Raspberry Crumble Bars with Almond Streusel

When you think of a cozy afternoon treat, Raspberry Crumble Bars with Almond Streusel surely come to mind. Picture this: a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust topped with a rich layer of sweet raspberry jam and finished off with a crunchy almond topping. It’s an inviting combination that’s not only scrumptious but also visually stunning. Whether you’re sharing these delights at a picnic with friends, enjoying a quiet night in, or impressing guests at a gathering, they fit perfectly into any occasion.

Making these bars is a delightful culinary experience that doesn’t require you to be a pro in the kitchen. With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll have a homemade dessert that rivals anything from a bakery. The best part? The blend of tart raspberry and crunchy almonds brings such warmth and comfort. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delightful recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why This Recipe Works

Raspberry Crumble Bars with Almond Streusel combine the perfect balance of buttery shortbread, fruity sweetness, and crunchy almond topping. The use of seedless raspberry jam ensures a smooth texture, while the almond extract enhances the flavor profile, creating a dessert that’s both satisfying and simple to make. By chilling the crust before baking, you achieve a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth base, elevating these bars from ordinary to extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Crumble Bars with Almond Streusel

These bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them ideal for gatherings, picnics, or a cozy night in. The harmonious blend of textures and flavors will delight your taste buds, while the ease of preparation means you can create a stunning dessert without extensive baking experience. Plus, they’re highly customizable, allowing for personal twists that make them your own.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract
• 1 large egg
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup seedless raspberry jam (or more to taste)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• ¾ cup sliced almonds (or more to taste)

Preparing Your Shortbread Crust

Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or greasing it with butter. For easy removal later, line the pan with parchment paper.

Make the Base Dough

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, blend 1 ½ cups of softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add in 1 cup of sugar and mix until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the bowl to ensure thorough mixing.

Incorporate the Flavor Elements

Add 1 ½ teaspoons of almond extract and 1 large egg to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together 3 cups of flour, ¼ teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture without mixing just yet.

Form the Dough and Chill

Gently incorporate the flour mixture on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and refrigerate for about 20 minutes for the best flaky texture.

Bake the Crust

Bake the chilled crust for 15-20 minutes, until barely golden brown around the edges. Once done, lower the oven temperature to 350°F.

Creating the Almond Streusel Topping

Melt Butter for the Topping

In a medium bowl, melt ½ cup of butter. Add in ¾ cup sugar and ¾ cup flour, mixing lightly until just combined. Chill the mixture in the fridge for 5-10 minutes while the crust bakes.

Spread the Raspberry Jam

Once the crust is finished baking, stir 1 cup of seedless raspberry jam in a small bowl. Spread the jam evenly over the baked crust, leaving a ½ inch border around the edges.

Add the Almond Crumble

Retrieve the chilled crumb topping and fluff it with a fork. Fold in ¾ cup of sliced almonds. Gently sprinkle the mixture over the jam, forming chunks for a delightful texture.

Final Bake

Bake at 350°F for an additional 25-30 minutes until the top is light golden brown and the edges are slightly darker. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Raspberry Crumble Bars with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a satisfying snack.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is at room temperature for an easier mixing process.
• If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, increase the amount of almond extract slightly.
• Letting the bars cool completely helps them set and makes slicing easier.

Variations

• Substitute the raspberry jam with other fruit preserves like apricot or strawberry.
• Try adding a handful of oats to the crumb topping for extra texture and heartiness.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
A1: While fresh raspberries are delicious, using seedless jam provides a smoother consistency that better complements the shortbread.

Q2: How should I store the Raspberry Crumble Bars?
A2: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Q3: Can I freeze these bars?
A3: Yes, they freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw before serving.

Q4: Can I replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative?
A4: Absolutely! Use a dairy-free butter substitute to make the recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.

Q5: What if I don’t have almond extract?
A5: You can substitute with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile, although it will change the overall taste slightly.

These Raspberry Crumble Bars with Almond Streusel are a delightful treat that balances sweet and nutty flavors with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to impress your family and friends. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, they bring a taste of sweetness that feels like home. Get ready to indulge in a delicious dessert while creating beautiful new memories with those you love.

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