There’s something special about a simple dessert that requires just a handful of ingredients. These raspberry bars are a delightful treat that fits perfectly into any day, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a slow weekend morning. They bring comfort and sweetness, making them an excellent choice for gatherings or quiet moments at home. With just five ingredients, this recipe is practical and approachable, inviting you to enjoy both the process and the results. Let’s dive into how you can make these delicious bars.
Why You’ll Love This Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
This recipe offers a straightforward approach to a delightful dessert, balancing ease and reliability. The creaminess from the butter complements the bright flavor of the raspberry jam beautifully, providing comforting sweetness in each bite. These fabulous five ingredient raspberry bars are a practical option for busy days when you want something delicious without too much fuss.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (adds creaminess)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (provides structure)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (sweetens)
- 1 egg, room temperature (binds ingredients)
- 1 jar seedless raspberry jam (9-12 ounce jar) (adds moisture and fruitiness)
How to Make Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Step 1. Begin by preheating your oven to an appropriate temperature. This step is key for ensuring your bars bake evenly. Once the oven is heated, gather your ingredients, and prepare your baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper, which will make it easier to lift out the bars later.
Step 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a whisk, beat these together until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This can take a couple of minutes. The goal here is to ensure the sugar dissolves into the butter, creating a smooth texture that will contribute to the moistness of the bars.
Step 3. Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue to whisk until fully incorporated. When the mixture appears homogenous and slightly lighter in color, you’ll know you’re ready to move on. The egg is crucial for binding the ingredients together, helping to create a cohesive batter.
Step 4. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour into your mixture. You can do this in increments to avoid a flour cloud in your kitchen. Gently fold the flour in using a rubber spatula until just combined. The mixture should start to form a soft, slightly sticky dough, resembling a thicker batter.
Step 5. Once the dough is ready, transfer about two-thirds of it into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This will create the base for your raspberry bars. Use your fingertips or the spatula to press it down evenly, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Step 6. Next, spoon your seedless raspberry jam over the layer of dough. Gently spread it out evenly, allowing it to cover as much of the base as possible without mixing it too much into the dough.
Step 7. Take the remaining dough and crumble it over the raspberry jam. This will create a topping that bakes beautifully, offering texture and sweetness on top of the fruity layer. Aim for an even distribution, allowing some of the jam to peek through for visual appeal.
Step 8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it toward the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t overbake.
Step 9. Once baked, remove the raspberry bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the dish on a wire rack. Letting them cool will help set the layers, making cutting easier later on. You’ll know they’re ready to cut once they are no longer warm to the touch.
Step 10. After cooling, carefully lift the bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper, if used, and cut them into squares. Enjoy your raspberry bars at room temperature or slightly chilled – either way, they’re bound to be a hit.
Serving Suggestions
These raspberry bars can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a versatile addition to your food repertoire. They work beautifully as a quick breakfast option, paired with coffee or tea for an afternoon snack. They’re also perfect for family dinners or potlucks, where they can satisfy a sweet tooth without taking up too much time or effort to make. Leftovers can be easily stored and enjoyed over a few days, keeping their flavor intact for those moments when you need a little treat.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Ensure your butter is truly softened. This helps achieve the right texture when creaming with the sugar.
- Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added; it’s essential to keep it tender.
- Use a good quality seedless raspberry jam for the best flavor.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- Experiment with other flavors of jam if you’re feeling adventurous.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream well with sugar, leading to a dense texture. Always ensure butter is at room temperature for proper incorporation.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing the batter too much can make the bars tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep them tender.
- Skipping the cooling step: Cutting warm bars can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely for easier slicing.
- Choosing the wrong size baking dish: Using a baking dish that’s too small may lead to overflow, while too large a dish may result in thin bars. Stick to the recommended size.
- Skipping parchment paper: Not lining the pan can make it difficult to remove the bars. Use parchment paper for easy lifting and clean-up.
- Not watching baking time: Every oven is different; keep an eye on the bars towards the end of baking to avoid over-baking, which can make them dry.
Variations & Substitutions
Consider using different flavors of fruit preserves for a unique twist on the recipe. Peach, apricot, or even mixed berry jams can work wonderfully, providing an interesting change in flavor. If you’d like a nutty aspect, try folding in some chopped nuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
You can store the raspberry bars at room temperature for a day. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week. If you prefer to freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container, and they can last for a couple of months. To reheat and preserve texture, use a low setting in the microwave or let them come back to room temperature naturally.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 300
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 22g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 180mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these raspberry bars a day ahead of when you plan to serve them. Just store them properly to maintain their freshness.
How long does it last in the fridge?
When stored in the refrigerator, these raspberry bars can last up to one week. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly and store them in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
What can I substitute for one ingredient?
If you need to substitute the egg, you could use a flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacement suitable for baking.
Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?
Common issues can stem from not accurately measuring ingredients or overmixing the dough. Always ensure measurements are correct and mix just until combined.
Final Thoughts
Making these fabulous five ingredient raspberry bars is a straightforward process that rewards with a comforting, sweet treat. Their simplicity is complemented by a satisfying balance of flavors, making them a lovely addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy crafting and savoring these bars, knowing that you’ve created something delightful with minimal effort.
Raspberry Bars
Ingredients
Dough Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature Adds creaminess
- 2.25 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure
- 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens
- 1 large egg, room temperature Binds ingredients
Filling
- 1 jar seedless raspberry jam (9-12 ounce jar) Adds moisture and fruitiness
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven and prepare your baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat with a whisk until light and creamy.
- Add the egg and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Assembly and Baking
- Transfer about two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly to form the base.
- Spoon the raspberry jam over the dough base and spread evenly.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the jam for topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the dish on a wire rack before lifting out and cutting into squares.