Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars
If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that beautifully combines buttery sweetness and a fruity punch, look no further than these delightful Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base is perfectly complemented by the tart raspberry jam and the nutty aroma of sliced almonds. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, or simply craving something delicious, these bars will surely become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars are not only simple to prepare but also incredibly versatile. The buttery shortbread crust provides a rich foundation, while the raspberry jam adds a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness. The addition of sliced almonds gives a delightful crunch and an aromatic almond flavor that elevates the entire experience. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are guaranteed to impress your family and friends!
What’s in the Bowl
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold Land O Lakes European Style Unsalted Butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup raspberry jam
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract for icing
Prep & Cook Tools
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients effortlessly.
- Whisk: Useful for blending dry ingredients and mixing the egg.
- Baking pan (9×13 inches): The perfect size for these bars.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for spreading the mixture evenly in the pan.
- Cooling rack: Essential for letting the bars cool completely before cutting.
Mastering Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars: How-To
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars bake evenly and to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Add the Butter
Add the cold, cut-up pieces of butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 5: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Stir in the lightly beaten egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract until the dough comes together. It may appear crumbly, but that’s perfectly fine.
Step 6: Form the Base
Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s smooth and evenly distributed across the bottom.
Step 7: Add Raspberry Jam
Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the shortbread base.
Step 8: Top with Remaining Dough
Crumble the remaining dough over the raspberry jam, making sure to cover it as evenly as possible.
Step 9: Add Sliced Almonds
Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top of the crumbled dough for added texture and flavor.
Step 10: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 11: Cool and Prepare Icing
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
To make the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
Step 12: Drizzle and Serve
Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle the icing over the top, cut into squares, and serve. Enjoy your delightful Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars!
Year-Round Variations
- Use different fruit jams: Swap raspberry for strawberry, apricot, or mixed berry jams for a unique twist.
- Add chocolate: Incorporate chocolate chips into the dough or drizzle melted chocolate over the bars for a richer flavor.
- Incorporate citrus: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus note.
- Nut alternatives: Try using chopped walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Cook’s Notes
For best results, make sure to use cold butter to ensure a flaky texture in your shortbread. You can also chill the dough for 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan to make it easier to handle. If you prefer a sweeter bar, feel free to increase the amount of sugar slightly.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Store your Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them for up to three months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. To reheat, simply let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again.
Popular Questions
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with alternatives such as gluten-free flour blends. Just ensure that the blend contains a binding agent to maintain the structure of the bars.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, feel free to substitute it with additional vanilla extract or even a splash of hazelnut extract for a different flavor profile.
Can I use homemade raspberry jam?
Absolutely! Homemade raspberry jam would work wonderfully in this recipe and can add a personal touch to your bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as ovens vary!
Bring It to the Table
These Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars are a stunning addition to any dessert table. Their vibrant color and delightful aroma will beckon guests to indulge. Whether you serve them at a party, a family gathering, or simply as a sweet treat at home, they are sure to bring smiles all around. The combination of flavors and textures makes each bite an experience worth savoring.
With this easy and delicious recipe, you’ll be making Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars for every occasion, and they may just become your new favorite dessert. Enjoy the baking process and the delightful outcome that awaits!
Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat Your Oven - Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars bake evenly and to perfection.
- Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan - Grease your 9x13 inch baking pan lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Step 4: Add the Butter - Add the cold, cut-up pieces of butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 5: Incorporate Wet Ingredients - Stir in the lightly beaten egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract until the dough comes together. It may appear crumbly, but that’s perfectly fine.
- Step 6: Form the Base - Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s smooth and evenly distributed across the bottom.
- Step 7: Add Raspberry Jam - Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the shortbread base.
- Step 8: Top with Remaining Dough - Crumble the remaining dough over the raspberry jam, making sure to cover it as evenly as possible.
- Step 9: Add Sliced Almonds - Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top of the crumbled dough for added texture and flavor.
- Step 10: Bake - Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Step 11: Cool and Prepare Icing - Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. To make the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
- Step 12: Drizzle and Serve - Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle the icing over the top, cut into squares, and serve. Enjoy your delightful Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars!
Notes
- For best results, use cold butter to ensure a flaky texture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan for easier handling.
- If you prefer sweeter bars, increase the sugar slightly.
