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Old World Raspberry Bars Recipe

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4.2 from 1 review

These Old World Raspberry Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery pecan crust with a sweet raspberry jam filling and a crunchy oat crumble topping. Perfectly baked to achieve a golden crust and bubbling jam, these bars make an ideal dessert or snack, showcasing a nostalgic, rustic flavor with a hint of nutty texture.

Ingredients

Crust and Crumble

  • 2 3/4 cups flour
  • 2 1/2 sticks butter (1 1/4 cups, at room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 cup finely chopped roasted unsalted pecans
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Filling and Topping

  • 20 oz. raspberry jam or preserves (about 2 cups)
  • 2/3 cup rolled oats (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13 inch pan thoroughly or create a parchment sling by cutting parchment paper a few inches wider than the pan and pressing it inside to allow easy removal of the bars after baking.
  2. Mix Dough: Combine the flour, butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, egg yolk, chopped pecans, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on low speed until the mixture turns crumbly, scraping down the sides frequently to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Form Crust and Bake: Press all but about 1.5 cups of the crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust. Bake it for 14 minutes until set and lightly golden.
  4. Prepare Crumble Topping: While the crust is baking, add the rolled oats to the reserved 1.5 cups of the crumb mixture. Use your fingers to thoroughly combine the oats into the crumble for texture and added flavor.
  5. Assemble and Bake Bars: Remove the partially baked crust from the oven. Dollop and gently spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the oat crumble mixture evenly over the jam layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the jam is bubbly and the topping and crust are golden brown.
  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting to set the layers. They can also be enjoyed warm, though bars may be softer and harder to slice. Store covered at room temperature; bars keep well for up to 6 days.

Notes

  • Using roasted, unsalted pecans enhances the nutty flavor without adding extra salt.
  • The rolled oats are optional but add a nice texture and rustic touch to the topping.
  • The raspberry jam should be fairly thick to prevent the filling from becoming too runny when baked.
  • For easy removal of the bars, lining the pan with parchment paper is highly recommended.
  • Bars can be served warm or at room temperature; warm bars may be softer and more difficult to slice neatly.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 days.