If you’re in the mood for a treat that’s both elegant and utterly irresistible, let me introduce you to Pistachio Raspberry Shortbread Bars. The buttery, crumbly shortbread base is perfectly complemented by the richness of pistachios and the bright, tangy pop of raspberry. Imagine biting into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a delightful balance of sweet and savory—it’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like you’ve just indulged in something truly special. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!
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Why You’ll Love Pistachio Raspberry Shortbread Bars
This dessert is the perfect way to treat yourself (or impress your guests!) without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s why you’re going to love it:
Deliciously Balanced Flavors
The buttery shortbread, nutty pistachios, and tart raspberry jam come together in a beautiful, harmonious way. Every bite feels like a little burst of joy.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply want a sweet treat for yourself, these bars hit all the right notes. They look fancy but are easy to make, so you can spend more time enjoying them and less time in the kitchen.
Easy to Make
Don’t be intimidated by the elegant look of these bars—this recipe is super simple. The shortbread base comes together in minutes, and the rest is just layering and baking.
Made with Pantry Staples
You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry! There’s no need for fancy ingredients—just basic baking essentials that combine to create something extraordinary.
Make-Ahead Friendly
These bars can be made ahead of time, which is a major win for busy bakers! Store them in an airtight container, and you’ve got a sweet snack ready whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredients in Pistachio Raspberry Shortbread Bars
Let’s break down the ingredients that make this dessert so irresistible:
Butter
The base of the shortbread is made with butter, which gives it that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s what makes shortbread so deliciously indulgent.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour forms the structure of the shortbread, giving it that perfect crumbly texture.
Sugar
A little sugar goes a long way in creating a sweet, balanced shortbread without overpowering the other flavors.
Pistachios
Roasted pistachios add a lovely crunch and a savory, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the raspberry jam.
Raspberry Jam
Raspberry jam provides that burst of fruity, tart goodness that perfectly complements the buttery shortbread and pistachios.
Vanilla Extract
A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors and adds a hint of sweetness to the shortbread.
Salt
A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the bars.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make these delectable bars:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and get that perfect golden color.
Prepare the Shortbread Base
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, and mix until combined. The dough should be soft and crumbly.
Press into the Pan
Press the shortbread dough into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the pan.
Bake the Base
Bake the shortbread base in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden around the edges. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Add the Raspberry Jam
Once the shortbread has cooled slightly, spread a layer of raspberry jam over the top. You can use store-bought or homemade jam—whichever you prefer. Be sure to spread it evenly.
Add the Pistachios
Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the jam layer. This adds that delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Bake Again
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the top is golden and the jam is bubbling.
Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. This helps the shortbread set and makes them easier to cut.
How to Serve Pistachio Raspberry Shortbread Bars
These shortbread bars are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking for some extra serving suggestions, here are a few ideas:
With Tea or Coffee
Serve these bars alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious afternoon treat. The nutty, buttery flavors pair beautifully with a warm drink.
For Special Occasions
These bars make a beautiful addition to a dessert platter for holidays or family gatherings. They’re easy to slice into neat squares, making them perfect for sharing.
With a Dollop of Whipped Cream
For an extra indulgent touch, top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Fresh Berries
Pair with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a burst of freshness that complements the jam in the bars.
Additional Tips
Make It Ahead
You can make these bars a day ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days.
Store the Bars
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer shelf life.
Experiment with Other Jams
While raspberry is my favorite, feel free to experiment with other fruit jams like strawberry, apricot, or even blueberry for a new twist.
Make a Double Batch
If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for later, double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan for a bigger batch!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different nut instead of pistachios?
A1: Absolutely! If you don’t have pistachios, you can substitute them with chopped almonds, walnuts, or even hazelnuts.
Q2: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A2: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a one-to-one replacement for best results.
Q3: How should I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!
Q4: Can I freeze these bars?
A4: Yes! You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container.
Q5: Can I use homemade raspberry jam?
A5: Absolutely! Homemade raspberry jam works wonderfully in this recipe, adding a personal touch to the bars.
Q6: Can I make this recipe without sugar?
A6: You can try substituting sugar with a sweetener of your choice, like honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly.
Q7: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A7: Yes, you can, but if using salted butter, omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid the bars becoming too salty.
Q8: Can I make this recipe in a larger pan?
A8: You can! Just keep in mind that the baking time might need adjustment depending on the size of the pan.
Q9: How do I know when these bars are done?
A9: The bars are done when the shortbread is golden and the jam is bubbling. You can also check by gently pressing on the center of the bars; if it feels firm, they’re ready.
Q10: Can I add other flavors to the shortbread?
A10: Yes! You could add a bit of lemon zest or almond extract to the shortbread dough for extra flavor.
Conclusion
These Pistachio Raspberry Shortbread Bars are the perfect sweet treat to make when you want something that’s both simple and sophisticated. With their buttery shortbread base, crunchy pistachios, and tangy raspberry jam, they’re a dessert that will never go out of style. So go ahead, give them a try—you won’t be disappointed. And trust me, once you start eating, it’ll be hard to stop!
Print
Pistachio Raspberry Shortbread Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Description
This Crawfish Fettuccine recipe is a quick and cheesy dish that’s packed with flavor. With creamy, velvety sauce and tender crawfish, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to impress. Easy to make and delicious, this comforting recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers!
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Tony’s BOLD Creole Seasoning
- 1 pound Cooked Fettuccine
- 1/2 Stick Butter
- 1 pound Frozen Crawfish, Defrosted
- 1 Yellow Onion, Chopped
- 1–2 Stalks Celery, Chopped
- 1/2 Red Bell Pepper, Chopped
- 1 Serrano Pepper, Seeds Removed and Diced (or Jalapeño)
- 2 Tablespoons Flour
- 2/3 cup Half-and-Half
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 4 ounces Velveeta Cheese, Cubed
- Garnish: Freshly Chopped Parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, and serrano pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
- Add Garlic and Crawfish: Add in your garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the defrosted crawfish and Tony’s BOLD Creole Seasoning. Cook for about 3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Make the Sauce: Add in your half-and-half and bring to a simmer. Stir in the sour cream, grated Parmesan, and cubed Velveeta. Continue to stir until the cheeses melt into the sauce.
- Combine with Pasta: Add your cooked fettuccine into the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra heat, add more serrano pepper or jalapeño to the sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute the half-and-half with milk and reduce the amount of cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg