Raspberry Almond Bars
Sweet and crunchy raspberry almond bars feature a buttery oat crust topped with raspberry preserves and toasted almonds, perfect for a delightful snack or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8 or 9-inch square pan with foil and lightly grease the foil.
- Mix flour, quick oats, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Cut in the soft oleo until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in almond extract until well blended.
- Reserve about 1 cup of the oat mixture.
- Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread raspberry preserves over the crust, about 1/2 inch from the edges.
- Mix sliced almonds with the reserved oat mixture.
- Sprinkle the almond mixture over the preserves, pressing down gently.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Allow to cool in the pan on a rack.
- Lift the foil by the ends to remove the bars from the pan.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the sugar with brown sugar. If you don't have quick oats, regular rolled oats can be used but may require a slightly longer baking time. Ensure the oleo is softened to mix easily with the dry ingredients. You may also sprinkle a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of regular flour.
Serving Suggestions
These Raspberry Almond Bars make a delightful snack on their own or can be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a refreshing side, try the Sparkling Berry Salad, which complements the sweet and tart flavors of the bars perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Raspberry Almond Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To enjoy them warm, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raspberry Almond Bars contains roughly 128 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 fresh raspberries instead of preserves?
While fresh raspberries can be used, they won't provide the same sweetness and consistency as raspberry preserves. If you choose to use fresh raspberries, consider adding a bit of sugar and cooking them down to create a thicker raspberry sauce that mimics the preserves.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! To make these Raspberry Almond Bars vegan, replace the oleo with a plant-based butter and use a vegan-friendly sugar. You can also substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract if desired. This will maintain the delicious flavor while adhering to vegan recipes.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the center feels set. You can also gently press the top; it should spring back slightly. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, consider covering the pan with foil until the center is fully baked.
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).