If you’re looking for a dessert that beautifully balances buttery richness, fruity brightness, and a crumbly, sweet topping, then you absolutely must try this Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe. It’s one of those treats that brings together the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture of shortbread with the vibrant pop of raspberry jam and the satisfying crunch of cinnamon-spiced streusel. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or sneaking a piece during a quiet afternoon, these bars deliver pure joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet deliberate ingredients is all it takes to create these unforgettable bars. Each one plays a key role—be it the buttery softness of the shortbread, the tangy sweetness of raspberry jam, or the aromatic crunch from the streusel topping.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base essential for that classic shortbread texture.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the buttery dough.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender shortbread crust and crumb layers.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the batter, elevating the overall taste.
- 1 cup raspberry jam (seedless preferred): Infuses fruity brightness that contrasts beautifully with the buttery layers.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel topping): Builds the base of the crumbly, cinnamon-scented streusel.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed (for streusel topping): Adds molasses notes that deepen the streusel’s flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel topping): Provides a subtle spicy warmth to the crumble topping.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for streusel topping): Creates the streusel’s signature crumbly texture when cut into the dry ingredients.
How to Make Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want to grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal of the bars later. This simple setup ensures a smooth baking experience.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until you achieve a light and fluffy mixture. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into your dough, giving your shortbread a tender and delicate crumb.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually fold in the flour and salt just until combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough; this helps keep your crust tender and not tough.
Step 4: Form the Shortbread Base
Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This forms a sturdy base that holds the raspberry jam perfectly without getting soggy. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to smooth it out evenly.
Step 5: Spread the Raspberry Jam
Evenly spread the raspberry jam over the shortbread base. Seedless jam works best because it maintains a smooth texture while delivering that bright, fruity flavor that every bar needs.
Step 6: Prepare the Streusel Topping
Combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Then, cut the cold, cubed butter into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly streusel will bake up to a golden, crunchy topping that’s perfectly sweet and spiced.
Step 7: Add the Streusel Layer
Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the raspberry jam, covering it completely. This keeps the jam sealed in, creating a luscious layer underneath the crunchy topping.
Step 8: Crumble on Remaining Shortbread Dough
Take the remaining shortbread dough and crumble it over the streusel layer. These little pockets of dough bake into a buttery, tender finish that contrasts beautifully with the streusel.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the jam is visibly bubbly. This signals that all the layers have melded beautifully and the bars are ready to cool.
Step 10: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares. Cooling is key here; it helps the jam set, ensuring clean cuts and neat bars.
How to Serve Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh raspberries on top can add an elegant touch to your bars. These small additions enhance the visual appeal and offer bursts of fresh flavor with every bite.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a cozy treat, a warm cup of tea or coffee complements the rich shortbread and tart raspberry flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the bars on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh berry arrangements for a charming presentation. Alternatively, cut them into petite squares for a delightful finger food platter at your next party or brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bars fresh and prevents the streusel from losing its crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.
Reheating
For a slightly warm and gooey treat, reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Alternatively, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5–7 minutes to revive the crispness of the streusel topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
Fresh raspberries can be used, but because they contain more moisture, the bars might be softer and less structured. If you prefer fresh fruit, consider cooking it down into a thicker compote before spreading.
Is there a substitute for the butter?
Butter is essential for the rich flavor and crumbly texture in this recipe. While margarine or shortening can be used, the results may not be as flavorful or tender, so stick to butter if possible.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Keep in mind, textures may vary slightly depending on the blend used.
How thick should I press the shortbread base?
Press the dough evenly to about half an inch thick. Too thin, and it could crisp up too much; too thick, and it might not bake evenly underneath the filling.
What can I do if the streusel topping melts into the jam?
Make sure your butter is cold when cutting into the streusel mixture to create distinct crumbs. This helps the topping maintain its crumbly texture instead of melting during baking.
Final Thoughts
This Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe is truly one of those comforting desserts that you’ll find yourself making again and again. Its combination of buttery shortbread, sweet-tart raspberry jam, and cinnamon-kissed streusel topping is hard to resist and perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to these delicious bars—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars combine a buttery shortbread base with a sweet and tangy raspberry jam filling, topped off with a crunchy cinnamon-spiced streusel and crumbled shortbread for a delightful dessert or snack. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these bars are easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your craving for a fruity, buttery treat.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base and Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Remaining shortbread dough for crumbling (approximately 1/3 of the dough)
Raspberry Jam Layer
- 1 cup raspberry jam (seedless preferred)
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily remove the bars after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture for your shortbread base.
- Add Vanilla, Flour, and Salt: Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the two cups of flour and salt, stirring gently until just combined to form the shortbread dough without overworking it.
- Form the Shortbread Base: Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating an even bottom layer for your bars.
- Spread Raspberry Jam: Evenly spread the raspberry jam over the shortbread base to provide a sweet and fruity middle layer.
- Prepare Streusel: In a separate bowl, combine the half cup of flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Streusel Topping: Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the raspberry jam layer, adding a crunchy and flavorful crust.
- Add Remaining Shortbread Dough: Crumble the remaining one-third of the shortbread dough over the streusel to create a crumbly top layer.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the raspberry jam is bubbly, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out via the parchment overhang and cutting into 12 bars for serving.
Notes
- For best results, use seedless raspberry jam to avoid seeds interfering with the texture.
- Ensure the butter for the streusel topping is cold to achieve a crumbly texture.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain clean edges.
- You can substitute raspberry jam with other fruit jams like strawberry or apricot for variation.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
