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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation Setup: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center to ensure uniform heat distribution.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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