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- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 3/4 cup powdered sugar - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract - 1 cup raspberry preserves - 1/2 cup sliced almonds Accurate measurements make a big difference in baking. They ensure your bars turn out just right. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar. Level the top with a straight edge for precision. For butter, soften it by letting it sit at room temperature for about an hour. You can also cut it into small pieces to speed up the softening. If you don’t have almond extract, you can use vanilla extract instead. It will change the flavor slightly but still taste great. For a healthier option, replace powdered sugar with coconut sugar. This will add a different taste, but it can work well in the bars. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal. 2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of powdered sugar. Mix until it is light and fluffy. 1. Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to the butter mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. 2. Reserve about 1 cup of this dough. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will form your base layer. 1. Spread 1 cup of raspberry preserves evenly over the base layer of dough. Be sure to reach the edges for a good flavor in every bite. 2. Crumble the reserved dough over the raspberry preserves to create an even layer of crumbles. 3. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of sliced almonds on top of the crumbled dough. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. 4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. 5. Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before slicing them into squares. Enjoy your tasty treats! - To ensure even baking, spread the dough flat. Use a spatula to smooth it. - Avoid soggy bottoms by not overloading with preserves. A thin layer works best. - Dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. This adds charm. - Serve on a decorative plate with fresh raspberries. They add color and flavor. - Overmixing the dough makes it tough. Mix just until combined for a tender base. - Not cooling completely before slicing leads to messy bars. Let them cool first. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor of your Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars easily. Try using different fruit preserves, like strawberry or apricot. Each fruit brings a unique taste. For a fun twist, add some citrus zest. Lemon or orange zest enhances the flavor and aroma. If you need gluten-free options, use alternative flours, like almond or coconut flour. These flours work well in shortbread. You can also make vegan substitutes for butter by using coconut oil or vegan butter. This keeps the bars rich and delicious without dairy. Pair your bars with ice cream or whipped cream for a tasty treat. The creaminess complements the fruit nicely. You can also make mini bars for parties. Just cut the bars smaller for easy serving and sharing. These variations keep your dessert exciting and fun! To keep your Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps protect them from air and moisture. You can layer parchment paper between bars to prevent sticking. If you have leftovers, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy them later! These bars last about 3-5 days at room temperature. Keep them in a cool, dry place. If you choose to refrigerate them, they can last up to two weeks. Refrigeration also helps maintain their flavor and texture. Just be sure to cover them well. If your bars harden over time, don't worry! You can soften them easily. Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make them warm and soft again. Enjoy them fresh like they just came out of the oven! To make these tasty bars, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. 1. Cream 1 cup of softened butter with 3/4 cup of powdered sugar until fluffy. 2. Gradually mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract. Keep mixing until you have a soft dough. 3. Save about 1 cup of this dough. Press the rest evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish. 4. Spread 1 cup of raspberry preserves on top of the dough. 5. Crumble the reserved dough over the preserves. 6. Top with 1/2 cup of sliced almonds. 7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and set. 8. Let cool before slicing into squares. This process gives you a rich, buttery bar with a fruity filling. You can use frozen raspberries, but the texture changes. Frozen raspberries are juicier. They can make the bars a bit mushy. Raspberry preserves are thicker and sweeter. They spread easily and stay put. If you want to use frozen raspberries, mash them and drain some juice. This helps keep your bars from getting too wet. These bars pair well with many drinks. I suggest serving them with a hot cup of tea or coffee. You can also try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess balances the sweet and tart flavors. For a refreshing drink, a glass of lemonade works great too. Enjoy your bars with these fun sides! You learned how to make Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars. We covered ingredients, measurement tips, and preparation steps. You can easily customize these bars with various flavors and dietary needs. Remember to store them in an airtight container for freshness. Avoid common mistakes for the best results. Enjoy your delicious creation and share it with friends. Baking can be fun and rewarding! Now, get in the kitchen and start making these amazing bars!

Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars

Indulge in the delightful taste of Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars with this easy recipe! Made with buttery shortbread, sweet raspberry preserves, and topped with crunchy almonds, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Discover how to make these tempting treats that will impress your friends and family. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dessert game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup powdered sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1 cup raspberry preserves

1/2 cup sliced almonds

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

    In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

      Gradually add the flour, salt, and almond extract to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

        Reserve about 1 cup of the dough and press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even base.

          Spread the raspberry preserves evenly over the base layer of dough, ensuring to reach the edges.

            Crumble the reserved dough over the raspberry preserves, creating an even layer of crumbles.

              Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top of the crumbled dough.

                Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.

                  Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing them into squares.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 16 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: Dust the cooled bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and serve them on a decorative plate, garnished with fresh raspberries for an elegant touch.