Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars

These fabulous five-ingredient raspberry bars are a simple, sweet, and satisfying treat that comes together in no time. Made with a buttery crumb base, vibrant raspberry jam, and a short ingredient list, these bars are perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers looking for something quick yet impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only five simple ingredients needed
• Buttery, crumbly texture with a sweet-tart raspberry center
• No mixer or special equipment required
• Great for any occasion – from potlucks to weeknight desserts
• Easy to customize with different jams or add-ins
• Can be made ahead and stored well
• Kid-friendly and lunchbox-approved
• Naturally vegetarian
• Ready in under an hour
• Delicious served warm or chilled

Ingredients

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

• Old-fashioned oats
• All-purpose flour
• Packed brown sugar
• Salted butter
• Raspberry jam

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease lightly.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, and brown sugar. Stir until evenly mixed.
4. Add melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
5. Press two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
6. Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crust.
7. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
9. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 bars.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Use different fruit preserves like blueberry, strawberry, or apricot
• Add a handful of chopped nuts to the crumb mixture for extra texture
• Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist
• Swap out half the oats for shredded coconut or chopped pecans
• Add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the crust for added depth

Storage/Reheating

Store these raspberry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. You can warm them slightly in the microwave if desired, but they’re just as delicious cold.

FAQs

How do I make these raspberry bars gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?

Yes, you can mash fresh raspberries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to make a quick filling, though the texture may be different.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time by a few extra minutes as needed.

What kind of oats should I use?

Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for texture. Avoid quick oats or steel-cut oats.

Can I use unsalted butter?

Yes, just add a pinch of salt to the mixture to balance flavors.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

Not necessarily, but they will last longer and hold their shape better when chilled.

Can I use a different jam?

Yes! Any fruit jam or preserve will work. Choose your favorite flavor or use what you have on hand.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The top should be lightly golden and the edges slightly firm. They’ll firm up more as they cool.

Can I make these vegan?

Try using a plant-based butter alternative. Make sure your sugar and jam are also vegan-friendly.

Can I add lemon zest to the recipe?

Yes, a bit of lemon zest mixed into the crust or jam layer adds a lovely brightness.

Conclusion

Fabulous Five Ingredient Raspberry Bars are a go-to dessert for when you want something sweet, simple, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, these bars combine pantry staples into a timeless treat you’ll come back to again and again. Try them once, and they’ll likely become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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