Why You Must Make This Recipe

• Perfect for Raspberry Pie enthusiasts—these tasty bar cookies will surely win their hearts.
• Much simpler to prepare than an actual pie!
• Three delightful layers come together to create a dessert that is out of this world!

While I might tempt my husband with desserts that my kids adore, there are times I throw in treats he loves too. He adores brownies and chocolate chip cookies, but when I announced these raspberry bars were on the menu, I could see the excitement in his eyes! Without coconut, caramel, or any odd ingredients, it’s pure deliciousness!

Ingredients

Crust:

• ¾ cup flour
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• A dash of salt
• 6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces

Berry Filling:

• ¼ cup raspberry jam (with or without seeds)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1-2 tablespoons flour

Topping:

• 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar

How to Make Raspberry Squares

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. To make the crust, combine ¾ cup of flour, powdered sugar, salt, and the 6 tablespoons of butter. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles small peas. You can use a pastry blender or even a food processor for this!
3. Sprinkle the crust mixture into an 8 x 8-inch pan lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Use your hands to pat it down evenly. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until it begins to turn a light golden brown.
4. For the filling, gently heat the raspberry jam in a small saucepan or microwave until it’s melted.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the raspberries with 1-2 tablespoons of flour. If using fresh berries, I recommend just 1 tablespoon. Set this aside.
6. Prepare the streusel topping by mixing the remaining butter, flour, and brown sugar until crumbly using a pastry blender or food processor.
7. Once the crust is ready, remove it from the oven and spread the melted jam over the crust. Next, layer the raspberries over the jam and finally sprinkle the streusel topping on top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the berries are bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Expert Tips for Perfect Raspberry Squares

• The first layer is a simple yet satisfying shortbread crust. Make sure to cut the chilled butter into the dry ingredients thoroughly for the best texture.
• For easy handling, use the bottom of a measuring cup to pat the crust evenly into the pan.
• Pro-Tip: Line your baking pan with foil! This makes removal and cleanup a breeze.
• After baking, evenly spread the warmed jam over the crust with care.
• Coat your raspberries in flour; this helps to absorb their juices, resulting in a better texture in the final product.
• For the topping, aim for a coarse texture similar to cornmeal, with a few larger crumbs for that satisfying crunch.
• After all layers are assembled, just pop it in the oven and wait for the magic to happen!
• Let them cool before transferring to a cutting board; they’ll slice beautifully!

Frequently Asked Questions