Whole Wheat-Raspberry Bars

whole wheat raspberry bars
Photo: Antonis Achilleos
Yield:
Makes about 2 1/2 dozen

These soft bars filled with raspberryjam are more virtuousthan many coffee-breaktreats. Applesauce givesthe cookies a cakelike texture; whole wheat flourand wheat bran add wholesome notes. Lemon zestbalances the sweetness ofthe berry jam.

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups whole wheat flour

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

  • ¼ cup wheat bran

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda

  • cup packed dark-brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 large egg

  • ¼ cup smooth unsweetened applesauce

  • 1 cup raspberry jam

Directions

  1. Whisk together flours, bran, salt, andbaking soda in a medium bowl; set aside.Put brown sugar and zest in the bowl ofan electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until combined. Beat in butter until fluffy. Beatin egg until pale and smooth. Reduce speed to low. Mix in the flour mixture in3 batches, alternating with the applesauce. Divide dough in half; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.

  2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll out 1 pieceof dough between 2 lightly floured sheetsof parchment to a 9 1/2-by-11 1/2-inch rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. If dough becomes too soft, refrigerate until firm.Remove top piece of parchment. Trimdough 1/2 inch on all sides. Transfer rectangle on parchment to a baking sheet.

  3. Cut rectangle in half lengthwise.Spread 1/4 cup jam down half of eachlength, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Folddough over; pinch to seal. Refrigerateuntil firm, about 20 minutes. Repeat withremaining chilled dough and jam.

  4. Cut crosswise into 1 1/2-inch-wide bars,but do not separate until after baking.Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let cool on sheet on a wire rack.

Cook's Notes

Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

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