Vegan Raspberry Bars

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt. Now add the softened vegan butter or coconut oil, and stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should be rather crumbly. Use your hands if you need to.
3. Set aside 1 cup of the shortbread dough, in a smaller bowl. This is your crumble topping.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and turn the oven up to 350 degrees F.
6. Spread the raspberry preserves over the warm crust. Sprinkle on the topping. Place in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. The filling should be bubbling on the edges and in the middle.
7. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Lift the bars out of the pan with the parchment paper, transfer to a cooling rack and let them cool for at least 2 hours, if possible. Cut into squares and drizzle with optional glaze.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and almond milk until a glaze is formed.