Buttery Bliss: Easy Raspberry Shortbread Bars Recipe for All

Sweet dreams come alive with these irresistible raspberry shortbread bars that promise a delightful twist on classic dessert traditions.

Buttery layers meld perfectly with vibrant fruit notes in every single bite.

Crumbly textures and concentrated berry essence create a magical combination that sparks instant joy.

Rich shortbread provides a golden, tender foundation for the bright raspberry filling.

Delicate and elegant, these bars deliver comfort and sophistication in one simple package.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary treat that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Bake these bars and watch smiles bloom across eager faces.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars Pairing Matches

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream complements the warm, buttery shortbread with a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that melts in your mouth.
• Serve Chamomile Tea: Light, floral chamomile tea balances the sweet raspberry and rich almond notes, creating a soothing and elegant dessert experience.
• Match Moscato Wine: Sweet, slightly sparkling Moscato wine enhances the fruity raspberry and nutty almond elements, providing a delicate and harmonious pairing.
• Enjoy Fresh Mint Garnish: Chopped fresh mint sprinkled on top adds a bright, refreshing layer that cuts through the richness and elevates the dessert's overall taste profile.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars Take Options

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use plant-based raspberry jam and substitute almonds with chopped pecans or sunflower seeds for added crunch.
• Low-Sugar Option: Utilize sugar-free raspberry preserves and reduce sugar content in the base and topping. Consider using monk fruit sweetener or stevia as alternative sugar replacements.
• Chocolate Raspberry Variation: Add dark chocolate chips to the almond topping for a rich flavor profile. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled bars for extra decadence.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of jam?

Yes, you can substitute raspberry jam with other fruit preserves like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry for a different flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the shortbread from crumbling?

Ensure the butter is at room temperature and mix the ingredients just until they come together. Don’t overmix, which can make the base tough.

• Are almonds necessary for the topping?

No, you can omit almonds or replace them with chopped pecans or walnuts if you prefer a different nut or want to avoid nuts altogether.

• How can I tell if the bars are fully baked?

Look for a light golden color on the almond topping and edges. The filling should be set and not look wet when the pan is gently tilted.

Why Raspberry Shortbread Bars Are Popular

• Quick and Easy Treat: Whip up these delightful raspberry shortbread bars with minimal effort and basic pantry ingredients, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings in a snap.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Ideal for casual gatherings, potlucks, bake sales, or family dessert nights, these bars bring a touch of elegance and homemade charm to any occasion.
• Texture Sensation: Experience a delightful combination of buttery, crumbly shortbread, smooth raspberry jam, and crunchy almond topping that creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion in every bite.
• Simple Ingredients, Impressive Results: Transform basic ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and jam into a bakery-worthy dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: A pantry staple for creating a classic, buttery base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a delicate texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients.

• Raspberry Jam: Brings a bright, fruity sweetness to the bars.

• Granulated Sugar, All-Purpose Flour, Unsalted Butter: Creates a crumbly, golden topping.
• Sliced Almonds: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

How To Make Raspberry Shortbread Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab your oven mitts and set the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Buttery Shortbread Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Softened butter

Mix these ingredients until they form a delicate, crumbly texture.

Gently press the mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even layer.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color.

Step 3: Add Vibrant Raspberry Layer

Once the shortbread base emerges from the oven, spread a generous layer of raspberry jam evenly across the hot surface.

The warmth will help the jam settle smoothly.

Step 4: Sprinkle Crunchy Almond Topping

• Sugar
• Flour
• Softened butter
• Sliced almonds

Mix until the ingredients form a delightful crumbly mixture.

Scatter this nutty topping evenly over the raspberry layer, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color across the top.

The aroma of buttery almonds and sweet raspberries will fill your kitchen.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely.

Use the parchment paper edges to lift the entire batch out of the pan.

Slice into perfect squares and serve these irresistible raspberry shortbread bars.

Tips For Raspberry Shortbread Bars

• Choose high-quality, seedless raspberry jam for a smoother, more refined texture in your shortbread bars.
• Use cold butter and mix ingredients with fingertips to create a light, flaky shortbread base that crumbles perfectly.
• Ensure the shortbread base is fully baked before adding jam to maintain a crisp, sturdy foundation for your bars.
• Freeze chopped almonds briefly before sprinkling to keep them crunchy and prevent burning during the final baking stage.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days, making them perfect for advance party preparation.

Reheating Raspberry Shortbread Bars Right

• Store leftover raspberry shortbread bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months for best quality and texture.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crisp shortbread texture.
• Enjoy chilled or at room temperature. For a fresh taste, sprinkle powdered sugar on top right before serving.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Raspberry shortbread bars offer sweet-tart elegance in each buttery bite, blending classic Scottish shortbread with luscious fruit. Crumbly layers meld creamy richness and bright berry notes, inviting you to savor summer’s delightful essence in one perfect dessert.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) raspberry jam
• 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
• 1/2 cup (60 g) sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened

Shortbread Base Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×9 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs on two sides for easy removal.
2. Craft the shortbread foundation by blending flour, sugar, and softened butter until a coarse, sandy texture emerges.
3. Gently press the shortbread mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even, compact layer that will serve as the base for the bars.
4. Transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake the shortbread for approximately 15 minutes until the edges turn pale golden.
5. Remove the partially baked crust from the oven and immediately spread raspberry jam across the surface, ensuring a uniform, vibrant layer that covers the entire shortbread base.
6. Prepare the almond crumble topping by mixing flour, sugar, cold butter, and sliced almonds until they form a loose, textured mixture.
7. Generously scatter the almond crumble over the raspberry jam layer, creating a rustic, uneven coverage that will provide delightful texture and crunch.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and slightly bubbling edges.
9. Allow the raspberry shortbread bars to cool completely in the pan, which helps them set and makes cutting into precise squares easier.
10. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and slice into elegant, bite-sized treats ready to be served and enjoyed.

Notes

• Choose seedless raspberry jam for a smoother texture and easier cutting.
• Toast almonds briefly before adding to the topping for enhanced nutty flavor and crunch.
• Ensure butter is cold and cubed for the perfect shortbread consistency, creating a flaky and tender base.
• Refrigerate bars for 30 minutes before slicing to get clean, precise cuts and prevent crumbling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg