Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are the perfect summer treat! These delightful bars combine a buttery shortbread cookie crust with sweet raspberry jam and a crumbly topping, making them an easy and delicious dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars will surely impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only five ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip these up in no time.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The rich shortbread crust perfectly complements the tart raspberry jam, creating a mouthwatering dessert.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a dessert bar or a sweet snack with coffee or tea; they’re perfect for any time of day!
• Customizable Recipe: Feel free to swap out raspberry jam for other flavors, such as strawberry or blueberry, to suit your taste.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 24 bars, so it’s ideal for gatherings or potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

To make Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures the process goes smoothly and results in tasty treats.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• 13 x 9 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes combining ingredients quick and effortless, resulting in a light and fluffy dough.
• Baking dish: A 13 x 9 inch dish is perfect for even baking and easy cutting after your bars cool.

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 Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Using an electric mixer on low speed:
1. Combine the softened butter, flour, sugar, and egg until the mixture becomes crumbly.
2. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for topping later.

Step 3: Prepare the Base

Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Make sure it’s packed tightly for a sturdy base.

Step 4: Spread Jam on Base

Evenly spread the entire jar of seedless raspberry jam over the crust. Use a spatula to ensure an even layer that reaches all corners.

Step 5: Add Topping

Crumble the reserved dough over the raspberry jam layer. Press it lightly into place to create a nice crumb topping.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let your bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your delicious Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars!

How to Serve Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

These Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars can be served in various delightful ways.

Pair with Fresh Whipped Cream

• Serve each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy touch.

Add a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top adds a delicious contrast to the tartness of the raspberry jam.

Garnish with Fresh Raspberries

• Sprinkle fresh raspberries over the bars just before serving for an extra burst of flavor and vibrant color.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce can elevate the dessert with rich sweetness, making it even more indulgent.

Serve with a Cup of Tea or Coffee

• Pairing these bars with a hot cup of tea or coffee makes for a comforting afternoon snack.

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How to Perfect Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

For the best results when making your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, keep these tips in mind:

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter that mixes easily.

• Select quality raspberry jam – A high-quality seedless raspberry jam enhances the flavor. Look for options with real fruit instead of artificial flavors.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough – If time allows, chill your crust dough for about 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan. This helps maintain its shape during baking.

• Watch the baking time closely – Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. They should be golden brown on top but not overbaked, which can dry them out.

Best Side Dishes for Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

These raspberry bars pair wonderfully with several side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the bars and adds freshness to your dessert table.

2. Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese to create a savory contrast to the sweet raspberry bars.

3. Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and berries for a nutritious side that pairs well with dessert.

4. Mixed Nuts – A bowl of assorted nuts provides a crunchy texture and savory flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweet bars.

5. Chilled Lemonade – Refreshing lemonade serves as an excellent drink choice, enhancing the summer vibe when serving these raspberry treats.

6. Chocolate Mousse – For an indulgent pairing, serve rich chocolate mousse alongside raspberry bars for a delightful combination of flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect your results. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t blend well with the other ingredients. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for a perfect crust.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much or too little flour can change the texture. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Skipping room temperature egg: An egg straight from the fridge can create an uneven mixture. Always use eggs at room temperature for better incorporation.
• Overbaking: Keeping the bars in the oven too long can lead to a dry texture. Check them at 30 minutes and remove when golden brown.
• Not letting cool before cutting: Cutting the bars while hot can make them fall apart. Allow them to cool completely for neat, clean cuts.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• These bars can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on low power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars.

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?

While fresh raspberries are delicious, they won’t provide the same consistency as jam. You can cook down fresh raspberries with sugar to create a similar filling.

How do I customize my raspberry bars?

Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips into the crumb topping for added texture and flavor. You could also try different fruit jams like blackberry or blueberry!

How should I store leftover raspberry bars?

Store your leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze them for longer shelf life.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan or bake in batches if you only have one pan available.

Final Thoughts

These Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. They offer a delightful blend of buttery crust and sweet raspberry, making them a perfect summer treat. Feel free to customize them with your favorite fruits or toppings—get creative! Try making these tasty bars today, and bring joy to your dessert table!