Tate’s Bake Shop Raspberry Squares: A Taste of Hamptons Sunshine

I’ll never forget the first time I bit into a raspberry square. It was a summer afternoon at a small bakery on Long Island, the air thick with the scent of salt and sunblock. The bright, tart raspberry jam, nestled between layers of buttery, almond-studded crust, was an instant reminder of carefree days spent by the ocean. Every time I make these squares, I’m transported back to that sunny, breezy moment, and I’m so excited to share this taste of pure summer joy with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 16 squares
• Yield: 1 (9-inch) pan
• Dietary Type: Not specified (contains dairy and eggs)

Ingredients

• 1 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almonds, chopped
• 1 1/4 cups raspberry jam, high quality

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch square baking pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to ensure your oven is fully preheated for consistent baking.
2. Thoroughly grease a 9-inch square baking pan. This prevents the squares from sticking and ensures easy removal. A light coating of cooking spray works well.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender crust. Don’t rush it!
4. Add the egg yolk to the butter and sugar mixture and mix until well combined. The egg yolk adds richness and helps bind the dough.
5. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and chopped almonds to the wet ingredients. Blend until just combined. The mixture should be a bit crumbly, not too dry. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough crust.
6. Pat half of the mixture (approximately 3 cups) into the prepared baking pan. Press firmly and evenly to create a solid base.
7. Bake the crust for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden. This pre-baking step ensures the bottom crust is cooked through and won’t be soggy.
8. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately spread the raspberry jam evenly over the pre-baked crust, leaving about a 1/4-inch border along the sides. Using high-quality raspberry jam is key to the flavor of these squares. Clearbrook Farms is a great choice if you can find it.
9. Crumble the remaining dough evenly over the jam. Distribute it as evenly as possible to cover the entire surface.
10. Pat the crumbled dough lightly to help it adhere to the jam.
11. Bake for another 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Keep a close eye on the squares during the final minutes of baking to prevent them from burning. A slight wobble in the center is okay; they will firm up as they cool.
12. Remove from the oven and let the squares cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Cooling allows the jam to set and makes cutting easier.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Use the Best Jam: The quality of your raspberry jam truly makes a difference in the final flavor of these squares. Opt for a jam with a high fruit content and minimal added sugar. Seedless jam will give a smoother texture.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): For a more defined and less crumbly crust, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan.
• Toast the Almonds: To enhance the nutty flavor, lightly toast the chopped almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the dough. Be careful not to burn them.
• Adjust for Humidity: If your dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of melted butter or water at a time until it comes together. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry, crumbly crust. The squares are done when the top is golden brown and the edges are set.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These raspberry squares are delicious served at room temperature or slightly warmed. They pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

• Storage: Store leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the squares in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the squares in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or microwave them in 15-second intervals until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	359.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	16.6 g	25%
Saturated Fat	7.8 g	38%
Cholesterol	42.3 mg	14%
Sodium	119.9 mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	49.3 g	16%
Dietary Fiber	1.9 g	7%
Sugars	25.1 g	N/A
Protein	4.7 g	9%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper binding.
• Different Jams: Feel free to experiment with other types of jam, such as strawberry, apricot, or blackberry.
• Nuts: Swap the almonds for other nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts.
• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a brighter flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the jam before adding the top layer of crumble for a decadent twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

A: Yes, but you’ll need to add about 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the dough to compensate for the lack of salt in the butter.

Q: The dough is too crumbly and won’t come together. What should I do?

A: Add a tablespoon of melted butter or water at a time until the dough reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much liquid, or the crust will be tough.

Q: Can I make these squares ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! These squares can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Q: My jam is too thick to spread easily. What can I do?

A: Gently warm the jam in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in 15-second intervals until it is slightly softened and easier to spread.

Q: How do I prevent the jam from bubbling over during baking?

A: Leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edges of the crust helps prevent the jam from bubbling over. Also, avoid overfilling the crust with jam.

Final Thoughts

These Tate’s Bake Shop Raspberry Squares are more than just a recipe; they’re a taste of sunshine, a reminder of simple pleasures, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of creating something truly delicious. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. And most importantly, share your creations with friends and family and spread the love, one raspberry square at a time!