Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are a delightful treat that showcases the perfect blend of buttery shortbread crust, sweet raspberry jam, and a crumbly topping. These bars are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for any occasion, from summer picnics to cozy family gatherings. With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up this delicious dessert in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: With only five ingredients, you can prepare these bars in just 10 minutes.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery crust and sweet raspberry jam creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—serve them at parties, potlucks, or enjoy them as an everyday snack.
- Easy to Customize: Swap out raspberry jam for your favorite fruit preserves or add nuts for extra crunch.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 24 bars, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience seamless, having the right tools is essential. Gather these items before starting your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- 13 x 9 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Helps easily combine ingredients for a smooth mixture without much effort.
- Baking dish: A 13 x 9 inch size ensures even cooking and perfect portion sizes.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly before 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
- 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 the Ingredients
Using an electric mixer on 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 Baking Dish
Press the remaining dough into a greased or lined 13 x 9 inch baking dish evenly.
Step 4: Add the Raspberry Jam
Spread the entire jar of seedless raspberry jam evenly over the crust you just pressed down.
Step 5: Crumble the Topping
Crumble the reserved dough mixture over the jam layer. Press it lightly to ensure it adheres well.
Step 6: Bake Your Bars
Place in preheated oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars!
How to Serve Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are not only delicious but also versatile for serving. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a special occasion, these bars can be enjoyed in various ways.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream offers a classic combination that complements the tartness of the raspberry bars.
- Try serving with a scoop of raspberry sorbet for an extra fruity experience.
Add Whipped Cream
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top adds a light and airy texture that balances the richness of the bars.
- For added flavor, consider infusing your whipped cream with vanilla or almond extract.
Serve with Fresh Berries
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries can enhance the fruity flavor and add a pop of color to your plate.
- Consider making a simple berry compote to drizzle over each bar for an elegant touch.
Enjoy with Coffee or Tea
- Pairing these bars with a cup of coffee or tea makes for a delightful afternoon treat.
- A bold coffee will contrast nicely with the sweetness of the raspberry jam.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Arrange your raspberry bars alongside assorted treats like brownies, cookies, and fruit tarts for a dessert buffet.
- This variety allows guests to sample different flavors and textures.
How to Perfect Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
To make your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars even better, follow these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring butter and egg are at room temperature helps create a smooth and even batter.
- Don’t skimp on cooling time: Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting helps achieve clean edges and prevents messiness.
- Experiment with jams: While raspberry is delicious, feel free to try other flavors like blueberry or peach for different taste experiences.
- Watch the baking time closely: Every oven is different; check your bars around 30 minutes to avoid over-baking.
- Add nuts for crunch: Mixing in chopped almonds or walnuts into the crumb topping can provide added texture and flavor.
- Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for maximum freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars pair well with various side dishes that enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Greek Yogurt: A creamy dollop of Greek yogurt adds tanginess that balances the sweetness of the bars.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits keeps things light and adds vibrant colors to your table.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses contrasts nicely with the sweet bars, offering an interesting flavor profile.
- Scones: Lightly sweetened scones complement the raspberry flavor while providing a satisfying bite.
- Mini Muffins: Bite-sized muffins can serve as an additional sweet treat without overwhelming guests.
- Chocolate Fondue: Provide an interactive element by allowing guests to dip pieces of bar into melted chocolate for an indulgent twist.
- Pistachio Crust Tartlets: These savory bites can provide an exciting contrast to the sweet raspberry bars, pleasing diverse palates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars can be a breeze, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Not using room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Skipping the preheating step: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking, which helps achieve that golden brown finish.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix only until crumbly. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of light and crumbly ones.
- Ignoring cooling time: Cutting the bars too soon can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely for the best results.
- Using the wrong pan size: Stick to a 13 x 9 inch baking dish for proper thickness and bake time.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Keep bars separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Wrap individually or as a whole in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.
- Can be frozen for up to three months for best quality.
Reheating Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in 10-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet on low heat for a few minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars so special?
These bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make with just five ingredients. They offer a perfect balance of buttery crust and sweet raspberry flavor.
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
While jam is recommended for its sweetness and consistency, you can use fresh raspberries if you adjust the sugar accordingly.
How do I customize my Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars?
You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even other fruit jams to create your unique twist on this recipe.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s suitable for baking.
How long do these raspberry bars last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to one week in the fridge or three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are not just easy; they’re also delightfully versatile. With their buttery crust and fruity filling, they’re perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with different flavors or toppings. Try making them today!
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, a perfect treat for any occasion. With a rich buttery shortbread crust, luscious raspberry jam filling, and a crumbly topping, these bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. In just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious dessert bars ready to bake. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or enjoying a cozy family gathering, these versatile bars will impress everyone. Plus, with only five simple ingredients, they are an approachable recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Enjoy them plain or elevate them with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch!
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 ounces)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 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 the topping.
- Press the remaining dough into a greased or lined 13 x 9 inch baking dish evenly.
- Spread the raspberry jam over the crust.
- Crumble the reserved dough mixture over the jam layer and press lightly.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
