Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are a delightful treat that combines simplicity and flavor. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or just a sweet indulgence at home, these bars feature a buttery shortbread crust layered with luscious raspberry jam and topped with a crumbly topping. With only five ingredients, they are not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires only five ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of the buttery crust and sweet raspberry jam creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dessert: These bars can be served warm or cold, making them suitable for any season or event.
- Great for Sharing: With 24 servings per batch, they are perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Minimal Cleanup: Using just one baking dish means less mess and more time enjoying your delicious creation.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these fabulous raspberry bars, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- 13 x 9 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing ingredients to achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
- Baking dish: A good-sized dish ensures even cooking and easy serving of your raspberry bars.
Ingredients
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are made with simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.
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 is crucial for ensuring even baking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Using an electric mixer on low setting, combine the unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and egg until crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for topping later.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Press the remaining mixture into a prepared 13 x 9 inch baking dish evenly to form the base crust.
Step 4: Add the Raspberry Jam
Evenly spread the entire jar of seedless raspberry jam over the crust. Make sure it covers the entire surface for balanced sweetness in every bite.
Step 5: Add Crumb Topping
Crumble the reserved topping over the jam layer. Press it lightly to ensure it adheres well during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let them cool 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 a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These bars can be enjoyed in various ways, making them an excellent addition to your dessert table.
Pair with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for a creamy contrast that enhances the sweetness of the raspberry jam.
Serve with Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the tartness of the raspberry bars. The cold creaminess brings a refreshing balance.
Enjoy with Fresh Berries
- Garnish your plate with fresh raspberries or strawberries. This adds color and freshness while enhancing the berry flavor.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce will take these bars to the next level of indulgence.
Pair with Tea or Coffee
- Serve these bars alongside your favorite tea or coffee. The rich flavors create a comforting snack perfect for afternoon breaks.
How to Perfect Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
To ensure your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter and egg to reach room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Choose quality raspberry jam: Opt for high-quality seedless raspberry jam to ensure vibrant flavor and smooth consistency.
- Don’t overmix the crust: Mix just until crumbly; overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- Cool completely before cutting: Allow the bars to cool fully before slicing for cleaner edges and easier serving.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add nuts or coconut flakes on top for added texture and flavor.
- Store properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for optimal freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars pair well with a variety of side dishes, making them even more enjoyable. Here are some great options to consider:
- Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy contrast, balancing the sweetness of the bars.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad works beautifully, providing a burst of freshness that complements the raspberry flavor.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses can create an interesting flavor profile when paired with these sweet bars.
- Nut Mix: A crunchy mix of nuts offers a delightful textural contrast that rounds out your dessert experience.
- Scones: Soft scones served warm can make for a delightful brunch pairing alongside these raspberry treats.
- Panna Cotta: This creamy Italian dessert provides a luxurious touch when served next to your raspberry bars.
- Muffins: Light blueberry or lemon muffins make an excellent combination, enhancing the fruity flavors present in the bars.
- Chia Seed Pudding: A light and healthy chia pudding can serve as a refreshing counterpart to these rich dessert bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars can be simple, but some common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Skipping the room temperature ingredients – Using cold butter or egg can prevent proper mixing and texture. Allow your butter and egg to sit out for about 30 minutes before use.
- Not measuring flour correctly – Overpacking flour can lead to a dry crust. Use a spoon to fluff the flour, then spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off.
- Using the wrong size baking dish – A dish that is too small may overflow while baking. Stick to a 13 x 9 inch dish for even cooking.
- Overbaking the bars – Keeping an eye on the oven is key. Check for golden brown edges, as overbaking can dry out the bars.
- Not cooling before cutting – Cutting too soon can cause the bars to crumble. Allow them to cool completely for clean cuts.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Line the container with parchment paper to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm but not hot.
- Stovetop – Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars:
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
You can use fresh raspberries, but they will require additional sugar and possibly thickening agents since they have more moisture than jam.
How should I cut the Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars?
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts. Letting them cool completely helps maintain their shape.
What other flavors can I use in these raspberry bars?
You can substitute raspberry jam with other fruit jams like strawberry or blueberry for a different flavor experience.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute for regular flour in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
The Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are not only deliciously sweet but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize them with different jams or toppings according to your taste! These bars make an excellent dessert for any occasion, so don’t hesitate to give them a try.
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the simplicity and deliciousness of Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, the ultimate treat for any occasion. These bars feature a rich buttery shortbread crust, a luscious layer of sweet raspberry jam, and a crumbly topping that creates a delightful texture. Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy nights at home, this easy recipe is not just quick to prepare but also yields 24 scrumptious servings. With only five basic ingredients, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen.
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.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, flour, sugar, and egg using an electric mixer on low speed until crumbly. Set aside 1 1/2 cups for the topping.
- Press the remaining mixture into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish to form the base crust.
- Evenly spread raspberry jam over the crust.
- Crumble the reserved mixture over the jam and press lightly.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (45g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
