Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are the perfect summer dessert that combines a buttery shortbread cookie crust with sweet raspberry jam and a delightful crumb topping. This easy recipe is not only quick to prepare but also adaptable for various occasions like picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings. The simplicity of just five ingredients makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, and the bright flavor of raspberry adds a refreshing touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: With only five ingredients, these bars come together in no time, making them ideal for busy bakers.
- Deliciously Versatile: You can swap out the raspberry jam for other flavors like strawberry or blueberry, depending on your preference.
- Perfect for Sharing: Yielding 24 bars, they are great for parties or gatherings where you want to impress without too much effort.
- Kid-Friendly: These bars are fun to make with kids, allowing them to help with mixing and spreading the jam!
- Store Well: They stay fresh and delicious for several days when stored properly.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, gather the essential tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating this delightful treat.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- 13 x 9 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric Mixer: This tool makes combining the ingredients effortless and ensures a consistent crumbly texture.
- Baking Dish: A 13 x 9 inch baking dish is perfect for this recipe, allowing even baking and easy cutting into bars.
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
- 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: Prepare the Crust Mixture
Using an electric mixer on low setting:
1. Combine the softened butter, flour, sugar, and egg until crumbly.
2. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for topping.
Step 3: Press the Dough Into the Baking Dish
Press the remaining crust mixture into a prepared 13 x 9 inch baking dish evenly.
Step 4: Spread the Jam
Evenly spread the entire jar of seedless raspberry jam over the crust layer. This adds a luscious fruity flavor to your bars.
Step 5: Add Topping
Crumble the reserved topping mixture over the raspberry jam layer. Press it lightly to help it adhere during baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars to cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy this delightful dessert!
How to Serve Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.
With Whipped Cream
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture, perfectly complementing the rich raspberry flavor.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Pair these bars with vanilla or raspberry ice cream for an indulgent dessert that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- A drizzle of melted chocolate on top adds a luxurious touch that contrasts beautifully with the tartness of the raspberries.
Fresh Berries on Top
- Garnishing with fresh raspberries or strawberries not only enhances the presentation but also boosts the fruity flavor.
Accompanied by Coffee or Tea
- Serve these bars alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack, perfect for gatherings or quiet moments.

How to Perfect Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
To ensure your Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the crust tender. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
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Press Lightly: When pressing the crust into the baking dish, use gentle pressure to avoid compacting it too much.
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Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into pieces. This helps maintain their shape and makes them easier to handle.
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Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
When serving Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, consider pairing them with complementary side dishes to elevate your dessert spread.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture pairs well with the tartness of raspberry bars.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a fresh contrast and lightens up the dessert table.
- Chocolate Mousse: Rich and creamy chocolate mousse creates a decadent combination that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses balances the sweetness and adds a savory element to your dessert experience.
- Pecan Pie Bites: These mini bites bring nutty flavors that complement the sweetness of the raspberry bars beautifully.
- Lemon Sorbet: The tangy sorbet provides a refreshing palate cleanse after enjoying sweet treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can hinder your results.
- Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can prevent the mixture from blending properly. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Skipping the preheat: Not preheating the oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees before starting.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can create tough bars instead of a tender crust. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and crumbly.
- Using too much jam: Adding too much raspberry jam can make the bars soggy. Stick to one jar for the perfect balance of flavors.
- Cutting too soon: Cutting the bars while they are still warm can result in a messy presentation. Allow them to cool completely before slicing for neat pieces.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 15-20 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a non-stick pan over low heat, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars.
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of raspberry jam?
You can use fresh raspberries, but you will need to cook them down with sugar and some cornstarch to mimic the consistency of jam.
How do I know when my raspberry bars are done?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Can I customize my Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars?
Absolutely! You can swap out raspberry jam for other flavors like strawberry or blueberry, or add nuts for extra crunch.
What is the best way to serve these bars?
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are delightful served chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.
Final Thoughts
Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Their buttery shortbread crust paired with sweet raspberry jam creates a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different jams or toppings to find your favorite combination!

Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars, a perfect summer dessert that combines a buttery shortbread crust with sweet raspberry jam and a crumbly topping. This easy-to-follow recipe requires just five ingredients, making it ideal for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, attending a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, these bars are sure to impress. The vibrant raspberry flavor adds a refreshing touch to any gathering, and their simple preparation means you’ll have more time to enjoy your company.
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 the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, combine softened butter, flour, sugar, and egg until crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for topping.
- Press the remaining dough into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish evenly.
- Spread the entire jar of raspberry jam over the crust.
- Crumble the reserved topping over the jam layer and press lightly.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Allow cooling before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (48g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg