Raspberry-Lemonade Squares

Submitted by Southern Polar Bear

"The bright-pink center of these squares will remind you, in appearance and taste, of pink lemonade. From the website of King Arthur Flour."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 40mins
• Ingredients: 16
• Yields: 16 squares
• Serves: 16

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 10 tablespoons soft butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 large eggs
• 3⁄4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (grated rind)
• 12 ounces bag frozen raspberries, thawed
• 2 cups sugar
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (or chunks)
• 3 tablespoons cream
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F
2. Lightly grease a 9-inch square pan, or line it with foil or parchment paper.

3. To make the crust:

4. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the butter to soften it, then mix in the remaining ingredients until the dough holds together when you squeeze it.
5. Press it into the bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of the prepared pan.
6. Prick the dough all over with a fork.
7. Bake the crust for 22 to 26 minutes, until it's golden.
8. Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F
9. To make the filling:.
10. Puree and strain raspberries to make about 3/4 to 1 cup seedless puree.
11. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and raspberry puree.
12. Whisk the cornstarch with the sugar and salt, then stir into juice mixture.
13. Pour filling over the baked crust.
14. Bake the bars in a preheated 300F oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the middle is set. Cool before topping.

15. To make the topping:

16. Melt the white chocolate over low heat, or in the microwave.
17. Stir in the cream and corn syrup.
18. Spread over the cooled squares.
19. Decorate with shaved white chocolate, if desired.
20. When the topping is set, slice into squares.
21. Refrigerate any uneaten squares.