If you’re craving a dessert that’s irresistibly sweet, straightforward to make, and packed with luscious fruit flavor, this Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect treat that blends a buttery, crumbly crust and topping with the vibrant pop of raspberry jam in the middle. Whether you share them at a family gathering, pack them for an afternoon snack, or indulge in a quiet moment at home, these bars are proof that fantastic desserts don’t have to be complicated or require a laundry list of ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars Recipe plays a crucial role, combining simple pantry staples into a symphony of flavor and texture. From the richness of butter to the tangy sweetness of raspberry jam, these components work together to create a dessert that’s both familiar and special.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup (softened): This adds richness and creates that tender, crumbly texture we all love in bars.
- All-purpose flour, 2 1/4 cups: The foundation of the crust and topping, giving structure and balance to the bars.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens evenly and helps achieve a golden crust.
- Egg, 1 (room temperature): Acts as a binder to hold everything together with a soft chewiness.
- Seedless raspberry jam (9-12 ounces): Provides the fresh, fruity burst that makes these bars stand out.
How to Make Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Having your oven ready ensures a consistent bake. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing—this step is key for getting that perfect crumbly texture.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, flour, sugar, and the egg using an electric mixer. Mix until the mixture turns crumbly but starts coming together. This dough is the base and topping, so don’t overmix—just enough to combine the ingredients well.
Step 3: Set Aside Dough for Topping
Reserve about 1 1/2 cups of the crumbly dough mixture for the topping. This part will get sprinkled over the jam later, giving the bars their signature texture and contrasting crunch.
Step 4: Press Dough into the Baking Dish
With the remaining dough, press it evenly into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. This forms the sturdy crust that will hold the sweet raspberry jam perfectly in place while baking.
Step 5: Spread the Raspberry Jam
Evenly spread the seedless raspberry jam over the crust layer. Using a seedless version ensures a smooth texture without bits that might throw off the bars’ smooth consistency.
Step 6: Add the Crumble Topping
Crumble the reserved dough evenly over the raspberry jam layer and gently press it down. This touch brings the bars together and gives them that irresistible golden finish once baked.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake the bars for 30 to 40 minutes, until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. The warmth from the oven will intensify the flavors and meld everything into a perfectly balanced dessert.
Step 8: Cool Before Slicing
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This is crucial for clean slicing and helps the layers set firmly, making each square a delightfully neat and tasty bite.
How to Serve Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant, sweet touch without overpowering the vibrant raspberry flavor. Fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint can also brighten the presentation and add a pop of color that makes the bars look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a light herbal tea complements the fruity, buttery notes beautifully, turning a simple snack into a comforting moment.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the bars on a pretty serving platter with a scattering of fresh raspberries. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares for a delightful finger food option at parties or pack them individually in pretty wrappers as charming homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their fresh texture. If you want them a bit softer the next day, give them a short zap in the microwave—it’s like they’re freshly baked again.
Freezing
These raspberry bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy, make-ahead dessert.
Reheating
If you prefer warm bars, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a conventional oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. This refreshes the texture and brings out the raspberry aroma splendidly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of jam instead of raspberry?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam is classic in the Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars Recipe, you can swap in strawberry, blueberry, or even apricot jam to customize the flavor to your liking.
Do I have to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is preferred because it lets you control the salt level precisely, which affects flavor. If you only have salted butter, you can use it but omit any added salt in your recipe, if applicable.
What if I don’t have an electric mixer?
No worries! You can use a wooden spoon or pastry cutter to mix the ingredients. Just make sure to combine them until crumbly but not overworked—your hands can be great tools here!
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. You might notice a slight difference in texture, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
How thick should I spread the raspberry jam?
Spread a nice, even layer all over the crust, about 1/4 inch thick. This balance ensures you get that perfect burst of raspberry flavor in every bite without overwhelming the crumbly crust and topping.
Final Thoughts
This Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars Recipe is one of those gems that brings joy to both the kitchen and the dinner table with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a casual treat, these bars will quickly become a go-to favorite that you instinctively turn to whenever you want something delicious and comforting. Give it a try, share with loved ones, and watch it disappear in no time!
Print
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are an easy-to-make, delicious dessert featuring a buttery crumb crust and a sweet, tangy raspberry jam filling. Perfect for an afternoon treat or a simple dessert, these bars come together quickly with minimal ingredients and bake into a golden, crumbly delight that’s sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg (room temperature)
Filling
- 1 jar seedless raspberry jam (9–12 ounces)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the bars evenly.
- Mix Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and the egg using an electric mixer. Mix until the mixture turns crumbly and forms a coarse dough. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of this crumbly mixture to use later as the topping.
- Form Crust: Press the remaining dough evenly into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Make sure the base is compacted well to provide a sturdy crust for the bars.
- Spread Jam: Evenly spread the seedless raspberry jam over the pressed crust layer. Distribute the jam carefully for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Add Topping: Crumble the reserved dough over the jam layer, gently pressing it down lightly. This will create a textured, golden topping once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the crust is fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the raspberry bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps the bars to set properly and prevents them from falling apart when sliced.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and egg for easier mixing and better dough texture.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven – check at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Seedless raspberry jam is preferred for smooth texture; however, you can use any other berry jam if desired.
- Grease the baking dish well or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
