Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are a delightful treat that combines a buttery shortbread crust with sweet raspberry jam and a crumbly topping. This simple recipe is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth at home. With only five ingredients, you can whip up these bars quickly, making them an easy option for any occasion. The bright flavor of raspberries paired with the rich crust creates a dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: With just five ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have these bars ready in no time.
• Deliciously Sweet: The combination of buttery crust and tart raspberry jam offers a perfect balance of flavors.
• Versatile Dessert: These bars are great for parties, potlucks, or just as a sweet snack at home.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to experiment with different jams or add nuts for extra crunch.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into 24 bars, they are ideal for sharing with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• 13 x 9 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool makes mixing the ingredients easy and helps achieve the crumbly texture needed for the crust.
• Baking dish: A 13 x 9 inch dish is perfect for baking these bars evenly while providing enough space for all the layers.

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 egg (room temperature)
• 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 your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Using an electric mixer on a low setting, combine the softened butter, flour, sugar, and egg until you achieve a crumbly mixture.

Step 3: Prepare the Base

Press approximately 3/4 of this mixture into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish to form your base.

Step 4: Spread the Jam

Evenly spread the entire jar of seedless raspberry jam over the prepared crust. Make sure it covers every corner for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Add Topping

Take the reserved crumb mixture you set aside earlier and crumble it over the jam layer. Press it down lightly to create an even topping.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once done, allow them to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them 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 that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to elevate your dessert experience or serve them at a gathering, these ideas will help you present your bars beautifully.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness and a touch of elegance.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Serve warm bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold is irresistible!

Garnish with Berries

• Add fresh raspberries or blueberries on top for a pop of color and extra berry flavor.

Dusting of Powdered Sugar

• Lightly dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish that adds sweetness without overpowering the flavor.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of chocolate sauce over the top creates a decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.

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How to Perfect Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

To achieve the best results with your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature helps create a smooth, creamy mixture for the crust.
• Press firmly – When pressing the crust into the baking dish, make sure it’s packed tightly to hold up against the jam filling.
• Check for doneness – Bake until golden brown; this ensures that the crust is cooked through and has a nice texture.
• Cool completely before cutting – Allowing the bars to cool fully helps them set and makes cutting easier without crumbling.

Best Side Dishes for Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

When serving these raspberry bars, consider pairing them with some delightful side dishes that enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some excellent options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pair that complements the sweet tartness of raspberry well.
2. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the sweetness of the bars.
3. Chocolate Mousse – Rich and creamy mousse provides a luxurious contrast to the light raspberry flavor.
4. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses, especially soft varieties, can offer savory notes alongside your dessert.
5. Coffee or Tea – A hot beverage enhances flavors and makes for an enjoyable dessert experience.
6. Lemon Sorbet – The citrusy brightness of sorbet refreshes the palate after enjoying sweet raspberry bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid to ensure your bars turn out perfectly.

• Incorrect butter temperature: Using cold butter can make your crust tough. Always use softened butter for the best texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Overpacking flour can result in a dry crust. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure accurately.
• Skipping the cooling step: Cutting the bars while they are still warm can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.
• Using any jam variety: Not all jams work well in this recipe. Stick with seedless raspberry jam for the perfect flavor and texture.
• Overbaking: Baking too long will make your bars hard. Keep an eye on them, and take them out once they’re golden brown.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Make sure the bars have cooled completely before sealing.

Freezing Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for even warming.

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 you’ll need to cook them down with sugar to create a jam-like consistency.

How do I know when my raspberry bars are done baking?

Look for a golden brown top. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Customize your bars by adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the crumb topping for extra flavor.

What if I don’t have unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter; just reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe.

Final Thoughts

These Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious! They are perfect for summer gatherings or as a delightful treat anytime. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite ingredients like nuts or different fruit jams. Try making these sweet bars today, and enjoy their wonderful flavor!