RASPBERRY LINZER BARS

Raspberry Linzer Bars are a delightful twist on the traditional Linzer torte, offering all the beloved flavors in an easy-to-make bar form. These bars feature a buttery, nutty crust made with ground almonds or hazelnuts, layered with sweet and tangy raspberry jam, and topped with a crumbly lattice of dough. The combination of the tender crust and the fruity filling creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making these bars a beautiful and delicious treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them with a cup of tea, Raspberry Linzer Bars are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

For the Crust and Topping:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the Filling:

• 3/4 cup raspberry jam or preserves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a tangier flavor)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
4. Assemble the base: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
5. Add the filling: In a small bowl, mix the raspberry jam with the lemon juice if using. Spread the jam mixture evenly over the crust.
6. Create the topping: With the remaining dough, crumble it over the raspberry filling. You can also roll small pieces of dough into thin ropes and create a lattice pattern on top if desired.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
8. Serve: Once cooled, dust the bars with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into squares or bars and serve.

Raspberry Linzer Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the nutty richness of a Linzer torte with the ease of a bar cookie. The sweet-tart raspberry filling and the buttery, crumbly crust make these bars an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion.