Raspberry Shortbread Bars

Raspberry Shortbread Bars are a delightful treat that combines the sweet and tart flavor of raspberries with a buttery, crumbly crust. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you need a quick dessert for a family gathering or a sweet snack to enjoy with your coffee. Easy to make and delicious to eat, Raspberry Shortbread Bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Raspberry Shortbread Bars. First, they are simple to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort. Second, they offer a wonderful balance between a rich shortbread crust and a fruity raspberry filling. Finally, they can be served at various events, making them a versatile dessert that everyone will love.

How to Make Raspberry Shortbread Bars

Making Raspberry Shortbread Bars is fun and straightforward. Follow the steps below to create these delicious treats in no time.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
1 tbsp. milk (I used half-and-half)
1 tsp. baking powder
1 large egg (slightly beaten)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold)
12 oz. raspberry preserves
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tbsp. unsalted butter (melted)
2 cups coconut

Directions:

Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix the flour and baking powder together.
In another bowl, combine the cold unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it’s creamy.
Add the slightly beaten egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until everything is combined.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan to form the crust.

Topping:
7. Spread the raspberry preserves evenly over the crust.
8. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter with coconut, then spread this mixture over the raspberry layer.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares.

How to Serve Raspberry Shortbread Bars

Raspberry Shortbread Bars can be served warm or at room temperature. They are great on their own but can also be enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, dust them with powdered sugar before serving!

How to Store Raspberry Shortbread Bars

To store Raspberry Shortbread Bars, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you’d like them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap each bar individually before freezing.

Tips to Make Raspberry Shortbread Bars

Use cold butter for the crust to keep the shortbread crumbly and tender.
Experiment with different flavors of preserves to create your favorite filling.
Don’t skip the cooling step; this helps the bars hold together better when you slice them.

Variation

You can easily customize Raspberry Shortbread Bars. Try adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra texture. You can also substitute the raspberry preserves with other fruit preserves like strawberry or apricot for a different taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen raspberries instead of raspberry preserves?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries, but you will need to cook them down to make a jam-like consistency before spreading them on the crust.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

3. 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 in the center comes out clean. Make sure not to overbake them to keep them soft and chewy.

Enjoy making and sharing these scrumptious Raspberry Shortbread Bars! They are sure to delight all who taste them.