Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars Easy Dessert Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the combination of buttery crumble, sweet-tart raspberry filling, and a hint of golden crispness to make your taste buds sing. These fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are not only ridiculously easy to make but also the kind of dessert that people rave about. With just five simple ingredients and a handful of steps, you’ll have a dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a sweet treat on a lazy Sunday. Trust me, once you try these raspberry bars, you’ll understand why they’re one of my all-time favorites!

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is practically foolproof. Plus, who doesn’t love a recipe that comes together quickly and doesn’t require a mountain of dishes? Let’s dive into what makes these raspberry bars so delightful!

The Story Behind These Raspberry Bars

This recipe has a special place in my heart. I first discovered a version of these bars at a tiny café during a family trip. They were simple and rustic, but oh-so-delicious! After one bite, I knew I had to recreate them at home. Over the years, I’ve tweaked and simplified the recipe to make it as approachable as possible—hence the five-ingredient magic.

Raspberry bars have roots in classic crumb bar recipes that date back to old-fashioned American baking traditions. They remind me of something a grandmother would pull out of the oven, filling the house with that warm, buttery aroma. These bars are also wonderfully versatile—perfect for any season since they use raspberry preserves instead of fresh fruit. This makes them a go-to dessert even when raspberries aren’t in season.

Now, whenever I make these, I’m transported back to that cozy café and the joy of discovering a new favorite dessert. I hope they bring a little bit of that magic to your kitchen, too!

Let’s Talk Ingredients

One of the best things about these Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars is how simple the ingredient list is. With just five pantry staples, you’ll create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: This provides the structure for the shortbread base and crumble topping. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal, as it lets you control the salt levels. Make sure it’s cold for the best crumbly texture.
• Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness in the crust and topping. If you prefer, you can use coconut sugar for a slightly caramel-like flavor.
• Raspberry preserves: The star of the show! Look for high-quality preserves with real fruit pieces. You can also swap this out for strawberry, apricot, or even blueberry preserves.
• Rolled oats: These add a rustic, chewy texture to the crumb topping. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but rolled oats give the best result.

Pro tip: If you want a touch of extra flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the crumble mixture. It’s not necessary, but it adds a little something extra!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry—this recipe doesn’t require any fancy gadgets. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls: One large and one medium will do the trick.
• Pastry cutter or fork: To cut the butter into the flour mixture. If you don’t have one, you can use your fingers.
• 9×9-inch baking pan: Perfect for achieving the right thickness. If you don’t have this size, an 8×8-inch pan works too, but the bars will be slightly thicker.
• Parchment paper: Not strictly necessary, but it makes lifting the bars out of the pan so much easier.
• Spatula: For spreading the raspberry preserves evenly.

If you’re like me and love multi-purpose tools, you can use the back of a measuring cup to press the crust into the pan evenly. It’s a little hack that makes the process even quicker!

How to Make Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

1. Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the crumble mixture: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups (190g) of flour, 1/2 cup (100g) of sugar, and 3/4 cup (170g) of cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crust: Take two-thirds of the crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
4. Add the raspberry layer: Spread 3/4 cup (240g) of raspberry preserves evenly over the crust, leaving about a 1/4-inch border around the edges.
5. Top with crumble: Mix the remaining crumble mixture with 1/2 cup (40g) of rolled oats, and sprinkle it evenly over the raspberry layer.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the raspberry filling is bubbling slightly.
7. Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares or rectangles.

And that’s it! Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you.

Tips for Perfect Bars

Here are a few tips to make sure your raspberry bars turn out perfectly every time:

• Cold butter is key: It ensures that the crust and topping are crumbly and not greasy.
• Don’t overpack the crust: Press it down firmly but gently, so it holds together without becoming dense.
• Let them cool completely: It can be tempting to dig in right away, but cooling helps the layers set properly.

Variations and Adaptations

Feel like experimenting? Here are some fun twists to try:

• Swap the filling: Use your favorite jam or preserves—apricot, blackberry, or even lemon curd work beautifully.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
• Add nuts: Mix in chopped almonds or pecans for extra crunch.

You can even drizzle melted chocolate or a simple glaze on top for a fancier presentation!

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These bars are best served at room temperature, and they pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze well—just wrap them individually for an easy grab-and-go treat!

Nutritional Information

Each bar is approximately 220 calories, with 10g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. While these bars are definitely a treat, the oats and raspberry filling do add a bit of fiber and antioxidants to the mix. If you’re watching your sugar intake, look for low-sugar preserves as a substitute.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, these Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are a must-try. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. I’d love to hear how yours turn out—leave a comment below and let me know! Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of preserves?

Fresh raspberries can work, but you’ll need to mix them with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to mimic the consistency of preserves.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time to about 45 minutes.

What’s the best way to slice these bars?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.

Do the bars need to be refrigerated?

No, they’re fine at room temperature for a few days, but refrigeration can extend their freshness.

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