Raspberry Shortbread Bars
Introduction
Raspberry Shortbread Bars are a delightful treat that combine rich, buttery shortbread with sweet, tart raspberry jam. These bars offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them a favorite for anyone who loves dessert. They are easy to make and are sure to impress friends and family at any gathering.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s simple and requires only a few common ingredients. Second, the bars are versatile and can be served at various occasions, from birthday parties to afternoon tea. Lastly, combining raspberry jam with buttery shortbread creates an irresistible flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Make Raspberry Shortbread Bars
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups (3 sticks) butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated white sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups seedless raspberry jam
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325℉. Spray a 9×13 inch pan with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the Shortbread: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter and sugars; beat until creamy. Add the vanilla and salt, and beat until well combined. Beat the flour into the butter mixture on low speed, just until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half. Wrap one half in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Press the other half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the bottom crust.
- Bake the crust until it is just beginning to turn light brown around the edges, about 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven.
- Add Filling and Topping: Place the jam in a bowl and stir well until smooth. Spread the jam evenly over the partially baked crust. Crumble the refrigerated shortbread dough over the jam to create a topping.
- Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for about 30 minutes, or until the topping is firm, crisp, and golden in color. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely. Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar before cutting into bars.
How to Serve Raspberry Shortbread Bars
These Raspberry Shortbread Bars can be served at room temperature. They make a sweet snack or dessert and can be enjoyed with tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added treat.
How to Store Raspberry Shortbread Bars
To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Tips to Make Raspberry Shortbread Bars
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- If you prefer a more intense raspberry flavor, consider using a thicker layer of jam.
- When crumbling the dough on top, you can create different textures by varying the size of the crumbles.
Variation
You can replace raspberry jam with other fruit jams like strawberry or blueberry for a different flavor. Adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to the dough can also enhance the taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
Yes, but using fresh raspberries requires extra steps. You will need to cook them down with some sugar to create a jam-like consistency.
2. Can I freeze Raspberry Shortbread Bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing.
3. What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can skip the dusting at the end or make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender until it is fine.
