Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are a delightful and simple dessert that will impress friends and family alike. This treat features a buttery shortbread cookie crust, luscious raspberry jam, and a crumbly topping. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or just a sweet snack at home, these bars are incredibly easy to make with just five ingredients. You’ll love how quickly they come together and the delicious flavor they bring to any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: With only five basic components, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
- Quick Prep Time: Spend just 10 minutes prepping, and let the oven do the rest!
- Versatile Dessert: These raspberry bars work wonderfully for parties, potlucks, or as a tasty treat for your family.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery crust and sweet raspberry jam creates an irresistible taste experience.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to substitute different jams or add nuts to the crumb topping for variety.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars smoothly, having the right tools can make all the difference. Gather these essential items before you start baking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- 13 x 9 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool makes combining the ingredients effortless and ensures a consistent texture throughout the crust.
- Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish helps maintain even cooking and provides ample space for cutting bars after baking.
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
For the Filling
- 1 jar seedless raspberry jam (9-12 ounce jar)
- 1 egg (room temperature)
How to Make Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Using an electric mixer on low setting, combine the softened butter, flour, sugar, and egg until crumbly.
Step 3: Prepare the Crust
Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for later use as topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into a prepared 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
Step 4: Add Raspberry Jam
Spread the entire jar of seedless raspberry jam evenly over the crust layer. Make sure it covers every corner for consistent flavor in each bite.
Step 5: Crumble Topping Over Jam
Take the reserved crumbled mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the raspberry jam layer. Press down lightly to help it adhere during baking.
Step 6: Bake Your Bars
Place in the preheated oven and bake at 350 degrees F for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Enjoy this delightful treat!
How to Serve Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.
Pair with Fresh Whipped Cream
- Serve a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each bar for a light and airy contrast to the rich flavors.
Add a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the tart raspberry jam, creating a delicious balance of flavors.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the bars adds an indulgent touch that chocolate lovers will adore.
Garnish with Mint Leaves
- Fresh mint leaves not only add color but also a refreshing flavor that complements the sweetness of the raspberry bars.
Serve with Fresh Berries
- Accompany your bars with a side of fresh raspberries or strawberries for an extra fruity burst and vibrant presentation.
How to Perfect Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
To achieve the best results when making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, follow these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your butter and egg are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
- Choose high-quality raspberry jam: A good quality jam will enhance the flavor of your bars, making them more enjoyable.
- Press down firmly on the crust: When pressing the crust into the baking dish, make sure to compact it well for a sturdy base.
- Let cool completely before cutting: Allowing the bars to cool fully helps them set, making it easier to cut them into neat squares.
- Experiment with different jams: While raspberry is delightful, feel free to try other fruit jams like strawberry or apricot for variety.
- Store properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some great options to serve alongside this dessert.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits offers freshness and balances the sweetness of the raspberry bars.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, provides a savory contrast that enhances the overall tasting experience.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that pairs well with sweet desserts.
- Coffee or Tea: A cup of robust coffee or herbal tea can cleanse the palate and enhance your dessert enjoyment.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats make an elegant addition that echoes the berry theme beautifully.
- Pecan Pie Bites: Mini pecan pies offer a contrast in textures and flavors while still fitting within a dessert theme.
- Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing lemon sorbet serves as a palate cleanser that brightens up the meal.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes provide another layer of dessert goodness, perfect for those who can’t choose just one sweet treat!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Crust Preparation: Not pressing the crust tightly enough can lead to a crumbly base. Make sure to press it down firmly in the baking dish.
- Jam Selection: Using a jam with seeds can affect the texture of the bars. Always opt for seedless raspberry jam for a smooth finish.
- Overbaking: Baking for too long can dry out the bars. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time and remove them once they’re golden brown.
- Cooling Time: Cutting into the bars too soon can make them fall apart. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for clean edges and better presentation.
- Ingredient Temperature: Using cold butter or eggs can affect how well they mix. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Place bars in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat bars for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual bars for 15-20 seconds until just warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
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 can add flavor, they won’t create the same texture as jam. For best results, stick with seedless raspberry jam.
How do I make my bars more flavorful?
Consider adding lemon zest or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile of your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap out raspberry jam for other flavors such as strawberry or blueberry. The base remains deliciously versatile.
What’s the best way to serve these bars?
Serving them chilled adds a refreshing touch, especially on hot summer days. Pair with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence!
Final Thoughts
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly delightful. Their buttery crust paired with sweet raspberry jam makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with different jams or toppings, making this recipe truly your own!
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 15 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful ease of Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, a perfect dessert for any occasion. With a buttery shortbread cookie crust layered with rich raspberry jam and topped with a sweet crumbly mixture, these bars are not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 jar seedless raspberry jam (9–12 oz)
- 1 egg (room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a mixing bowl, blend softened butter, flour, sugar, and egg until crumbly.
- Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the mixture for topping; press the rest into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
- Spread raspberry jam evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture over the jam and lightly press down.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
