Raspberry Granola Bars Recipe
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Recipe Category: Breakfast
Servings: 15 bars
Description
These Raspberry Granola Bars are a delightful blend of tart fruit preserves, crunchy granola, and a light, airy texture thanks to a delicate egg white topping. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, these bars offer a sweet and satisfying bite without overwhelming sweetness. Ideal for large gatherings or a simple treat to have on hand for a busy week. Enjoy this fun and easy-to-make recipe on lovewithrecipes.com!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shortening | 3/4 cup |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Eggs (separate yolks) | 2 large |
| Flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Granola Cereal | 1 cup |
| Raspberry Preserves | 1/4 cup |
| Almond Extract | 1 tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 283.9 |
| Fat Content | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2g |
| Cholesterol | 28.2mg |
| Sodium | 57mg |
| Carbohydrates | 38.6g |
| Fiber | 1.3g |
| Sugar | 22.1g |
| Protein | 3.4g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the base mixture
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the shortening, 1/4 cup of sugar, and salt using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take around 2-3 minutes. -
Add eggs and flavor
Once the shortening mixture is ready, add the almond extract and the 2 egg yolks. Mix well to incorporate the flavors and ensure the eggs are fully integrated into the mixture. -
Incorporate the flour
Gradually add the 1 1/2 cups of flour to the egg and shortening mixture, mixing slowly until all the flour is fully combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to make sure the ingredients are well-mixed. -
Prepare the pan and crust
Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Then, spread the prepared dough evenly across the bottom of the pan. Use a spatula to smooth the mixture into a flat layer, ensuring it covers the entire bottom of the pan. -
Bake the crust
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the dough is set. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. -
Add the raspberry preserves
Immediately after removing the pan from the oven, spread the 1/4 cup of raspberry preserves evenly over the baked crust. The warmth of the crust will make it easier to spread the preserves without it clumping. -
Sprinkle with granola
Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of granola cereal over the raspberry layer. Press it down gently so it adheres to the preserves and forms a consistent texture. -
Whip the egg whites
In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer or stand mixer until they are frothy. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar while continuing to beat. Once the mixture forms stiff peaks, stop mixing. -
Top with egg whites
Spread the whipped egg whites gently over the granola layer, making sure to cover the entire surface. This will create a light, meringue-like texture on top of the bars as they bake. -
Final bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350Β°F (175Β°C) for an additional 25 minutes, or until the egg whites are golden and firm to the touch. The granola should be crispy and golden brown at the edges. -
Cool and slice
Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, cut the mixture into 15 equal-sized bars. For best results, let the bars sit for a few minutes to set completely before serving.
Additional Tips:
- Granola Variety: Feel free to use your favorite type of granola or even make your own. A granola with dried fruits or nuts can add extra texture and flavor to these bars.
- Preserves Swap: While raspberry preserves are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other fruit preserves or jams, like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry, for a different twist.
- Storage: Store your Raspberry Granola Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. These bars also freeze well, so feel free to make a double batch and freeze some for later!
Conclusion:
This recipe for Raspberry Granola Bars is the perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and crunchy. The combination of a soft, buttery base, tart raspberry preserves, and a crisp granola topping makes for a treat thatβs sure to be enjoyed by all. Whether you’re serving them at breakfast, brunch, or as an after-school snack, these bars are easy to make and perfect for large groups. Share the love, and enjoy these bars at home or at your next gathering!
