Scrumptious Raspberry Bars Recipe for Sweet Summer Treats

Raspberry magic happens right in your kitchen with these delectable bars that promise pure delight.

Sweet and tangy flavors dance together in every single bite.

Crumbly edges meet jammy centers, creating a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Home bakers will adore how simple yet impressive these treats can be.

Each square tells a story of summer’s most vibrant fruit, carefully nestled between buttery layers.

Crisp textures and rich fruity notes blend seamlessly to make an irresistible treat.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience a dessert that will become your new favorite weekend indulgence.

Why Everyone Loves Raspberry Bars

• Whip Up Speedy Dessert: These raspberry bars come together in under an hour, making them perfect for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings. You'll spend more time enjoying them than preparing them.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Treat: This recipe works magic for all ages, from kids to grandparents. The combination of buttery crumble and tangy raspberry jam creates a universally loved dessert that disappears quickly at potlucks.
• Customize with Ease: Feel free to swap raspberry jam with other preserves like strawberry or apricot. The flexible recipe allows you to experiment with different flavors while maintaining the same delicious crumbly texture.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Even beginner bakers can nail this recipe without stress. With basic mixing and pressing techniques, anyone can achieve professional-looking bars that taste amazing and look impressive.

What Goes In Raspberry Bars

• All-Purpose Flour, Rolled Oats: A classic combination for a crumbly, hearty base with great texture and nutty flavor. Opt for old-fashioned rolled oats for best results.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a rich, caramelized flavor in the crust. Brown sugar adds deeper molasses notes.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, tender base that holds the crust together. Room temperature butter ensures smooth mixing.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet depth to the bar's overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors in the recipe.

• Raspberry Jam: The star ingredient providing fruity, tangy sweetness. Choose a high-quality, seedless jam for smooth texture.

• Lemon Zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness to complement the raspberry flavor. Fresh zest provides the most vibrant taste.

Steps To Make Raspberry Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides like a comfy blanket.

Step 2: Craft the Magical Crumb Mixture

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

• All-purpose flour
• Rolled oats

Mix everything until it looks like delicious, crumbly sand. Don’t worry if it seems a bit loose – that’s exactly how it should be!

Step 3: Create the Scrumptious Foundation

Take about two-thirds of your crumb mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use your fingers to create an even, compact layer that’ll serve as the perfect base for our raspberry magic.

Step 4: Spread the Fruity Goodness

Dollop raspberry jam all over the crumb foundation. For an extra zing, sprinkle some fresh lemon zest into the jam before spreading it around. Make sure it covers the entire surface in a smooth, even layer.

Step 5: Top and Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the jam layer like a delicate, sugary snowfall. Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and jam that’s bubbling with excitement around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Slice with Love

Patience is key! Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once they’ve reached room temperature, use the parchment paper handles to lift the entire creation out. Slice into squares or rectangles – whatever makes your heart happy.

Bonus Tip: These bars are even more delicious the next day, so don’t be afraid to make them in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, and watch them disappear quickly!

Top Tips For Raspberry Bars

• Crumb Crust Control: Ensure the crust is packed tightly and evenly to create a stable base that won't crumble when cutting the bars.
• Jam Selection Strategy: Choose high-quality raspberry jam with minimal seeds for a smoother, more refined filling that spreads easily.
• Temperature Timing Trick: Let the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent the jam from running and maintain clean, sharp edges.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to one month, perfect for make-ahead desserts.
• Dietary Swap Solution: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use dairy-free butter to make these bars suitable for various dietary needs.

How To Keep Raspberry Bars Fresh

• Seal these delightful raspberry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Keep them separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their crumbly texture.
• Refrigerate for extended freshness, lasting up to a week – simply bring to room temperature before serving to restore their delicious softness.
• Freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, ensuring a sweet treat is always within reach when cravings strike.

Best Pairings For Raspberry Bars

• Brew the Perfect Pairing: Pair these raspberry bars with a light, floral earl grey tea to complement the sweet-tart raspberry flavor and enhance the buttery crust.
• Sip and Savor Companion: Choose a crisp moscato wine or sparkling rosé to balance the dessert's richness and bring out the fruity raspberry notes with its gentle sweetness.
• Creamy Contrast Delight: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped mascarpone cream to create a luxurious texture contrast and cool down the warm, jammy bars.
• Nutty Flavor Boost: Sprinkle some toasted almond slivers or chopped pistachios on the side to add a crunchy texture and nutty depth that complements the raspberry's bright profile.

Fun Spins On Raspberry Bars

• Summer Berry Blast: Swap raspberry jam with a mix of strawberry and blueberry preserves for a vibrant, colorful bar that captures summer's essence.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the crumb mixture for extra texture and a rich, toasted flavor profile.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars and sprinkle sea salt for an indulgent, sophisticated touch.
• Tropical Getaway: Replace raspberry jam with passion fruit or mango preserves, then garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a vacation-inspired treat.

Raspberry Bars Questions Answered

• What makes these Raspberry Bars special?

These bars combine a buttery, crumbly oat crust with sweet-tangy raspberry jam, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors that’s both comforting and indulgent.

• Can I use homemade raspberry jam?

Absolutely! Homemade jam works wonderfully and can add a more intense, fresh raspberry flavor to the bars. Just ensure it’s a smooth, spreadable consistency.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a light golden color on the crumb topping and slight bubbling around the jam edges. This typically happens around 30-35 minutes of baking and indicates the bars are done.

• Is it necessary to use parchment paper?

While not absolutely critical, parchment paper makes removing and cutting the bars much easier. It prevents sticking and allows you to lift the entire batch out of the pan cleanly for neat, even slicing.

Raspberry Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet raspberry bars blend buttery shortbread with tangy fruit for an irresistible dessert. Layers of crumbly crust and rich raspberry filling promise delightful moments of pure indulgence you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Fruits and Fillings:

• ¾ to 1 cup raspberry jam or preserves
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining a rectangular pan with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper hangs over the edges for effortless extraction of the finished dessert.
2. Create a rustic crumb mixture by combining melted butter with granulated and brown sugars, incorporating vanilla and a pinch of salt. Gradually fold in flour and rolled oats until the texture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.
3. Compress approximately two-thirds of the crumbly mixture into the pan’s base, establishing a sturdy, compact foundation for the raspberry confection.
4. Distribute raspberry jam uniformly across the preliminary crust, optionally enhancing the fruity layer with delicate lemon zest for an aromatic complexity.
5. Scatter the remaining crumb mixture across the jam surface, creating a textured, uneven topping that will transform into a golden, crisp layer during baking.
6. Transfer the pan to a preheated oven and bake until the surface achieves a light golden hue and the jam begins to gently bubble and caramelize around the edges.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the dessert to cool completely within the pan, permitting the layers to set and stabilize.
8. Utilize the parchment paper overhang to carefully extract the entire dessert, then slice into precise, uniform squares or rectangular bars using a sharp knife.

Notes

• Create a stable base by firmly pressing the crumb mixture into the pan, ensuring an even and compact crust that won’t crumble when cutting.
• Keep jam layer thin and consistent to prevent overwhelmingly sweet or soggy bars, using about 1/2 to 2/3 cup of high-quality raspberry preserves.
• Customize the recipe by swapping raspberry jam with other fruit preserves like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry for varied flavor profiles.
• Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to help them set properly and achieve clean, sharp edges without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg