These Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars are a delightful combination of buttery shortbread, tangy raspberry jam, and a crunchy cinnamon-spiced streusel topping. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart that makes for an irresistible treat. Whether you’re looking to impress at a family gathering or simply enjoy a homemade snack, these bars are the answer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars bring together the rich, crumbly texture of shortbread with the tartness of raspberry jam. The streusel topping adds just the right amount of crunch and spice to elevate the flavor profile. The bars are simple to make but taste as though they came from a bakery. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving something sweet for yourself, these bars are the perfect snack to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup raspberry jam (seedless preferred)
For the 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
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined to form the shortbread dough.
Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the shortbread layer.
To make the streusel, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the raspberry jam layer.
Crumble the remaining shortbread dough over the streusel to create the top layer.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the jam is bubbly.
Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Storage/Reheating
I recommend storing these Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Related Recipes:
- Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
- Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies
- Best Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit jam?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam adds a wonderful tang, you can easily swap it for other fruit jams such as strawberry, blueberry, or even peach for a different twist on the flavor.
How can I make the streusel topping extra crunchy?
For an extra crunchy streusel topping, you can increase the amount of butter slightly, or add in a small handful of rolled oats to the streusel mixture for more texture.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze these shortbread bars! Just make sure they’re completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
I recommend using unsalted butter, as it gives you more control over the saltiness of the dough. However, if you only have salted butter, just omit the additional salt from the recipe.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Make sure to check that all other ingredients (like the jam) are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
These Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars are the perfect balance of buttery shortbread, sweet raspberry jam, and a spiced, crunchy streusel topping. I love how easy they are to make, yet they always impress with their flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a picnic, or enjoying a quiet moment with tea, these bars are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!
📖 Recipe:
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Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars combine buttery shortbread, tangy raspberry jam, and a crunchy cinnamon-spiced streusel topping, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup raspberry jam (seedless preferred)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel topping)
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed (for streusel topping)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel topping)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for streusel topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined to form the shortbread dough.
- Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
- Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the shortbread layer.
- For the streusel, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the raspberry jam layer.
- Crumble the remaining shortbread dough over the streusel to create the top layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the jam is bubbly.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
Feel free to substitute the raspberry jam with other fruit jams like strawberry, blueberry, or peach for a different twist.
For an extra crunchy streusel topping, increase the butter or add rolled oats to the mixture.
You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Use unsalted butter for more control over the salt content, but salted butter can be used by omitting the added salt.
To make gluten-free bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
