Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a fondness for berries, you are in for such a treat with this Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe. The buttery, crumbly shortbread crust forms the perfect base, topped with vibrant raspberry jam that bursts with fruity goodness, all finished with a crunchy, cinnamon-kissed streusel topping. These bars are a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that are as comforting as they are delicious, perfect for sharing at gatherings or savoring as a cozy afternoon snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role, from creating that tender crumb to adding sweet and spicy notes that elevate every bite.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich flavor and buttery texture essential for the shortbread base.
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the shortbread, giving structure and crumbly satisfaction.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that lingers beautifully.
• 1 cup raspberry jam (seedless preferred): Brings bold fruity brightness with a smooth consistency that complements the crust.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel topping): Creates the base of the crunchy, crumbly streusel.
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed (for streusel topping): Gives a subtle molasses undertone and sticky sweetness to the topping.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel topping): Adds warmth and a hint of spice, making the flavors pop.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for streusel topping): Keeps the streusel delightfully crumbly and flaky when baked.

How to Make Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake from the moment your bars go in. Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides for easy bar removal later.

Step 2: Create the Shortbread Base

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until your mixture is light and fluffy. This step is vital for that melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for an added layer of flavor.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients to Form Dough

Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into your butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the dough tough, so stop as soon as everything comes together into a smooth, crumbly dough.

Step 4: Press the Dough Into the Pan

Reserve about a third of the dough, then press the larger portion evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This forms the shortbread crust that will support all the delicious layers to come.

Step 5: Spread the Raspberry Jam Layer

Next, dollop and spread the raspberry jam evenly over your shortbread base. Using seedless jam makes the topping smooth, ensuring every bite has that vibrant raspberry flavor without any seeds getting in the way.

Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for your streusel. Cut in the cold, cubed butter with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This will give your bars a perfectly crumbly and sweetly spiced topping.

Step 7: Layer the Streusel Over the Jam

Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the raspberry jam layer, making sure to cover the surface well so every bite has some delightful crunchiness.

Step 8: Add Remaining Shortbread Dough

Crumble the reserved shortbread dough over the streusel topping gently. This final layer adds another dimension of buttery texture and a rustic look to your bars.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the streusel topping turns golden brown and the jam underneath bubbles invitingly. The smell wafting from your oven will be irresistible!

Step 10: Cool Completely Before Cutting

Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step helps the layers set nicely so your bars hold together perfectly when you cut them into squares.

How to Serve Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, snowy touch that looks beautiful and adds a little extra sweetness. Fresh raspberries on top also enhance the fruity notes and make for an elegant presentation if serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. They also go wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them a lovely treat for afternoon gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve the bars on a beautiful wooden board or a colorful platter to highlight their rustic charm. For a party, cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces and arrange them alongside other finger desserts for a charming dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crumbly for up to 3 days—perfect if you want to enjoy more treats during the week!

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy, and they’ll be just as delicious.

Reheating

If you prefer warm bars, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low oven for 5-7 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked, gooey raspberry goodness perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?

Fresh raspberries can be used but will add extra moisture and may make the bars less firm. For best results, use a thick raspberry jam to keep the layers intact.

What if I don’t have brown sugar for the streusel?

If brown sugar is unavailable, you can substitute with granulated sugar and add a tiny pinch of molasses or maple syrup to mimic the rich flavor and moisture brown sugar provides.

Is it necessary to use cold butter for the streusel topping?

Yes, cold butter is key to achieving a crumbly, flaky streusel texture. Warm butter will blend into the flour mixture, giving a greasy instead of crumbly topping.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still taste amazing.

How thick should I press the shortbread dough in the pan?

Press the dough evenly to create about a half-inch thick layer. This thickness ensures a sturdy base that bakes thoroughly and balances well with the raspberry jam and streusel layers.

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Streusel Shortbread Bars Recipe is a beloved classic that brings so much joy with its blend of buttery crust, fruity tartness, and sweet cinnamon crumble. It’s easy enough for any home baker to master, yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite treat!

Print