Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of buttery shortbread with the sweetness of raspberry jam. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home. With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up these delicious bars in no time, making them ideal for any occasion. Their beautiful presentation and mouthwatering taste make them a standout choice for dessert lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only five ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy bakers.
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of buttery crust and sweet raspberry jam creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Versatile: These bars can be enjoyed warm or cold and are perfect for various occasions, from potlucks to family gatherings.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant raspberry filling shows beautifully through the crumb topping, making them great for serving guests.
- Kid-Friendly: This recipe is simple enough for kids to help with, creating a fun family baking experience.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- 13 x 9 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when combining ingredients, ensuring a perfectly crumbly texture.
- Baking dish: A sturdy 13 x 9 inch dish is essential for even baking and easy cutting of bars.
- Rubber spatula: Great for spreading the jam evenly and mixing ingredients without wasting any batter.
Ingredients
To create your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, you’ll need the following:
For the Crust and Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg (room temperature)
For the Filling
- 1 jar seedless raspberry jam (9-12 ounce jar)
How to Make Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Using an electric mixer on low setting:
1. Combine unsalted butter, flour, sugar, and egg until crumbly.
2. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Base
Press the remaining mixture into a prepared 13 x 9 inch baking dish to form a solid base.
Step 4: Add Raspberry Jam
Evenly spread the entire jar of seedless raspberry jam over the crust layer.
Step 5: Add Crumb Topping
Crumble the reserved topping over the jam layer:
1. Press lightly to secure it in place.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow your bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your delicious Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars!
How to Serve Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are a delightful treat perfect for summer gatherings or family dessert nights. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve the bars alongside fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a burst of flavor and color.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Pair these delicious bars with a scoop of vanilla or raspberry ice cream to add creaminess and contrast.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the bars adds an indulgent touch that chocolate lovers will adore.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Top the raspberry bars with freshly whipped cream for an extra layer of sweetness and fluffiness.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar
- Lightly dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant presentation and a hint of sweetness.
How to Perfect Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
To ensure your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients – This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even mixing for the crust.
- Press firmly into the pan – Make sure to press the crust firmly into the baking dish to create a solid base that holds together well.
- Monitor baking time – Keep an eye on the bars as they bake; remove them when they’re golden brown to avoid overbaking.
- Cool completely before cutting – Letting the bars cool fully allows them to set properly, making them easier to cut into neat squares.
Best Side Dishes for Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
These raspberry bars can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here’s a list of ideal pairings:
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can lighten up your dessert table.
- Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese to balance the sweetness of the bars.
- Lemonade – A cold glass of lemonade adds a zesty note that pairs beautifully with the sweet raspberry flavor.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a tasty, healthy option next to your dessert.
- Tea or Coffee – Offering tea or coffee provides a warm beverage option that complements dessert nicely.
- Pavlova – This meringue-based dessert is light and airy, making it a perfect match for rich raspberry bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to perfecting this recipe.
- measurement errors – Always measure ingredients accurately. A small difference in flour or butter can change the texture of your bars significantly.
- using cold ingredients – Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and a less desirable texture.
- Bold overbaking – Keep an eye on your bars while baking. Overbaking can result in dry bars; look for a golden-brown color as a sign they’re ready.
- Bold skipping cooling time – Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them. This helps them set properly and makes slicing easier.
- Bold not using parchment paper – Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for optimal freshness.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place bars in for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat individual bars on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat; cover with a lid to warm evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about making the best Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, here are some common questions answered.
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
You can! However, you’ll need to cook them down with sugar to create a similar consistency as jam.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
What if I don’t have raspberry jam?
Feel free to substitute it with any fruit jam or preserves you prefer, such as strawberry or blueberry!
Are these bars suitable for freezing?
Yes! They freeze well when wrapped properly and can last up to three months.
Final Thoughts
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are not only delightful but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them by swapping out the jam flavor or adding nuts for crunch. Enjoy this easy dessert recipe during summer gatherings or cozy family nights—your loved ones will surely appreciate it!
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, a perfect summer treat that combines a buttery shortbread base with the sweetness of raspberry jam. These easy-to-make dessert bars require just five simple ingredients, making them a go-to recipe for gatherings, picnics, or cozy family nights. With their vibrant raspberry filling and crumbly topping, they not only taste fantastic but also look beautiful on any dessert table. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, these raspberry bars are sure to impress your loved ones!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 jar seedless raspberry jam (9–12 ounce)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, flour, sugar, and egg using an electric mixer until crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for topping.
- Press remaining mixture into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish to form a solid base.
- Spread raspberry jam evenly over the crust.
- Crumble reserved topping over the jam and gently press down.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 92mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
