Raspberry Frangipane Bars sliced on a cooling rack
Raspberry Frangipane Bars

Raspberry Frangipane Bars

Recipe by Tara O'Brady

Combine the rich nuttiness of a buttery almond croissant with the fruity tartness of a raspberry jam bar, and you have these Frangipane Raspberry Bars (no fancy pastry skills required!). The bars are a textural dream: a chewy, brown sugar base that’s crowned with gooey almond frangipane and swirled with vibrant raspberry jam. A sprinkle of toasty sliced almonds adds crunch, contrast, and a touch of elegance. The final flourish of non-melting sugar nods to the croissant inspiration.

Prep
25 mins
Bake
32 to 36 mins
Total
1 hr
Yield
one 8" square
Raspberry Frangipane Bars sliced on a cooling rack - select to zoom
Raspberry Frangipane Bars sliced on a cooling rack - select to zoom
Raspberry Frangipane Bars stacked up on a plate - select to zoom
Raspberry Frangipane Bars ingredients - select to zoom
Raspberry Frangipane Bars on a cooling rack unsliced - select to zoom

Instructions

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  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the center. Lightly grease an 8" square pan and line with a parchment sling.  

  2. To make the bars: In a large saucepan, place the butter, brown sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly with a flexible spatula or wooden spoon, until the butter melts. Alternatively, microwave the mixture in a heatproof bowl until the butter is completely melted.  

  3. Stir the mixture vigorously for 30 seconds, then add the egg and vanilla; mix until combined. 

  4. Add the flour and baking powder, then stir gently until combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and use a small offset spatula to smooth it into an even layer.  

  5. To make the frangipane: In the same saucepan or bowl, place the butter and brown sugar. Use a spatula to vigorously stir them together until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. 

  6. Add the egg and almond extract, mixing until incorporated. Add the flours and salt and continue mixing until combined. 

  7. Dollop the frangipane evenly across the top of the batter. Aim for 16 to 20 dollops of frangipane; a teaspoon cookie scoop works well here. 

  8. To add the topping: Top the frangipane with small spoonfuls of jam; 16 to 18 spoonfuls provides an even distribution, and a scant teaspoon cookie scoop works well here. Use the tip of a thin knife or toothpick to slightly swirl the jam with the frangipane. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top. 

  9. Bake for 32 to 36 minutes, until the edges start to pull away from the side of the pan and the frangipane is lightly golden, puffed, and just set.   

  10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely, in the pan, on a wire rack. 

  11. When cool, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang as handles. Garnish with a light sprinkling of non-melting or confectioners’ sugar, then cut into slices before serving. 

  12. Storage information: Store any leftover raspberry bars in an airtight container for several days at room temperature or store them in the refrigerator for a firmer texture. Freeze the bars, well wrapped, for longer storage.  

Tips from our Bakers

  • A firmer jam will give a more pronounced swirl, whereas a looser variety will bake into the batter.