Raspberry Almond Bars are the ultimate balance of buttery indulgence and wholesome nutrition.
What makes this recipe truly special is its double-duty almond shortbread dough, which serves as both the crust and crumbly topping, locking in a luscious layer of sweet-tart raspberry jam.
Almonds are a nutritional powerhouse, providing plant-based protein, heart-healthy fats, and a dose of vitamin E for skin and immune support.
Combined with raspberry jam, rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, these bars offer a treat that satisfies cravings while delivering key nutrients.
The recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly, requiring minimal prep time and just a handful of pantry staples, making it perfect for everyday baking or quick dessert prep for gatherings.
With its golden, crumbly texture and vibrant fruit filling, this dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious, giving you bakery-level results in under an hour.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor
Effortlessly grinds almonds to the perfect coarse sand texture, unlocking maximum flavor and consistency. A versatile must-have for nut butters, pesto, and homemade breadcrumbs.
USA Pan 8×8-Inch Square Baking Pan
Ensures even heat distribution for perfectly baked bars every time. Its nonstick surface and durable steel construction make it a kitchen essential for brownies, blondies, and casseroles.
OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowls (3-Piece Set)
Ideal for mixing dough smoothly and evenly. The non-slip base and easy-pour design make prepping everything from batters to salads a breeze.
KitchenAid Hand Mixer
Delivers creamy, lump-free dough in minutes with its powerful yet lightweight design. A versatile everyday tool for whipping frosting, cookie dough, and mashed potatoes.
Wilton Parchment Paper Sheets
Pre-cut for hassle-free lining of your baking pan, ensuring bars lift out cleanly. A time-saving staple for all your baking needs, from cookies to roasted vegetables.
Raspberry Almond Snack Squares
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the paper overhangs on two sides for easy lifting later. Lightly coat the parchment with nonstick spray to ensure a clean release after baking.
- Grind the Almonds: Place the almonds in a food processor and pulse until they resemble fine crumbs, similar to coarse sand. This step enhances the nutty flavor and ensures even distribution throughout the dough.
- Make the Shortbread Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, and almond extract using a hand mixer for about 2–3 minutes, until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and slightly fluffy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and ground almonds to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed just until the dough begins to clump together. It should have a crumbly yet moist texture that can hold when pressed between your fingers.
- Reserve the Crumble Topping: Scoop out about ½ cup of the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator. This portion will be used as the crumbly topping for later.
- Form the Crust: Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a smooth, firm layer. Use the back of a spoon or the flat bottom of a measuring cup to pack it tightly, ensuring no gaps remain.
- Add the Raspberry Layer: Spread the raspberry jam over the crust in an even layer, leaving a slight border around the edges to prevent overflowing during baking.
- Crumble the Topping: Remove the reserved dough from the refrigerator. Using your fingers, break it into small clumps and scatter them evenly across the jam layer, creating a rustic, crumbly top.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top turns a light golden brown and the jam layer is set without excessive jiggle in the center.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out. Cut into 9 even squares and serve.
Notes
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute the almonds with finely ground oats or omit them entirely for a simple shortbread crust.
- Jam Variations: These bars work beautifully with other fruit preserves like apricot, strawberry, or blackberry.
- Storage Tips: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking for quick, fresh bars.
- Texture Tip: For extra crunch, sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
Chef’s Secrets for Baking Perfection
Achieving the ideal texture for Raspberry Almond Bars hinges on a few simple yet crucial techniques.
First, be sure to use softened butter—not melted—to create a dough that’s crumbly yet holds together when pressed.
Grinding the almonds finely but not to a powder ensures a pleasant, slightly crunchy bite that complements the tender shortbread crust.
When spreading the raspberry jam, leaving a small border around the edges helps prevent the filling from bubbling over during baking.
Don’t rush the cooling process; letting the bars cool completely before slicing ensures clean cuts and prevents the jam from sticking to your knife.
Finally, chilling a portion of the dough for the crumble topping makes it easier to crumble evenly and adds lovely texture contrast.
Serving Suggestions To Impress Guests
Raspberry Almond Bars shine as a versatile dessert that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments.
Serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
For a lighter option, sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top and pair with a cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee.
These bars also work beautifully as part of a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and yogurt.
For festive occasions, garnish with a few toasted almond slivers and fresh raspberries to elevate presentation and add extra crunch and brightness.
Storage Tips For Freshness And Flavor
To keep your Raspberry Almond Bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
For longer storage, refrigeration is best and will keep them fresh for up to one week, though the texture may firm slightly.
If you prefer, you can freeze the bars individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then stored in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the oven for a few minutes.
Proper storage helps maintain the perfect balance between the buttery crust and the luscious jam filling.+
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipe
1. Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! While almonds add a distinctive flavor and crunch, you can substitute finely chopped or ground walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts. Just adjust the quantity to maintain the crumbly texture.
2. Is it necessary to use seedless raspberry jam?
Seedless jam creates a smoother texture and easier slicing, but if you prefer the texture of seeds, feel free to use your favorite raspberry preserve. Just be mindful the jam might be a bit chunkier.
3. How do I prevent the jam from leaking during baking?
Leaving a small border of dough around the edges and spreading the jam evenly helps prevent spills. Additionally, slightly chilling the crumble topping before baking helps it stay in place.
4. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Adding a bit of xanthan gum may improve texture to mimic traditional shortbread.
5. What is the best way to cut bars without sticking?
Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts. For extra smooth slicing, chill the bars thoroughly and consider warming the knife slightly under hot water, then drying before cutting.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by iambaker. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.