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 only five ingredients, this easy homemade dessert is ideal for summer picnics, family gatherings, or simply indulging your sweet tooth at home. The buttery shortbread crust, layered with luscious raspberry jam and topped with a crumbly topping, creates a delightful texture that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: With just five ingredients and minimal prep time, these raspberry bars are perfect for when you’re short on time but crave something delicious.
- Versatile Dessert: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert after dinner, or even as a sweet addition to brunch.
- Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping in the kitchen and indulging in these tasty treats!
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into 24 bars, they’re great for sharing at parties or potlucks.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, make sure you have the right tools ready. Having everything prepared will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- 13 x 9 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Makes combining ingredients easy and ensures a smooth texture for your crust.
- Baking dish: A 13 x 9 inch dish is perfect for even baking and easy cutting of the bars.
- Spatula: Ideal for spreading the raspberry jam evenly on top of the crust.
Ingredients
To create these delightful Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, gather 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: Mix Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on low setting to combine:
1. Unsalted butter
2. All-purpose flour
3. Granulated sugar
4. Egg
Mix until crumbly but do not overmix. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for topping later.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of a prepared 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Ensure it covers the base evenly.
Step 4: Add Raspberry Jam
Evenly spread the entire jar of seedless raspberry jam over the crust you just pressed down. Make sure to cover it completely for full flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Crumble Reserved Topping
Take the reserved crumb mixture and crumble it over the jam layer. Press lightly to help it adhere.
Step 6: Bake
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Once baked, allow your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Serve Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are perfect for any occasion. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various accompaniments to enhance their delicious flavors.
Pair with Fresh Whipped Cream
- Whip up some heavy cream with a touch of vanilla and sugar for a light, fluffy topping that balances the sweetness of the bars.
Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream makes a delightful contrast against the tart raspberry filling, creating a refreshing treat.
Add Fresh Berries
- Garnish your dessert bars with fresh raspberries or strawberries for an extra pop of flavor and color, making your presentation even more appealing.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- A light drizzle of chocolate sauce adds richness and decadence to each bite, making your raspberry bars feel indulgent.
Dust with Powdered Sugar
- A simple dusting of powdered sugar enhances the visual appeal while adding just a touch of sweetness to each serving.
How to Perfect Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
To achieve the best results when making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, keep these tips in mind:
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Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your butter and egg are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter that mixes evenly.
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Choose quality raspberry jam: Opt for high-quality seedless raspberry jam for optimal flavor. The better the jam, the tastier your bars will be!
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Don’t overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until crumbly. Overmixing can lead to tough bars rather than tender ones.
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Press lightly: When crumbling the topping over the jam, press it lightly. This allows it to bake evenly without getting too dense.
Best Side Dishes for Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars can be complemented by a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas that pair wonderfully with this sweet treat:
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Fresh Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the raspberry bars. -
Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a nutritious side that contrasts nicely with dessert. -
Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese provides a savory element that pairs well with sweet desserts. -
Minted Cucumber Salad
This refreshing salad offers a cool contrast to the rich flavors in the raspberry bars. -
Coffee or Tea
Serving a warm beverage enhances the overall experience and complements the dessert’s sweetness. -
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
For an indulgent twist, serve these alongside your raspberry bars for an extra layer of flavor. -
Lemon Sorbet
This light and zesty sorbet serves as a palate cleanser while providing a citrusy contrast to the berry flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially when making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
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Using cold butter: Always use softened butter at room temperature for a smooth dough. Cold butter will not mix well, resulting in a crumbly texture.
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Overmixing the dough: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of a tender crumb.
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Skipping the cooling step: Cutting the bars too soon can cause them to crumble. Let them cool completely before slicing for neat edges.
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Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use precise measurements for best results. Too much flour or sugar can alter the texture and flavor.
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Forgetting to preheat the oven: Preheating ensures even baking. Always allow your oven to reach 350 degrees before placing your bars inside.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars can last up to one week in the fridge.
Freezing Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap.
- Place in a freezer-safe container; they can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds at a time until warm, being careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, we’ve got you covered!
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
Using fresh raspberries is possible, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch for the right consistency.
How do I make these bars gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend works well. Make sure it has xanthan gum for structure.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding nuts or chocolate chips can enhance flavor and texture, making your bars even more delightful.
What can I serve with these raspberry bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries on top.
Final Thoughts
The Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Their buttery crust paired with sweet raspberry jam makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or swapping out flavors; the possibilities are endless! Enjoy this delightful treat with family and friends!
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 24 bars 1x
Description
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are the ultimate summer treat that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. With just five simple ingredients, these easy-to-make dessert bars feature a buttery shortbread crust layered with luscious raspberry jam and topped with a crumbly topping. They’re ideal for summer picnics, family gatherings, or a delightful indulgence at home. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a delicious dessert to share, these raspberry bars will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 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 oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, flour, sugar, and egg using an electric mixer on low until crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for topping.
- Firmly press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
- Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crust.
- Crumble the reserved topping over the jam layer and press lightly.
- 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 (45g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
