Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With just five simple ingredients, these bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with sweet raspberry jam, all topped with a crumbly mixture that adds texture and flavor. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, looking for an easy dessert to impress guests, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe has got you covered. They are quick to prepare and will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With only five ingredients, you can whip up these bars in no time, making them ideal for busy days.
- Deliciously Versatile: These raspberry bars can easily be adapted with different jams or toppings based on your preferences.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into 24 servings, they’re great for gatherings or potlucks where you want to please a crowd.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the little ones in making these easy treats; they’ll love spreading the jam!
- Satisfying Sweetness: The balance of the buttery crust and sweet raspberry jam creates an irresistible flavor profile.
Tools and Preparation
To make Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, you’ll need a few essential tools to simplify the process and ensure delicious results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- 13 x 9 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Helps mix the ingredients quickly and evenly, creating a perfect crumbly texture.
- Baking dish: A standard size ensures even cooking and makes cutting the bars easier once baked.
- Mixing bowls: Different sizes allow for efficient ingredient mixing and preparation without mess.
Ingredients
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars. A buttery shortbread cookie crust layered with sweet raspberry jam and topped with a sweet crumb topping is an easy homemade summer dessert!
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: Mix Ingredients
Using an electric mixer on low setting:
1. Combine the softened butter, flour, sugar, and egg until the mixture is crumbly.
2. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for topping later.
Step 3: Prepare the Base
Press the remaining crumb mixture into a prepared 13 x 9 inch baking dish evenly. This forms the base for your raspberry filling.
Step 4: Add Raspberry Jam
Evenly spread the entire jar of seedless raspberry jam over the crust. Make sure it covers all corners for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Crumble Topping Over Jam
Crumble the reserved topping over the raspberry jam layer. Press it down lightly to ensure it sticks during baking.
Step 6: Bake
Place in the preheated oven and bake at 350 degrees for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove from oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars!
How to Serve Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Serving Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars is simple and delightful. These bars can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various accompaniments to enhance your dessert experience.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a creamy contrast to the tart raspberry flavor.
Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Serve warm bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts slightly, creating a delicious combination.
Garnish with Mint Leaves
- Add a sprig of fresh mint on top for a touch of color and freshness that complements the raspberry taste.
Dust with Powdered Sugar
- Lightly dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant presentation and added sweetness.
Enjoy with Coffee or Tea
- Pair these bars with your favorite coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat that balances sweetness with warmth.
How to Perfect Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
To make your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars even better, consider these helpful tips:
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
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Choose Quality Jam: Select a high-quality seedless raspberry jam for the best flavor. Homemade jam can also elevate your bars.
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Do Not Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the crust tender and crumbly.
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Check Doneness: Bake until golden brown; underbaking may result in soggy bars while overbaking can make them dry.
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Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps maintain clean edges and prevents crumbling.
Best Side Dishes for Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Pairing side dishes with your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some great options:
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Chocolate Mousse: A rich and creamy chocolate mousse complements the tartness of raspberries beautifully.
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Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bars. Use seasonal fruits for variety.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers a savory contrast to the sweet bars—consider brie or goat cheese.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh berries to create a refreshing parfait that pairs well with raspberry flavors.
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Pecan Pie Bites: These mini bites add a nutty crunch, enhancing the texture profile alongside smooth raspberry bars.
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Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet refreshes the palate after enjoying sweet raspberry treats.
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Baked Apples: Warm baked apples spiced with cinnamon provide comfort alongside your fruity dessert bars.
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Coffee Cake: A moist coffee cake serves as an excellent accompaniment, perfect for brunch or afternoon tea gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars can be simple, but certain mistakes may hinder your results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using cold butter: Always use butter that is softened to room temperature. Cold butter won’t mix well and will affect the texture of your bars.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Packing flour can lead to too dense or dry bars.
- Skipping the cooling step: Cutting the bars while they are still warm can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely for cleaner cuts.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your bars while baking. They should be golden brown around the edges, and overbaking can make them dry.
- Ignoring jam quality: Use high-quality seedless raspberry jam for the best flavor. A cheap jam can result in a less satisfying taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place a pan on low heat and warm bars covered with a lid for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars:
Can I use other types of jam?
Yes! You can substitute raspberry jam with other flavors like strawberry or blueberry for a different twist.
How do I know when my raspberry bars are done?
Look for a golden brown color around the edges and a slight firmness in the center.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
What can I serve with Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Final Thoughts
The Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars offer a delightful blend of buttery crust, sweet jam, and crumbly topping that is perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion. Their simplicity allows you to customize them easily—try adding nuts or chocolate chips! Don’t hesitate; whip up a batch today and enjoy this charming dessert with friends and family!
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are a delectable and simple dessert that will impress family and friends without the fuss. With only five ingredients, these bars feature a buttery shortbread crust layered with sweet seedless raspberry jam and topped with a crumbly mixture for added texture and flavor. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a cozy night in, these easy-to-make bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert collection. Enjoy them as is or pair them with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence!
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 ounces)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 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 the remaining mixture into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish to form the base.
- Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crust.
- Crumble the reserved topping over the jam layer and press it down lightly.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- 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 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
