SPRINGTIME STRAWBERRY BARS

Springtime Strawberry Bars image

Warmer weather calls for a lighter dessert like these fruity bars. The recipe makes a big batch, so it's perfect for company.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield About 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup slivered almonds, chopped
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 jar (12 ounces) strawberry preserves

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in lemon zest. Combine 3 cups flour, almonds, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture until mixture resembles coarse crumbs (do not over mix)., Set aside 1 cup of dough. Press the remaining dough into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Spread preserves to within 1/4 in. of edges. Combine the reserved dough with the remaining flour; sprinkle over preserves. , Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 159 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 25mg cholesterol, Sodium 99mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.