Nancy Reagan’s Vienna Bars are a graceful, old-fashioned dessert that reflects the simple elegance of mid-century entertaining. Often shared from handwritten recipe cards and community cookbooks, these bars are tender, buttery, lightly sweet, and finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. They’re the kind of treat meant for afternoon coffee, holiday trays, or a quiet moment at the kitchen table.
This recipe is traditionally associated with Nancy Reagan, and whether served at a luncheon or tucked into a tin for guests, Vienna Bars have a timeless charm that never feels dated. Soft shortbread layers cradle a bright fruit filling, creating a balance that’s rich without being heavy.
Yield and Timing
This recipe yields about 24 bars.
Prep time is 15 minutes, with 30–35 minutes of baking time.
Ingredients
You’ll need 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, which gives the bars their signature tenderness. Sweetness comes from ½ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract adds warmth.
For structure, use 2 cups all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt.
The filling is ¾ to 1 cup raspberry or apricot preserves, spread thin for a refined finish. To serve, you’ll need powdered sugar, for dusting.
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Add the flour and salt, stirring gently just until a soft dough forms.
Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the fruit preserves evenly over the dough, keeping the layer thin and smooth. Crumble the remaining dough over the top, allowing some of the filling to peek through.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before slicing into bars.
Serving Suggestions
Vienna Bars are best served at room temperature. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a light dessert wine. Their neat shape and delicate flavor make them ideal for holiday platters, luncheons, or gift boxes.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for slightly longer keeping. Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving if needed.
A Dessert with Quiet Elegance
Nancy Reagan’s Vienna Bars are proof that classic desserts don’t need embellishment to feel special. Buttery, soft, and subtly sweet, they carry the charm of another era—when desserts were refined, recipes were shared, and simplicity was the ultimate sophistication.
Enjoy !!!
