These Raspberry Crumble Bars are pure indulgence—a buttery almond shortbread crust, a generous layer of sweet raspberry jam, and a golden almond streusel topping that adds the perfect crunch. I love how easy they are to put together, yet they look and taste like something from a bakery. They’re perfect for dessert tables, potlucks, or just a sweet treat with my afternoon coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore these bars because they combine everything I want in a dessert—tender buttery crust, fruity jam, and a satisfying crumble. They’re much easier than making individual cookies, but they taste just like my favorite raspberry almond thumbprints. I can switch up the jam flavor depending on my mood, and they store beautifully so I can enjoy them for days. Plus, the almond flavor makes them feel extra special without extra effort.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• butter, softened

• granulated sugar

• almond extract

• large egg

• all purpose flour, spooned and leveled

• baking powder

• kosher salt

• seedless raspberry jam

• butter, melted

• granulated sugar

• all purpose flour, spooned and leveled

• sliced almonds

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy lifting.

2. In my stand mixer, I beat softened butter until creamy, then add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

3. I mix in almond extract and egg, scraping the sides to make sure everything blends well.

4. In another bowl, I stir together flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently mix it into the butter mixture until just combined.

5. I press the dough evenly into the pan, dampening my hands slightly to prevent sticking, and chill for about 20 minutes.

6. I bake the crust for 15–20 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden.

7. While it bakes, I make the streusel by melting butter, mixing in sugar and flour, then chilling for a few minutes before adding the sliced almonds.

8. Once the crust is ready, I spread raspberry jam over it, leaving a small border around the edges.

9. I sprinkle the almond streusel on top, squeezing small clumps together for chunkier crumbles.

10. I reduce the oven to 350°F and bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden brown.

11. I let the bars cool completely before lifting them out and slicing—if I can resist sneaking a warm bite.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 bars. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prep, 45 minutes to bake, and 20 minutes of chilling time, for a total of about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes swap raspberry jam for apricot, strawberry, or blueberry for a different flavor.

• For a nut-free version, I replace the almonds with rolled oats in the streusel.

• I like to add a dusting of powdered sugar once the bars are cool for a bakery-style look.

• For a citrus twist, I stir a teaspoon of lemon zest into the crust dough.

storage/reheating

I keep these bars covered at room temperature for up to 4 days, but they also freeze beautifully. I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, I let them thaw at room temperature—no reheating needed, though a quick warm-up in the oven makes them extra fragrant.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake them the day before serving. They actually taste even better after resting overnight.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

I can substitute vanilla extract, but I find the almond really enhances the flavor of the raspberry.

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?

Fresh raspberries won’t work the same way because the bars need a thicker, sweetened layer. I stick to jam or preserves for the best texture.

How do I cut clean squares?

I let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat edges.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, I double it and bake in two pans or use a half-sheet pan, adjusting the bake time slightly.

Conclusion

I love how these Raspberry Crumble Bars feel both elegant and homey. The buttery almond shortbread, fruity jam, and crunchy streusel make each bite irresistible. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or keeping all to myself for a few sweet days in a row.