Almond Raspberry Bars
Sweet almond and raspberry flavors combine in these layered bars, featuring a buttery crust, tangy jam, and coconut-almond topping, perfect for a delightful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter or margarine and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add flour and mix well, then press the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Spread raspberry jam over the hot baked layer.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in shredded coconut.
- Spread coconut and egg white mixture over the jam layer.
- Sprinkle slivered almonds on top.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Cool completely and cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, substitute slivered almonds with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. Ensure that the butter is softened for easy creaming with the powdered sugar. If the raspberry jam is too thick, warm it slightly to make spreading easier. You can also use other fruit jams like strawberry or blueberry for variation.
Serving Suggestions
These almond raspberry bars make a delightful dessert on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an elegant touch, serve them alongside a refreshing fruit salad or with a cup of tea. Consider pairing with Lemon Parsley Potatoes for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover almond raspberry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you prefer, you can freeze the bars for up to two months; just ensure they are wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Raspberry Bars contains roughly 466 calories, with 11g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?
Using whole eggs will change the texture and richness of the bars. The egg whites provide a light and fluffy topping, while whole eggs would make it denser. For best results, stick to egg whites as specified in the recipe.
What can I substitute for raspberry jam?
You can substitute raspberry jam with other fruit preserves such as strawberry, apricot, or even a tart cherry jam. Each option will give a unique flavor to the bars while still complementing the almond and coconut topping.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done baking when they are lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).