Luscious Raspberry Bars

There’s nothing quite like the simple joy of a homemade dessert, and these **Sweet Raspberry Crumb Bars** truly embody that sentiment. Imagine a golden, buttery crust giving way to a luscious layer of bright, tangy raspberry jam, all crowned with a delicate, crumbly topping. What makes these bars truly exceptional is their incredible ease of preparation – utilizing a single versatile dough for both the base and the irresistible streusel, paired with the convenience of store-bought raspberry jam. This recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a testament to creating something extraordinarily delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant brunches, these raspberry bars promise a delightful experience with every bite, making them a year-round favorite for their quick assembly, crowd-pleasing flavor, and use of readily available pantry staples.

The Irresistible Allure of Raspberry Crumb Bars

These soft, buttery, and utterly delightful raspberry bars are a cherished creation, inspired by the comforting flavors of beloved breakfast treats like homemade raspberry cinnamon rolls. While the decadent cinnamon rolls offer a rewarding baking project, these **easy raspberry squares** are designed for those moments when you crave a quick, fruity indulgence without the extensive time commitment. Each bar features a rich, golden crust that provides the perfect foundation for the vibrant, sweet-yet-tangy raspberry jam filling. The crumbly topping, made from the very same dough as the base, bakes to a beautiful golden brown, adding an inviting texture and further enhancing the buttery notes. The symphony of flavors and textures creates a balanced dessert that’s both deeply satisfying and refreshingly bright. What’s even better is that these delightful bars come together with just 8 simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and are ready to be savored in under an hour, making them an ideal choice for impromptu treats or last-minute entertaining.

Many home bakers might instinctively consider making their own jam for a recipe like this. However, for these **homemade raspberry bars**, I’ve intentionally opted for high-quality, store-bought raspberry jam, and for good reason: unwavering consistency. Through rigorous testing, I’ve found that a premium store-bought jam consistently delivers the most reliable and best-tasting results. It offers a stable texture that doesn’t risk soaking into the crust, a common pitfall with some homemade jams that can lead to a soggy bottom. Furthermore, store-bought jam is incredibly convenient to keep on hand, ensuring that this recipe can be whipped up whenever a craving strikes. For the absolute best flavor and a truly professional finish, I highly recommend investing in a high-quality, organic raspberry jam or preserves. The depth of fruit flavor and optimal consistency will elevate these bars from good to truly extraordinary.

The Magic of a Classic Butter-and-Flour Crumble

When it comes to crumb bars, many recipes often feature old-fashioned oats in the topping, providing a heartier, chewier texture. While delicious, my vision for these **raspberry dessert bars** leans towards a more classic, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Therefore, I maintain simplicity and elegance by crafting a traditional butter-and-flour crumble, ingeniously made from the same rich dough used for the crust. This unified dough strategy not only streamlines the preparation process but also ensures a cohesive flavor profile throughout the entire bar. The result is a tender, buttery crumble that perfectly complements the soft crust and fruity filling, allowing the pure taste of raspberry to shine.

However, for those who appreciate a more robust texture and an added layer of complexity, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Should you prefer a heartier topping, feel free to incorporate ½ cup of old-fashioned oats into the dry ingredients of the crumble mixture. The oats will add a pleasant chewiness and a subtle nutty undertone. Beyond texture, you can also easily infuse additional flavor dimensions. A delicate sprinkle of fresh lemon zest can brighten the entire bar, enhancing the natural tartness of the raspberries. Alternatively, for a touch of warmth and spice, a dash of ground cinnamon mixed into the crumble provides an earthy counterpoint that is especially delightful during cooler months or when serving as a comforting treat. These minor adjustments allow you to personalize your **crumb bar recipe** to perfectly match your mood or the season.

Easy Raspberry Crumb Bars Recipe

These delightful raspberry bars combine a tender, homemade crust and crumb topping with a vibrant, store-bought raspberry jam for an incredibly simple yet utterly delicious dessert!

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
35 minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes

Yields:
16 servings

Ingredients

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (1 stick)
• ¾ cup raspberry preserves or jam (high-quality recommended)

Equipment

• Kitchen Scale (optional, for precise measurements)
• 8×8 inch Baking Pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter or fork

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with nonstick baking spray. For effortless removal of the bars, you can also line the pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the sides, and then spray the lining. Set the prepared pan aside.

   

2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisk briefly to ensure all dry ingredients are well combined. Add the room temperature egg and pure vanilla extract, mixing until just incorporated. Slice the ½ cup of unsalted butter into small, tablespoon-sized pieces and add them to the mixture. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This texture is crucial for a perfectly crumbly crust and topping.

