Lydia’s Austrian Raspberry Shortbread Bar Recipe

This classic Austrian Raspberry Shortbread Bar recipe, passed down through generations, combines a rich buttery crust with sweet raspberry jam for a delightfully crumbly and flavorful treat.

Recipe credit: Lydia

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, slightly softened

• 4 egg yolks

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup raspberry jam, at room temperature

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Lydia’s Austrian Raspberry Shortbread Bar Recipe Instructions:

1. Cream the butter in a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer) until soft and fluffy. Add the egg yolks and mix well.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add the dry ingredients to the butter and egg yolk mixture, and mix just until incorporated and the dough starts to come together.

3. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and form into two balls. Wrap each ball in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight. (Dough can be frozen for up to a month if desired.)

4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

5. Remove one ball of dough from the freezer and coarsely grate it by hand or with the grating disk of a food processor. Evenly cover the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan or a 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom with the grated dough.

6. Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the surface with the back of a spoon or a flexible spatula.

7. Remove the second ball of dough from the freezer and coarsely grate it over the entire surface.

8. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until light golden brown.

9. As soon as the shortbread comes out of the oven, dust with powdered sugar.

10. Cool on a wire rack, then cut in the pan with a serrated knife.

Variations:

• Lemon Curd (Trader Joe’s is fantastic)

• Apricot Jam

• Chocolate Chips and Raspberry Jam: After removing the bottom layer from the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips on top and let sit for a few minutes until spreadable. Smooth out, top with raspberry jam, then continue as directed.

Enjoy the delicate balance of buttery shortbread and sweet raspberry filling in every bite of this Austrian classic. Perfect for special occasions or simply indulging in a moment of nostalgia, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Experiment with other fillings like lemon curd or apricot jam to make Lydia’s Austrian Raspberry Shortbread Bar Recipe your own!