The Best Raspberry Bars

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. 2

   In the bowl of an electric mixer, mix the flour, oats, sugars, baking soda and salt at low speed until combined, about 30 seconds. With the mixer running at low speed, add the butter pieces. Continue to beat until the mixture is well blended and resembles wet sand, about 2 minutes.

3. 3

   Transfer two thirds of the oat mixture to the prepared pan and use your hands to press the crumbs evenly into the bottom. Bake until the crust starts to brown, about 20 minutes.

4. 4

   Remove the pan from the oven. Using a rubber spatula, spread the preserves evenly over the hot bottom crust then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the preserves.

5. 5

   Bake until the preserves bubble around the edges and the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool until room temperature. Cut and serve.

6. 6

   Recipe adapted from Cooks Illustrated, The New Best Recipe.

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