Raspberry Almond Crumb Bars Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a delightful treat that perfectly balances tart fruitiness with buttery, nutty crumb, this Raspberry Almond Crumb Bars Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine biting into a rich, tender shortbread crust layered with luscious raspberry jam and topped off with a golden, crunchy almond-studded crumb topping that melts in your mouth. These bars are not only irresistible in flavor but also wonderfully simple to make, making them a crowd-pleaser for everything from casual afternoon snacks to festive gatherings. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your all-time favorites for good reason.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Raspberry Almond Crumb Bars Recipe lies in its straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients that come together to create perfect harmony of texture and flavor. Each component plays a vital role: from the rich butter that brings tenderness, to the almond extract that gives a fragrant depth, and, of course, the bright raspberry jam that adds that signature fruity zing.

• 1 & 1/2 cups butter (3 sticks, softened): Essential for a tender and flaky shortbread base.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a light crumb texture.
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons almond extract: Adds an aromatic nuttiness that beautifully complements the raspberries.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together for structure and softness.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): Gives body and crumb to the shortbread crust.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a slight lift, preventing the crust from being too dense.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• 1 cup seedless raspberry jam (or more to taste): The vibrant star filling that brings tang and moisture.
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, melted): Key for forming the luscious crumb topping.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crumb and helps it crisp up.
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): Creates the crumb’s structure and texture.
• 3/4 cup sliced almonds (or more to taste): Adds a satisfying crunch and extra almond flavor.

How to Make Raspberry Almond Crumb Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Get your 9×13 inch baking pan ready by greasing it with butter or spraying it with nonstick spray. For ultimate ease when removing the bars, line the pan with parchment paper, so once baked, you can lift the whole batch out without fuss. If you prefer, aluminum foil works too but make sure to grease it so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base

In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat 1 and 1/2 cups of softened butter until creamy and smooth. Then add 1 cup granulated sugar and continue beating until the mix is light and fluffy, which usually takes about two minutes. Don’t forget to scrape your bowl’s sides and bottom to incorporate every bit. This step is crucial for a perfectly airy yet rich base layer.

Step 3: Add the Almond Extract and Egg

Next, pour in 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of almond extract to infuse your dough with that cozy, nutty aroma. Follow it with one large egg and beat everything together well. This combination deepens the flavor and ensures your shortbread is soft but sturdy enough to hold the toppings.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour Mixture

Before mixing, combine 3 cups of flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt in a small bowl, stirring to blend evenly and avoid clumps. Spoon and level your flour carefully to prevent packing, which could cause your bars to be tough. Gradually add this dry mix to your butter mixture on low speed. Stop mixing as soon as all flour is incorporated and there are no streaks — over-mixing here would toughen the dough.

Step 5: Press and Chill the Dough

Transfer this dough to your prepared pan and press it evenly to form the crust. Wetting your hands slightly helps prevent sticking. For best results, pop the pan into the fridge or freezer for about 20 minutes so the dough chills — this chilling step ensures your shortbread will bake with a wonderfully flaky texture.

Step 6: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust at 375°F for roughly 15-20 minutes. Look for the edges to just start turning golden brown; this signals it’s ready. Remove from the oven and immediately reduce the oven temperature to 350°F to prepare for the topping step.

Step 7: Prepare the Almond Crumb Topping

While the crust bakes, melt 1/2 cup butter in a medium mixing bowl. Add 3/4 cup sugar and 3/4 cup flour and stir lightly with a fork until the mixture just comes together in loose crumbs. Pop this into the fridge for 5-10 minutes while the crust finishes baking to firm up before topping.

Step 8: Spread the Raspberry Jam

Once your crust is out of the oven, stir 1 cup of seedless raspberry jam lightly to remove any lumps or thick spots. Spread the jam evenly over the shortbread, leaving about a 1/2 inch border around the edge to prevent overflow during baking.

Step 9: Mix Almonds into the Crumb Topping

Take the chilled crumb mixture from the fridge and fluff it with a fork. Stir in approximately 3/4 cup sliced almonds gently, allowing their crunch and subtle almond flavor to perfectly complement the crumb texture.

Step 10: Top and Bake the Bars

Sprinkle the crumb topping liberally over the raspberry jam in chunks. If your crumbs feel too sandy, squeeze small bits together to create chunkier pieces — I personally love big, chunky crumbs on my bars for that extra satisfying texture. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until the topping is a beautiful light golden brown and edges are set.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

After baking, let your bars cool completely. If you can resist, this allows the jam to set and the crumb to crisp up perfectly. If not, a quick cool to a safe temperature will do — they are pretty irresistible warm, too! If you used parchment paper, lifting the bars out for slicing is super easy.

How to Serve Raspberry Almond Crumb Bars Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate this Raspberry Almond Crumb Bars Recipe presentation, sprinkle a few fresh raspberries and slivered almonds on top, or dust lightly with powdered sugar. A drizzle of melted white chocolate or a few mint leaves add a charming touch for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the tart sweetness and crunchy textures. A hot cup of coffee or a floral tea also pairs wonderfully, enhancing the almond notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into small squares or elegant rectangles, then stack them on a pretty platter or wrap as individual treats in parchment paper tied with twine for gifting. These bars also make fantastic parfait layers with yogurt and fresh berries for a creative breakfast twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Raspberry Almond Crumb Bars stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they are fully cooled before covering to avoid sogginess. They stay fresh and maintain their crumble crispness beautifully.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars either before or after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen bars will last up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours.

Reheating

For freshly baked treats, warming a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds revives that fresh-baked feel, softening the crumb and enhancing the jam’s melty goodness. Avoid overheating to keep the crumb topping crunchy and not greasy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?

While fresh raspberries are delicious, this recipe works best with seedless raspberry jam for that perfect spreadable texture and balanced sweetness. If using fresh, you’d want to cook them down slightly to prevent sogginess.

Is almond extract necessary?

Almond extract really brings out the signature flavor here, but if you don’t have it, vanilla extract can be a substitute. The bars won’t be quite the same, but still scrumptiously good.

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is key for flavor and texture in this recipe, so it’s best not to substitute it with margarine or oil as they won’t give the same rich crumb and buttery taste.

How can I make these bars gluten-free?

Try swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be aware the texture might be a little different, possibly more crumbly but still tasty.

What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?

For neat slices, let the bars cool completely and chill them slightly in the fridge. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts to prevent crumbling and sticking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a homemade Raspberry Almond Crumb Bars Recipe that hits all the right notes of fruity brightness, buttery richness, and delightfully crunchy topping. Once you bake these, they are sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation, perfect whenever you crave a sweet homemade treat that’s as comforting as it is impressive. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and make a batch to share (or keep all to yourself!). You’re going to love every single bite.

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