๐ฐ Almond Raspberry Squares ๐ฐ
Almond Raspberry Squares are a delightful dessert that combines the nutty flavor of almonds with the sweet-tartness of raspberries. These squares are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a perfect treat for various occasions.
๐ History: The exact origin of Almond Raspberry Squares is a bit unclear, but it’s safe to say that they have evolved from traditional almond and raspberry desserts. Almonds have a long history in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, while raspberries have been enjoyed for centuries in Europe and North America. Combining these two ingredients into a square dessert likely originated in the United States, where fruit-filled bars and squares are a popular dessert option.
๐ฅ Components:
- Almonds: These provide a rich, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture to the dessert. Sliced or slivered almonds are often used in the crust or as a topping.
- Raspberries: Fresh or frozen raspberries are used to create a sweet-tart fruit layer.
- Flour: Typically, all-purpose flour is used in the crust and sometimes in the filling.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is a key ingredient for creating a tender and buttery crust.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is used both in the crust and filling to sweeten the dessert.
- Egg: Eggs help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the dessert.
- Vanilla Extract: This adds a lovely flavor to both the crust and the filling.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor.
๐ฉโ๐ณ Steps to Prepare Almond Raspberry Squares:
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Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and grease a baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sliced almonds, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (cut into small pieces).
- Mix these ingredients until they resemble coarse crumbs.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the greased baking dish to create the crust.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
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Prepare the Raspberry Filling:
- In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gently fold in 2 cups of fresh or frozen raspberries.
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Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the raspberry filling mixture over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle another 1/4 cup of sliced almonds over the top for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set, and the top is golden.
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Cool and Serve:
- Allow the Almond Raspberry Squares to cool completely in the baking dish.
- Once cooled, cut them into squares or bars.
- You can dust them with powdered sugar for a finishing touch if desired.
- Serve and enjoy! ๐
โฐ Time Needed: The preparation and baking time for Almond Raspberry Squares typically take around 1 hour and 15-30 minutes, depending on your oven’s exact temperature and the size of your squares. It’s also essential to allow them to cool before cutting and serving.
These delightful squares are perfect for serving at parties, as a dessert for family gatherings, or just for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. The combination of almonds and raspberries creates a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to please your taste buds! ๐ฐ๐๐ฅง
Certainly! Here’s some nutrition information and health considerations for Almond Raspberry Squares:
๐ Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: Around 200-250 calories per square, depending on serving size and specific ingredients used.
- Fat: Approximately 12-15 grams per serving, primarily from almonds and butter.
- Carbohydrates: About 20-25 grams per serving, mainly from flour, sugar, and raspberries.
- Protein: Approximately 3-4 grams per serving, with almonds contributing to the protein content.
- Fiber: About 2-3 grams per serving, mostly from raspberries.
- Sugar: Typically, there’s 10-15 grams of sugar per serving, primarily from the added sugar and natural sugars in raspberries.
๐ฅ Health Information:
- Almonds: Almonds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can provide sustained energy and promote heart health.
- Raspberries: Raspberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system. They’re also a good source of dietary fiber.
- Moderation: While Almond Raspberry Squares contain nutritious ingredients like almonds and raspberries, they are also a dessert with added sugar and butter. As with any dessert, it’s best to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Portion Control: Consider the serving size when enjoying these squares to manage calorie and sugar intake.
- Customization: You can make these squares healthier by using whole wheat flour or almond flour, reducing sugar, or opting for a sugar substitute.
Remember that individual nutritional values may vary based on the specific recipe you follow and portion sizes. Enjoying Almond Raspberry Squares as an occasional treat can be a delightful addition to your diet while keeping health considerations in mind. ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐
