Description
Raspberry squares from Ina Garten deliver pure dessert magic with buttery shortbread and tangy fruit preserves. Elegant layers of rich pastry and sweet raspberry jam create an irresistible treat that makes classic baking feel luxurious and effortless for home cooks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2–⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
Jam and Topping Ingredients:
- 10 to 12 ounces good raspberry jam, such as Hero
- ⅔ cup good granola without dried fruit
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Confectioners’ sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring a consistent temperature for baking.
- In an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed until just combined, then introduce vanilla extract at low speed.
- Carefully sift flour and salt, gradually incorporating them into the butter mixture on low speed until the dough begins to form a cohesive mass. Transfer the dough onto a clean work surface.
- Divide the dough, using approximately two-thirds to create an even base in a 9-inch (23-centimeter) square baking pan, pressing it slightly up the sides to about 1/4-inch (0.6-centimeter) height.
- Spread jam across the dough, maintaining a small 1/4-inch (0.6-centimeter) border from the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Combine the remaining dough with granola using your hands, gently breaking it into small crumbly pieces. Distribute these fragments evenly over the jam, ensuring most of the surface is covered. Scatter almonds on top for added texture and flavor.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, watching for a light golden-brown coloration indicating doneness.
- Allow the bars to cool completely for approximately one hour at room temperature. Once cooled, slice into 9 or 12 uniform bars and dust lightly with powdered sugar for a delicate finish.
Notes
- Butter Magic: Bringing butter to room temperature transforms your mixing game, creating a silky-smooth base that blends effortlessly with sugar for dreamy, tender bars.
- Flour Power: Sifting flour and salt eliminates pesky lumps, ensuring a consistently smooth dough that bakes into a perfectly textured treat.
- Precise Pan Technique: Carefully pressing dough evenly across the pan’s bottom and sides builds a sturdy foundation that locks in flavor and prevents messy jam leaks.
- Jam Boundary Wisdom: Maintaining a small border when spreading jam prevents sticky mishaps and guarantees clean, picture-perfect bar slices.
- Patience Pays Off: Allowing bars to cool completely sets the structure, transforming your creation from fragile to firm and making cutting a breeze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg