Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delightful dessert bars in no time. They are ideal for summer picnics, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in. The buttery shortbread crust combined with luscious raspberry jam creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just five ingredients and minimal prep time, you can bake these delicious bars in under an hour.
- Perfectly Sweet: The combination of buttery crust and sweet raspberry jam delivers a balanced flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Versatile Dessert: These bars are great for various occasions, from potlucks to birthday parties, or simply as a delightful afternoon snack.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare these bars ahead of time, making them convenient for busy schedules or last-minute gatherings.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen with this easy recipe, making it a fun family activity.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, having the right tools is essential for achieving the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric Mixer
- 13 x 9 inch Baking Dish
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric Mixer: This tool makes mixing the ingredients effortless and ensures a smooth, crumbly texture for your crust and topping.
- Baking Dish: A 13 x 9 inch dish is perfect for baking these bars evenly, allowing them to cook thoroughly without burning.
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 a low setting:
1. Combine the softened butter, flour, sugar, and egg until 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 to form your base crust.
Step 4: Add Raspberry Jam
Evenly spread the entire jar of seedless raspberry jam over the crust. Make sure it’s well-covered for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Crumble Topping Over Jam
Crumble the reserved topping mixture over the jam layer. Press it down lightly to help it adhere during baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!
How to Serve Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
These Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are perfect for any occasion! Their sweet and tangy flavor makes them a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a rich and creamy texture, balancing the tartness of the raspberry jam.
Served with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Pairing these bars with vanilla ice cream creates a delicious contrast. The cold ice cream complements the warm bars nicely.
Garnished with Fresh Berries
- Top each bar with fresh raspberries or strawberries for added color and a burst of freshness. This enhances both presentation and taste.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce over the bars adds an indulgent touch. This combination is sure to please chocolate lovers!
Accompanied by a Cup of Tea
- Enjoying these raspberry bars with a warm cup of tea makes for a cozy treat. The flavors work beautifully together.
How to Perfect Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
To make your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars even better, keep these tips in mind:
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Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter for the crust.
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Opt for quality raspberry jam: Choosing high-quality seedless raspberry jam enhances the flavor significantly. Look for all-natural options if possible.
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Let them cool completely: Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting helps achieve clean slices without crumbling.
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Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add nuts or coconut flakes to the crumb topping for extra texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
These Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars can be complemented perfectly with some side dishes. Here are some great options:
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, making it a light complement to the bars.
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Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and berries for a healthy side that contrasts well with the sweetness of the bars.
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Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese that provide creamy textures contrasting with the fruity dessert.
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Homemade Lemonade: A refreshing glass of homemade lemonade brings zestiness that harmonizes beautifully with raspberry flavors.
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Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of fruit or marshmallows into chocolate fondue for an interactive dessert experience alongside the bars.
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Mini Cheesecakes: Serving mini cheesecakes provides another rich dessert option that pairs well without overshadowing the raspberry bars.
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Pistachio Crumble: A nutty crumble on the side offers a crunchy contrast, enhancing both texture and flavor profiles.
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Coconut Macaroons: These sweet treats are chewy and flavorful, providing another layer of deliciousness to your dessert spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking the Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes ensures the best results.
- Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold butter or egg can lead to uneven mixing. Always let your butter and egg sit out for about 30 minutes before starting.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success. Use measuring cups and spoons, and level off dry ingredients for consistency.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can result in tough bars. Mix until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Ignoring Cooling Time: Cutting the bars while they’re warm can make them fall apart. Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing for neat, clean bars.
- Using Low-Quality Jam: The flavor of your raspberry bars depends on the jam. Choose a high-quality seedless raspberry jam for the best taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars will last up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap for easy access.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat gently for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars.
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
While you can use fresh raspberries, they won’t provide the same sweetness or consistency. A good quality jam is recommended for this recipe.
How do I know when my raspberry bars are done baking?
The edges will be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I customize this recipe?
Yes! You can add nuts, change the type of jam, or add spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
What should I serve with Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a scoop of yogurt for a refreshing dessert.
Final Thoughts
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are not only easy to make but also offer incredible versatility. You can customize them with various jams or toppings according to your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful treat that promises joy in every bite!
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 servings 1x
Description
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. With just five simple ingredients, these bars feature a buttery shortbread crust layered with luscious raspberry jam, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, a family gathering, or simply indulging in a cozy night in, these easy-to-make bars are sure to impress. The recipe is quick, kid-friendly, and versatile, ideal for serving on their own or alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an added 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 oz)
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 the mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish to form the base.
- Spread raspberry jam evenly over the crust.
- Crumble the reserved topping mixture over the jam layer.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Allow cooling 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: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
