Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are the perfect quick and easy dessert with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. These bars are sweet, tart, buttery, and crumbly—ideal for a potluck, picnic, or last-minute treat. With just five pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these satisfying bars that everyone will rave about.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourunsalted buttergranulated sugarraspberry preservesalt

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.

Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Spread the raspberry preserves over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the jam is bubbly.

Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 16 bars.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 30–35 minutesCooling time: 30 minutesTotal time: 70–75 minutes

Variations

Substitute raspberry preserves with strawberry, blueberry, or apricot for a different fruity twist.

Add shredded coconut or chopped nuts to the topping for extra texture.

Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a pretty finish.

storage/reheating

Store the raspberry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.Refrigerate for up to 1 week for longer freshness.Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers.To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of preserves?

Fresh raspberries don’t hold the bars together as well, but you can mix them with a little sugar and cornstarch for a similar effect.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time to about 40 minutes.

Are these bars very sweet?

They are moderately sweet, with the preserves adding most of the sugar. You can reduce the sugar in the crust if desired.

Do I have to use unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is best to control the salt level, but you can use salted and reduce added salt.

What texture should the crust have?

The crust is buttery and slightly crumbly, like a shortbread base.

Can I add vanilla extract?

Yes, a teaspoon of vanilla can enhance the flavor, though it’s not necessary.

Why did my bars turn out too soft?

Make sure to bake until the top is golden and allow them to cool completely before cutting.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter gives the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used if needed.

Are these bars good for gifting?

Absolutely! Their firm texture and bright color make them great for wrapping and gifting.

What’s the best way to cut them cleanly?

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

Conclusion

Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are your go-to solution for a fast, fruity, and delicious dessert with minimal fuss. With their irresistible flavor and simple prep, they’re bound to become a staple in your baking rotation. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are proof that less really can be more.

Print