Raspberry Jam Bars with Five Simple Ingredients Recipe

If you’re craving a simple, no-fuss dessert that tastes like a little slice of homemade heaven, you’re going to adore this Raspberry Jam Bars with Five Simple Ingredients Recipe. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want something sweet, straightforward, and totally satisfying. The perfect balance of crumbly buttery crust and sweet-tart raspberry jam on top—it’s like a hug in bar form. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to nail these bars every single time.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Raspberry Jam Bars with Five Simple Ingredients Recipe really shines because each ingredient plays a key role. The butter and flour combine to form that tender, slightly crumbly crust, while the sugar sweetens everything just right. The egg binds it together, and of course, the raspberry jam brings that gorgeous burst of fruity flavor. When you pick quality ingredients, especially the jam, it makes a huge difference!

• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature to mix smoothly, giving the bars a rich, tender crumb.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the crust—makes it sturdy enough to hold the jam but not too dense.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the raspberry.
• Egg: Acts as the binder so the crust and topping hold together nicely after baking.
• Seedless raspberry jam: I recommend a good-quality jam with vibrant flavor—seedless makes for that smooth, luscious layer you’ll love.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Raspberry Jam Bars with Five Simple Ingredients Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your mood or dietary needs. Over the years, I’ve played around with different jams, added a little lemon zest for brightness, or even swapped out butter for coconut oil when I was feeling adventurous. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Variation: Using strawberry or apricot jam instead of raspberry creates a totally different vibe—both equally delicious.
• Dietary mods: For a dairy-free twist, try coconut oil in place of butter, though the texture will be slightly different.
• Add-ons: Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon into the crumb topping to add warmth, especially in cooler months.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Raspberry Jam Bars with Five Simple Ingredients Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grabbing a 13×9-inch baking dish—I like to give mine a light grease or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Bring your butter and egg to room temperature; this helps them mix evenly without lumps, which ensures that perfect crumbly texture we want.

Step 2: Mix the Crumb Base and Reserve Topping

Using an electric mixer on the low setting, combine softened butter, flour, sugar, and egg until the mixture looks crumbly but holds together when pressed. I always keep an eye on the texture here—if it feels too sticky, a touch more flour can help. Once it’s just right, reserve about 1½ cups of this crumbly mixture to use as the topping later.

Step 3: Press the Crust

Press the rest of the crumb mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. You want it to be a firm, even layer because this forms the tasty base for our jam layer. I use my hands to gently press it down, making sure the surface is smooth but not too compacted.

Step 4: Spread the Raspberry Jam

Next, spread your entire jar of seedless raspberry jam evenly across the crust. Don’t be shy—cover it edge to edge so every bite gets that wonderful fruity flavor. I love using a silicone spatula for this step because it helps spread the jam thinly without tearing the crust.

Step 5: Add the Crumb Topping and Bake

Finally, crumble your reserved topping evenly over the jam and gently press down just a bit to help it stick. Pop it in the oven for 30–40 minutes, until the top turns a glorious golden brown and you can smell that buttery, jammy goodness filling your kitchen. I usually check at 30 minutes and then keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan—that’s key for clean cuts. I like to chill mine in the fridge for a bit if I want sharper slices. When you cut them, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts to keep edges neat. Now, enjoy!

How to Serve Raspberry Jam Bars with Five Simple Ingredients Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with these bars—sometimes just a light dusting of powdered sugar makes them feel special without overpowering the delicious jammy flavor. Fresh raspberries on top add a pop of color and freshness, especially if serving for guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these raspberry jam bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat or alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. They’re also lovely next to a light fruit salad to keep things balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For occasions like birthday parties or brunches, I’ve served these bars on a pretty cake stand lined with doilies and added a few mint leaves for a pop of green. You can also cut them into small bite-sized squares and serve as finger snacks—they’re always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover raspberry jam bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge is a safer bet, though it can make the bars a little firmer, so I let them come to room temp before serving.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When I’m ready, I thaw them in the fridge overnight, and they taste almost as fresh as when first baked.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these bars warm, I pop individual squares into the microwave for about 15 seconds. It’s perfect for reviving that soft, melty texture without overcooking them. Just watch carefully so they don’t dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Jam Bars with Five Simple Ingredients Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years because it hits that perfect sweet spot—simple ingredients, minimal effort, and big flavor. It’s one of those recipes I recommend to friends all the time because it’s reliable and endlessly delicious. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these bars as much as I do—it’s like sending a little love through every buttery, jammy bite.

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