Get ready to transform your kitchen into a bakery of pure bliss with these irresistible Raspberry Almond Crumb Bars! Imagine biting into a perfect balance of buttery, crumbly crust, tangy raspberry jam, and crunchy almonds that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a weekend kitchen warrior, this recipe promises to deliver a dessert that looks like it came straight from a professional pastry shop – but with the comfort of homemade love.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup raspberry jam
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing on low speed until a crumbly dough forms. The texture should be slightly sandy but able to hold together when pressed.
- Press approximately two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan, creating an even, compact base layer. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a smooth surface.
- Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crumb base, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the jam layer, creating a rustic, uneven topping.
- Scatter the sliced almonds evenly across the top of the crumb layer for added texture and flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is lightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour. This will help the bars set and make cutting easier.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 even squares using a sharp knife.
- For best results, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect crumb texture.
- Don't Overmix: When adding flour, mix just until the dough comes together to keep the bars tender.
- Jam Selection: Use a high-quality raspberry jam for the most vibrant flavor. Homemade jam works wonderfully too!
- Even Distribution: Use the back of a spoon or offset spatula to spread jam and crumb layers evenly.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares.
- Almond Enhancement: Lightly toast the sliced almonds before sprinkling for an extra nutty flavor.
- Storage Tip: These bars actually taste better the next day, as flavors meld together beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 40mg
