Description
Tender shortbread bars with a buttery crust, creamy vanilla filling, bright raspberry preserves, fresh raspberries, and a delicate crumb topping. These bakery-style bars are rich, fruity, and perfect for making ahead.
Ingredients
Units
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- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup raspberry preserves
- 3/4 cup fresh raspberries
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, optional for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and work it in until the mixture forms soft crumbs that hold together when pressed.
- Set aside 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, beat the cream cheese, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the warm crust. Spoon the raspberry preserves on top and gently spread into an even layer. Scatter the fresh raspberries over the preserves.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the topping is lightly golden and the center is set.
- Cool completely in the pan, then chill for at least 1 hour.
- Lift the bars out using the parchment, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and slice into 12 bars.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest filling.
- Chill fully before slicing for clean layers.
- Seedless raspberry preserves create the neatest look, but seeded preserves work too.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 52mg