Zesty Raspberry Squares Recipe: Ina Garten’s Sweet Gem

These decadent raspberry squares boast an irresistible Ina Garten raspberry squares recipe that melts in your mouth with buttery, crumbly goodness.

Sweet raspberries dance across a rich, golden shortbread base, creating a symphony of flavors.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between tart fruit and delicate pastry.

The dessert comes together effortlessly, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients.

Layers of golden crust and vibrant raspberry jam create a stunning visual treat that’s sure to impress.

Rich, tangy, and utterly delightful, these squares will become your new favorite afternoon indulgence.

Get ready to savor every single delectable crumb.

Tools Needed for Ina Garten Raspberry Squares

• Electric mixer with paddle attachment: Essential for blending butter, sugar, and creating the dough smoothly.
• 9-inch square baking pan: Crucial for forming and baking the raspberry squares perfectly.
• Sifter: Helps evenly distribute flour and salt for a smooth, consistent dough.
• Mixing bowl: Needed for combining ingredients and mixing the dough.
• Cutting board: Useful for handling and rolling out the dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Spatula: Helps spread jam evenly and scrape mixture from sides of the bowl.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for cutting cooled bars into clean, precise squares.

How to Make Ina Garten Raspberry Squares

• Cozy Kitchen Preparation

Warm up your kitchen and get ready for a delightful baking adventure with your favorite mixing tools and a 9-inch square baking pan.

• Buttery Foundation

Blend soft butter and sugar until they create a dreamy, creamy mixture. Add a splash of vanilla for extra magic.

• Flour Power

Gently fold flour and a pinch of salt into your buttery base, creating a soft, crumbly dough that hints at the deliciousness to come.

• Crust Creation

Press two-thirds of the dough into your baking pan, forming a smooth base that will cradle your fruity filling.

• Raspberry Splash

Spread a generous layer of vibrant raspberry jam across the crust, leaving a small border for perfect edges.

• Crumbly Topping

Mix the remaining dough with crunchy granola, then sprinkle and scatter the crumbly mixture over the jam. Toss a handful of sliced almonds on top for extra texture.

• Baking Bliss

Slide the pan into a preheated oven and bake until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

• Sweet Finale

Let the bars cool completely, then slice into squares and dust with a light snow of powdered sugar for a picture-perfect treat.

Helpful Tips for Ina Garten Raspberry Squares

• Swap raspberry jam with other fruit preserves like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry to create unique flavor combinations and personalize the dessert.
• Replace almonds with chopped pecans, walnuts, or pistachios for added texture and a different nutty profile that complements the sweet jam.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining the delicious taste.
• Sprinkle dark chocolate chips or toasted coconut flakes alongside the granola for an extra layer of indulgence and complex flavor profile.
• Wrap the raspberry squares tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten Raspberry Squares

• Savor Sweet Moments: Serve these raspberry squares as a delightful afternoon treat with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea. The buttery crust and tangy raspberry jam create a perfect pairing.
• Breakfast Bliss: Pack these squares in a lunch box or enjoy them alongside your morning coffee for a quick and satisfying breakfast bite that feels like a special indulgence.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Plate the squares on a white ceramic dish, dust with a light snowfall of powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh raspberries for an Instagram-worthy dessert that impresses guests at dinner parties or family gatherings.
• Party Pleaser: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for a crowd-friendly dessert at potlucks, brunches, or casual gatherings where people love easy-to-grab sweet treats.

Storing Leftover Ina Garten Raspberry Squares

• Maximize Freshness: Store raspberry squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping them soft and delicious.
• Refrigerate for Longer Shelf Life: Extend enjoyment by storing in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, ensuring the jam stays firm and flavors remain vibrant.
• Freeze for Future Treats: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen squares maintain quality for 2-3 months, perfect for unexpected cravings.
• Serving Suggestion: Bring refrigerated or frozen squares to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their original texture and enhance taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 16

Ingredients in Ina Garten Raspberry Squares

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation that gives tender texture and delightful flavor to the crust.
• Sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps create a golden, crisp texture in the base.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth that elevates the overall taste profile.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and ensures a perfectly crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread-style base.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the subtle flavors of other ingredients.

• Raspberry Jam: Brings vibrant, tangy-sweet fruity burst that complements the buttery crust beautifully.

• Granola: Introduces delightful crunch and nutty undertones to contrast with smooth jam layer.
• Sliced Almonds: Provides delicate crispness and elegant nutty accent to the dessert.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Creates elegant finishing touch with soft, powdery sweetness.

Foolproof Raspberry Squares Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Classic raspberry squares highlight Ina Garten’s signature dessert with buttery shortbread crust and sweet raspberry jam. Crumbly layers and tangy fruit create an irresistible treat perfect for afternoon tea or elegant gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• ½ pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2–⅓ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
• 10 to 12 oz good raspberry jam, such as Hero
• ⅔ cup good granola without dried fruit
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• Confectioners’ sugar, for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Preparation Setup: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center to ensure uniform heat distribution.
2. Dough Foundation: Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer with paddle attachment until smooth, then blend in vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate sifted flour and salt, mixing on low speed until dough forms a cohesive texture. Press approximately two-thirds of the dough evenly into a 9-inch square baking pan, extending slightly up the sides.
3. Jam Layer: Spread raspberry jam across the dough base, maintaining a slim border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking. Crumble remaining dough and mix with granola, creating rustic, textured fragments.
4. Topping and Baking: Scatter crumbled dough-granola mixture over jam, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Sprinkle sliced almonds across the surface for added crunch and visual appeal. Transfer pan to preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes until edges turn light golden-brown.
5. Cooling and Presentation: Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely at room temperature for approximately one hour. Once cooled, slice into 9 or 12 consistent squares. Delicately dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish before serving.

Notes

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Select high-quality raspberry jam with real fruit chunks for a more authentic, intense flavor profile.
• Handle Dough Carefully: Work with chilled dough to prevent sticking and maintain a crumbly, tender texture during preparation.
• Control Moisture Balance: Avoid overloading jam to prevent soggy bottom and ensure crisp, clean-cutting squares.
• Perfect Crumb Topping: Gently break dough into irregular, small pieces for a rustic, artisanal-looking crumble that adds delightful textural contrast.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg