the surface.

- Drizzle the raspberry mixture over the lemon filling in a decorative pattern.

- With a knife or skewer, delicately swirl the raspberry mixture into the lemon filling, creating beautiful and artistic design patterns throughout the mixture.

Freeze the Bars:

- Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and transfer it to the freezer. Allow the bars to freeze for a minimum of 4 hours, or until they are completely firm and set.

- Once frozen, lift the edges of the parchment paper (if used) to remove the entire block of bars from the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles according to your preference.

Serve:

- Before serving, let the bars sit at room temperature for approximately 10 minutes to soften slightly for better texture. Perfect for enjoying on a warm day, these bars are a refreshing treat!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

Presentation Tips: For an elegant serving, arrange the bars on a chilled platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves or additional raspberries for a pop of color!