Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are the perfect summer dessert that combines a buttery shortbread cookie crust with sweet raspberry jam and a crumbly topping. These bars are not only easy to make but also delightful for various occasions, from family gatherings to picnics. Their unique flavors and simple preparation make them a standout treat that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just five ingredients, these bars come together in no time, making them ideal for busy days.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy nights in, they fit any occasion beautifully.
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of buttery crust and tangy raspberry jam creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made in advance and stored, so you always have a sweet treat on hand.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With 24 servings, they’re great for sharing with friends and family!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- 13 x 9 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a perfectly crumbly texture by easily blending the ingredients.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls makes it easier to separate ingredients and keep your workspace organized.
- Baking dish: A 13 x 9 inch dish is ideal for even baking, ensuring your bars cook uniformly.
Ingredients
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars include:
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 Ingredients
Using an electric mixer on low setting, combine the softened butter, flour, sugar, and egg until crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for the topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Press the remaining mixture into a prepared 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Ensure it’s evenly spread across the bottom for even baking.
Step 4: Add the Jam Layer
Evenly spread the entire jar of seedless raspberry jam over the crust. Make sure it covers every corner for maximum flavor in each bite.
Step 5: Add Topping Crumble
Crumble the reserved topping over the jam layer. Press it down lightly to create a nice texture once baked.
Step 6: Bake Your Bars
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30-40 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Let your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars cool in the baking dish before cutting them into squares. Enjoy these delightful treats!
How to Serve Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
These Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars make a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether for a summer picnic or an afternoon snack, these bars are sure to impress. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream on top of each bar for extra richness.
Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Serve warm raspberry bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delicious contrast in temperature and texture.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- A light drizzle of chocolate sauce can add an indulgent touch, making the bars even more irresistible.
Garnished with Fresh Berries
- Top each bar with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a burst of color and flavor.
Accompanied by Lemonade
- Pair these sweet treats with a refreshing glass of lemonade for a perfect summer combo.
How to Perfect Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
To achieve the best results with your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, follow these helpful tips for perfection.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the crust tender and crumbly.
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Choose Quality Jam: Opt for high-quality seedless raspberry jam for the best flavor in your bars.
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Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool fully before slicing to achieve clean cuts and prevent mushiness.
Best Side Dishes for Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their sweetness. Here are some great options to consider:
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Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness.
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Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like Brie or Gouda, which contrast nicely with the raspberry flavor.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries for a nutritious side that pairs well with the bars.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These treats add elegance and extra sweetness that harmonizes with raspberry bars.
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Pineapple Salsa: A tangy pineapple salsa can bring a zesty twist that complements the sweetness of the dessert.
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Mint-Infused Iced Tea: Refreshing iced tea with mint leaves provides a cooling beverage option alongside this rich dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars is simple, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate flour measurement. Too much flour can make the bars dry.
- Overbaking the bars: Keep an eye on baking time; they should be golden brown but not too dark. Overbaking affects texture and flavor.
- Using regular raspberry jam: Opt for seedless raspberry jam for a smoother layer. Regular jam can create a chunky texture that detracts from the bars.
- Cutting too soon: Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps maintain their structure and makes them easier to serve.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat bars for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat each bar on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars:
How do I ensure my raspberry bars come out chewy?
Using room temperature ingredients helps achieve that perfect chewy texture. Avoid overmixing once you add the jam.
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of jam?
While fresh or seedless jam works best, you can use homemade raspberry compote. Just ensure it’s thick enough.
What other flavors can I try with this recipe?
Feel free to swap raspberry jam with other fruit jams like strawberry or apricot for different flavors!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips enhances flavor and texture. Just mix them into the crumb topping.
Final Thoughts
These Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are not only easy to make but also versatile. You can customize them with different jams or mix-ins like nuts and chocolate chips. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a delicious treat at home, these bars will surely delight your taste buds. Give them a try!
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are a delightful summer dessert that captures the essence of warm days and sweet memories. These bars feature a rich, buttery shortbread crust layered with luscious seedless raspberry jam and topped with a crumbly finish. Not only are they incredibly easy to make with just five ingredients, but they’re also perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, picnic, or a cozy night at home. These bars are sure to impress everyone with their irresistible flavor and texture, making them an essential addition to your dessert lineup.
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 (9-12 oz) seedless raspberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on low speed to combine the softened butter, flour, sugar, and egg 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 evenly.
- Spread the entire jar of raspberry jam over the crust.
- Crumble the reserved topping over the jam layer and press down lightly.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow cooling before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
