Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These raspberry bars are the epitome of an easy, crowd-pleasing treat. With just five ingredients, they’re quick to prepare and require minimal effort, making them perfect for busy days. The combination of a light, buttery crust and the sweetness of the raspberry jam creates a delicious balance of flavors. Plus, their versatility means you can easily swap out the raspberry jam for other fruit preserves like strawberry or blueberry. These bars are also perfect for sharing at gatherings, as they are easy to cut into portions and serve.
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
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2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 egg, room temperature
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1 jar seedless raspberry jam (9-12 ounce jar)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
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Using an electric mixer, combine the butter, flour, sugar, and egg on low speed until the mixture is crumbly.
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Press the dough mixture into the prepared baking dish, forming a crust.
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Reserve about 1 ½ cups of the dough mixture for the crumb topping.
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Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crust.
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Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top of the jam, gently pressing it down.
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Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
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Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 24 bars
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 30 minutes
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Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
While raspberry jam is the star of this recipe, feel free to experiment with different flavors of jam such as strawberry, blueberry, or blackberry. For a nutty twist, add 1 cup of chopped walnuts to the dough mixture. You could also try adding a bit of cinnamon or vanilla extract for additional flavor depth.
Storage/Reheating
These raspberry bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply place the bars in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to warm them through.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe to control the amount of salt. However, if you only have salted butter, you can reduce the added salt in the recipe or skip it altogether.
Can I use a different type of jam?
Absolutely! You can use any seedless jam you like, such as strawberry, blueberry, or even apricot. The possibilities are endless.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No, the dough doesn’t need to be chilled before baking. Just mix, press into the dish, and bake!
Can I make these raspberry bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
Can I make these raspberry bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They’re perfect for preparing for parties or gatherings.
How can I make these bars more crispy?
If you prefer a crispier base, you can bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding the jam and topping. This will give it more structure.
Can I freeze these raspberry bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray. However, parchment paper ensures easy removal and cleanup.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, you can add nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the dough for a crunchy texture. About 1 cup of chopped nuts should be enough.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are done when the top is golden brown and the jam is bubbly. You can also test by gently pressing the center—if it feels firm, they’re ready.
Conclusion
These Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. They come together quickly with minimal ingredients but offer big flavor. Whether you’re preparing a treat for a summer gathering or just want something sweet for yourself, these bars are a delicious, easy choice. Give them a try and enjoy!
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
These Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are a delightful dessert with a buttery shortbread crust, sweet raspberry jam, and a crumbly topping. They're simple to make yet full of flavor, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, room temperature
1 jar seedless raspberry jam (9-12 ounce jar)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Using an electric mixer, combine the butter, flour, sugar, and egg on low speed until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press the dough mixture into the prepared baking dish, forming a crust.
- Reserve about 1 ½ cups of the dough mixture for the crumb topping.
- Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top of the jam, gently pressing it down.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the raspberry jam with other seedless jams like strawberry, blueberry, or blackberry.
- For a nutty twist, add 1 cup of chopped walnuts to the dough mixture.
- For a crisper base, bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding the jam and topping.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months, thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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