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Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars

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Delicious and buttery Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars with a sweet-tart raspberry jam filling, perfect for sharing at gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened; 2 sticks / 226 g)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g; use 1/2 cup for a less sweet crust if desired)
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (reduce to a pinch if using salted butter)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (270 g, spooned and leveled; do not pack)
  • 1/4 cup finely ground almonds or almond flour (about 25 g; optional but recommended)
  • 3/41 cup raspberry jam or preserves (240300 g; seedless or seeded)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds (40 g; for topping)
  • Nonstick baking spray (for greasing)
  • Parchment paper (to line the pan)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
  3. Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until smooth.
  5. Incorporate flour, salt, and finely ground almonds in a separate bowl.
  6. Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in two additions, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
  7. Transfer about 2/3 of the dough to the prepared pan and press evenly into the bottom.
  8. Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes until edges look set and slightly golden.
  9. Stir the raspberry jam in a small bowl to loosen it.
  10. Spread the jam over the warm crust, leaving a small border.
  11. Pinch off pieces of the remaining dough and scatter over the jam.
  12. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the top is golden.
  13. Allow to cool in the pan for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.

Notes

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help create a sturdier bar. Always use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

Nutrition