🥧 Almond Raspberry Lattice Bars 🥧
Almond Raspberry Lattice Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the nutty goodness of almonds with the fruity sweetness of raspberries, all encased in a buttery, flaky pastry crust. These bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing, thanks to their lattice design. Let’s dive into the history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make this scrumptious treat!
📜 History:
The exact origin of Almond Raspberry Lattice Bars is unclear, but they are a modern twist on classic fruit bars and pastries. Almonds and raspberries have been enjoyed in various desserts for centuries, and this recipe likely emerged as a creative fusion of these flavors.
🧁 Components:
To make Almond Raspberry Lattice Bars, you’ll need the following components:
- Pastry Crust: Made from flour, butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Almond Filling: Ground almonds, sugar, almond extract, and egg whites.
- Raspberry Filling: Raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
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Prepare the Pastry Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water gradually, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into two portions, shape them into discs, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Make the Almond Filling:
- In another bowl, mix ground almonds, sugar, almond extract, and egg whites until well combined. Set aside.
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Prepare the Raspberry Filling:
- In a saucepan, cook raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice over low heat until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
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Roll Out the Dough:
- Take one dough disc and roll it out into a rectangle to fit your baking pan. Place it in the pan, leaving some overhang.
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Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the almond filling evenly over the pastry crust.
- Spoon the raspberry filling on top of the almond layer.
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Create the Lattice Top:
- Roll out the second dough disc and cut it into strips.
- Weave the strips over the raspberry filling in a lattice pattern.
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Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the bars for about 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is set.
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Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
⏰ Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Almond Raspberry Lattice Bars can vary, but it typically takes around 2 hours from start to finish, including preparation and baking time. However, keep in mind that this may vary based on your baking experience and kitchen setup.
Now you’re ready to enjoy these delectable Almond Raspberry Lattice Bars, a perfect blend of nutty, fruity, and sweet flavors! 🥧🍇🌰
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Raspberry Lattice Bars:
📊 Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per bar.
- Fat: About 12-15 grams, primarily from the almonds and butter in the pastry.
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-35 grams, mainly from the pastry and raspberry filling.
- Protein: Approximately 4-6 grams, primarily from the almonds and a small amount from the egg whites.
- Fiber: A few grams, thanks to the raspberries.
- Sugar: About 15-20 grams, primarily from the sugar in the almond and raspberry fillings.
🌟 Health Information:
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Almonds: Almonds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They provide essential nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. Almonds are known to support heart health and may help with weight management.
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Raspberries: Raspberries are rich in vitamins (especially vitamin C), fiber, and antioxidants. They are low in calories and can contribute to a healthy diet by aiding in digestion and providing vitamins and minerals.
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Moderation: While Almond Raspberry Lattice Bars can be a tasty treat, they should be enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and calorie content. Consider them an occasional indulgence rather than a regular part of your diet.
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Allergens: Be mindful of nut allergies if you or someone you’re serving has them, as almonds are a prominent ingredient in this recipe.
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Customization: You can make these bars slightly healthier by using whole wheat flour or almond flour in the pastry crust and reducing the sugar content in the fillings if desired.
Remember that the healthiness of any dessert depends on portion size and frequency of consumption. Enjoy these bars as a delightful occasional dessert while maintaining a balanced diet for overall health.
