Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe

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If you have a soft spot for desserts that hit all the right notes—crispy, buttery, fruity, and sweet—then you absolutely must try this Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe. It brings together a tender, buttery shortbread base, a vibrant layer of luscious raspberry jam, and a crumbly, cinnamon-kissed streusel topping that adds just the perfect crunch. These bars are a delightful treat for any occasion, delivering a burst of raspberry freshness balanced by rich textures that will have you reaching for seconds in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe plays a crucial role, adding layers of flavor and texture that make this dessert truly shine. From the creamy butter that gives the shortbread its tender crumb to the fragrant cinnamon in the streusel, each component is simple yet essential.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, creamy base that makes the shortbread tender and delicious.
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light texture in the dough.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the shortbread layer for that perfect crumbly bite.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, inviting aroma that complements the berries.
• 1 cup raspberry jam (seedless preferred): The star component delivering a bright, fruity burst of flavor with every bite.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel topping): Forms the base of the crunchy, crumbly topping.
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed (for streusel topping): Adds caramel notes and sweetness to the streusel.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel topping): Infuses the topping with warm spice, perfect against the raspberries.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for streusel topping): Creates that irresistible crumbly texture when mixed into the streusel.

How to Make Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or better yet, line it with parchment paper leaving a bit hanging over the edges. This makes lifting out your bars a breeze after baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating that tender shortbread base that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Vanilla, Flour, and Salt

Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse aroma, then gradually add the flour and salt. Stir gently until the dough just comes together; be careful not to overmix or you’ll lose that delicate crumb texture.

Step 4: Form the Shortbread Base

Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This forms a sturdy yet tender base to hold all the wonderful layers above.

Step 5: Spread the Raspberry Jam

Simmer joy by evenly spreading the raspberry jam over the shortbread layer, ensuring every corner is covered with that burst of fruity sweetness. A seedless jam is ideal for a smooth finish that’s easy to bite into.

Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Then cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or just your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This quick step creates the signature crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft jam.

Step 7: Layer the Streusel

Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the raspberry jam layer, dotting the entire surface with those golden crumbs that promise a satisfying crunch.

Step 8: Add the Remaining Dough Crumbles

Take the remaining shortbread dough and crumble it over the streusel layer. These scattered chunks bake into little buttery pockets that add a delightful textural surprise inside each bite.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake your bars for 35 to 40 minutes or until the topping is beautifully golden and the raspberry jam is bubbling around the edges, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 10: Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This resting time is key to setting the layers and making cutting neat, so every bar stays intact and ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe extra special, consider dusting the bars lightly with powdered sugar or topping each square with a fresh raspberry and a sprig of mint. These simple touches add visual appeal and a fresh pop of flavor that complements the bars.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, turning a simple dessert into a decadent treat. For a cozy vibe, serve alongside a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with edible flowers or drizzle with a thin ribbon of white chocolate. If you want to jazz things up at brunch, stack a few bars and sandwich whipped cream between layers for a quick shortbread-style trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though that might be hard!), store the Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or dessert.

Freezing

Want to prep in advance? These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop the bars in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps revive the buttery shortbread and makes the raspberry jam wonderfully gooey again without drying out the delicious topping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?

Absolutely! You can use fresh raspberries, but be sure to cook them down with a bit of sugar to create a jam-like consistency. Otherwise, fresh berries might release too much juice, making the bars soggy.

Is there a gluten-free version of this Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for cookies and bars. Just be aware that the texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Can I make the streusel topping dairy-free?

Yes, simply swap the unsalted butter in the streusel for a cold dairy-free margarine or coconut oil cut into cubes. This adjustment keeps the crumbly texture intact while accommodating dairy-free diets.

How do I know when the bars are baked properly?

You want the top layer to be a beautiful golden brown and the raspberry jam to be visibly bubbly around the edges. This bubbling is a good indicator that the filling is heated through and the layers have set.

Can these bars be made smaller or larger?

Definitely! Adjust the baking pan size depending on your needs but remember that cooking times may vary. Thicker bars might require a longer bake, while thinner ones will bake faster—keep an eye on that golden topping.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm, comforting hug but still shines with bright, fruity freshness, the Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become one of your all-time favorites to bake and share. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and prepare for some seriously delightful bites!

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