Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. With just five simple ingredients, you can create a delightful treat that features a buttery shortbread crust, luscious raspberry jam, and a sweet crumb topping. These bars are not only easy to make but also transportable, making them ideal for picnics, parties, or family gatherings. The vibrant raspberry flavor shines through, making these bars a standout dessert in the summer months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With only five ingredients and simple steps, these raspberry bars come together quickly.
• Deliciously Fruity: The combination of sweet raspberry jam and buttery crust creates a delightful flavor that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy family nights at home, these bars suit any occasion.
• Transport-Friendly: Cut into squares, they are easy to pack and take with you wherever you go.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fruit jams or toppings to create your own unique flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure that your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• 13 x 9 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing ingredients until crumbly.
• Baking dish: The right size ensures even cooking and proper portioning of the bars.
• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl allows for easy mixing without spills.
• Spatula: Helps in spreading the jam evenly and crumbling the topping over it.

Ingredients

Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are made with minimal yet flavorful ingredients:

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 speed:
1. Combine unsalted 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 mixture firmly into a prepared 13 x 9 inch baking dish. This forms the base of your raspberry bars.

Step 4: Add the Raspberry Jam

Evenly spread the entire jar of seedless raspberry jam over the pressed crust. Make sure it covers all edges for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Crumble Topping Over Jam

Take the reserved crumb mixture and crumble it over the jam layer. Press it lightly to ensure it adheres well.

Step 6: Bake Your Bars

Place your baking dish in the oven:
– Bake at 350 degrees for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Enjoy this delightful treat!

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 are hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars can fit any occasion perfectly.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the fruitiness of raspberry bars for a classic dessert combo.
• Try serving with a scoop of raspberry sorbet for an extra fruity kick.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A warm drizzle of chocolate sauce on top adds richness to the sweet and tart flavors.
• Use dark or white chocolate depending on your personal preference for sweetness.

Paired with Fresh Berries

• Garnish your bars with fresh raspberries or strawberries for extra color and flavor.
• This adds a refreshing touch and elevates the presentation.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream on the side enhances the creamy texture and balances the sweetness.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Served with Coffee or Tea

• These raspberry bars make an excellent companion to your favorite coffee or tea.
• The combination is perfect for afternoon gatherings or casual brunches.

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How to Perfect Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

To achieve the best results when making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, follow these handy tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a uniform batter that bakes evenly.

• Choose Quality Jam: Opt for high-quality seedless raspberry jam. The flavor will shine through and enhance the overall taste of your bars.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of a tender crumbly texture.

• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow your bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them hold their shape better when served.

Best Side Dishes for Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars can be complemented with various side dishes that enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the tartness of raspberry.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that contrasts nicely with dessert.
4. Lemonade: Freshly squeezed lemonade provides a zesty contrast, making it perfect for summer gatherings.
5. Chocolate Covered Strawberries: These treats add elegance and pair beautifully with the raspberry flavor.
6. Pecan Pie Bites: For those who love variety, these mini bites offer rich, nutty flavors alongside sweet raspberry bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t mix well and can lead to a dense crust. Always use softened butter at room temperature for the best texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: Cutting the bars while they’re still warm can result in messy, uneven pieces. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can throw off the balance of flavors and textures. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Overbaking the bars: Keeping them in the oven too long can lead to dry bars. Bake until they are golden brown on top, checking frequently towards the end.
• Using chunky jam: Chunky jam may not spread evenly and can disrupt the texture. Opt for seedless raspberry jam for a smooth layer.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a non-stick skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars.

Can I use other types of fruit jam?

Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite fruit jam! Strawberry or blueberry would work wonderfully, too.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars should be golden brown on top and slightly firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What makes these raspberry bars so fabulous?

The combination of buttery crust, sweet raspberry jam, and crumbly topping creates a delightful balance of flavors that everyone loves!

Final Thoughts

Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are not just easy to make; they are also versatile and delicious. You can customize them by using different jams or adding nuts and spices according to your taste. So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—your friends and family will love it!