Raspberry Almond Squares

Ricardo
Ricardo @tallcook
Manhattan, New York, United States

Combine the rich nuttiness of a buttery almond croissant with the fruity tartness of a raspberry jam bar, and you have these raspberry almond squares. The squares are a textural dream: a chewy, brown sugar base that's crowned with gooey almond frangipane and swirled with vibrant raspberry jam. A sprinkle of toasty sliced almonds and a dust of confectioners sugar add crunch, contrast, and a touch of elegance.

Raspberry Almond Squares

Combine the rich nuttiness of a buttery almond croissant with the fruity tartness of a raspberry jam bar, and you have these raspberry almond squares. The squares are a textural dream: a chewy, brown sugar base that's crowned with gooey almond frangipane and swirled with vibrant raspberry jam. A sprinkle of toasty sliced almonds and a dust of confectioners sugar add crunch, contrast, and a touch of elegance.

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Ingredients

1 hour
Approx. small 25 squares
  1. Base
  2. 8 tablespoons (113 g)unsalted butter
  3. 1 cup (213 g)light brown sugar, packed
  4. 1 teaspoonKosher salt
  5. 1large egg
  6. 2 teaspoonspure vanilla extract
  7. 1 1/2 cups (180 g)unbleached all-purpose lour
  8. 1 teaspoonbaking powder
  9. Frangipane
  10. 4 tablespoons (57 g)unsalted butter, softened
  11. 1/3 cup (71 g)light brown sugar, packed
  12. 1large egg
  13. 1/4 teaspoonalmond extract
  14. 1 cup (96 g)almond flour
  15. 1 tablespoonunbleached all-purpose flour
  16. 1/4 teaspoonKosher salt
  17. Topping
  18. 1/3 cup (113 g)raspberry jam or preserves
  19. 2-3 tablespoons (11 g)to 16g) almonds, sliced
  20. Confectioners' sugar, for garnishing

Cooking Instructions

1 hour
  1. 1

    Lightly grease an 8" or 9” square pan and line with a parchment sling. Grease the sling too.

  2. 2

    To make the bars: In a large saucepan, place the butter, brown sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly with a flexible spatula or wooden spoon, until the butter melts.

  3. 3

    With the pan off-heat, stir the mixture vigorously for 30 seconds, then add the egg and vanilla; mix until combined.

  4. 4

    Add the flour and baking powder, then stir gently until combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and use a small offset spatula to smooth it into an even layer.

  5. 5

    Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the center.

  6. 6

    To make the frangipane: In the same saucepan (still off-heat) or bowl, place the butter and brown sugar. Use a spatula to vigorously stir them together until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.

  7. 7

    Add the egg and almond extract, mixing until incorporated. Add the flours and salt and continue mixing until combined.

  8. 8

    Dollop the frangipane evenly across the top of the batter. Aim for 16 to 20 small dollops of frangipane.

  9. 9

    To add the topping: Top the frangipane with small spoonfuls of jam; 16 to 18 spoonfuls provides an even distribution, and a scant teaspoon cookie scoop works well here. Use the tip of a thin knife or toothpick to slightly swirl the jam with the frangipane. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top.

  10. 10

    Bake for 30 minutes (9” pan) to 34 minutes (8” pan), until the edges start to pull away from the side of the pan and the frangipane is lightly golden, puff and just set.

  11. 11

    Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely, in the pan, on a wire rack.

  12. 12

    When cool, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang as handles. Garnish with a light sprinkling of non-melting or confectioners' sugar, then cut into slices before serving.

  13. 13

    Store any leftover raspberry bars in an airtight container for several days at room temperature or store them in the refrigerator for a firmer texture.
    Freeze the bars, well wrapped, for longer storage.

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Ricardo
Ricardo @tallcook
on
Manhattan, New York, United States
My mother was a very good home cook, which made me appreciate homemade food to this day.
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