   

3. Layer the Bars: Carefully take half of the prepared crumb mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to pack it down firmly, creating a compact base for the bars. Next, gently pour the ¾ cup of raspberry preserves or jam over the crust, spreading it evenly to all edges. Finally, sprinkle the remaining half of the crumb mixture generously over the raspberry layer, ensuring an even distribution for the golden crumb topping.

   

4. Bake and Cool: Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumb topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges are lightly crisp. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. It is absolutely essential to allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before attempting to cut them. This cooling process will take at least a couple of hours, as it allows the jam to set and the bars to firm up, ensuring clean, perfect slices.

   

Expert Tips & Variations for Perfect Raspberry Bars

• Jam Flavor Swaps: While raspberry is undeniably a favorite, don’t limit yourself! These versatile crumb bars are equally delicious with other fruit preserves. Consider experimenting with blackberry, peach, blueberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry jam for different flavor profiles. Choose a jam that is relatively thick to prevent it from seeping too much into the crust.
• Boost the Tang: For an extra layer of bright, zesty flavor, stir a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice into your raspberry jam filling before spreading it over the crust. The citrus will enhance the tartness of the raspberries beautifully.
• Warm Spiced Notes: If you’re a fan of warm, earthy flavors, consider adding ½ to 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to your dry crumb mixture. This spice adds a comforting depth to the buttery crust that harmonizes wonderfully with the sweet raspberries, making it perfect for autumn or winter baking.
• The Golden Rule of Cooling: As tempting as it may be to slice into these warm, fragrant bars straight from the oven, resist the urge! Cutting them while still hot will result in a gooey, messy outcome as the jam will be too liquid and the crust too soft. Patience is key here; allow them to cool completely to room temperature for at least 2 hours. This ensures the jam sets properly and the bars achieve their ideal firm texture for clean, picture-perfect slices.
• Uniform Crumble: For the best texture in your crust and topping, ensure your butter is cold and cut into small pieces before incorporating it into the flour mixture. This prevents the butter from melting too quickly and creates those desirable pockets of buttery flakiness in the crumble.

Storage Instructions: Store any leftover **raspberry bars** in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For extended freshness, transfer them to the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to 5 days. These bars also freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Raspberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 bar)

Calories 167
Calories from Fat 54

% Daily Value*

Fat 6g9%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 25mg8%

Sodium 60mg3%

Potassium 31mg1%

Carbohydrates 26g9%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 14g16%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 192IU4%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 16mg2%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author:
Becky Hardin

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Easy Raspberry Bars

Creating these delightful raspberry bars is incredibly straightforward, even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Baking Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your bars are ready to bake, promoting even cooking and a golden finish. Select an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan. To prevent sticking and guarantee easy removal of your finished bars, generously spray the pan with a high-quality nonstick baking spray. For an even more seamless experience, you can line the pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, allowing for an overhang on two sides. Then, spray the lining as well. This creates “handles” that let you lift the entire slab of cooled bars out of the pan effortlessly before slicing. Set your prepared pan aside as you move on to the dough.

2. Craft the Versatile Dough

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Whisk these together thoroughly to ensure the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. Next, add the wet ingredients: 1 large egg, which should be at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, adding a foundational layer of flavor. Mix these until just combined. Now, for the butter: take ½ cup of unsalted butter (one stick), ensuring it’s at room temperature for optimal mixing, and slice it into small, tablespoon-sized pieces. Add these butter pieces to your flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, or a sturdy fork if you don’t have one, meticulously cut the butter into the flour mixture. Continue this process until the mixture transforms into a coarse, crumbly texture, with some butter pieces remaining in visible, pea-sized chunks. This specific texture is vital as it forms the perfect foundation for both the crust and the crumbly topping, yielding that signature buttery flakiness in your **raspberry crumble bars**.

3. Assemble the Layers

Once your crumbly dough is ready, it’s time to build your raspberry bars. Carefully pour exactly half of the dough mixture into your prepared 8×8-inch baking pan. Using your fingers, the back of a spoon, or a flat-bottomed glass, gently but firmly press the mixture down into an even layer across the entire bottom of the pan, extending all the way to the edges. This forms the base crust. Next, take your ¾ cup of high-quality raspberry jam or preserves. Spoon the jam evenly over the pressed crust. Gently spread it out to the edges using a spatula, ensuring the jam layer is uniform. Try not to press too hard, disturbing the crust underneath. Finally, take the remaining half of the crumbly dough mixture and sprinkle it generously and evenly over the top of the raspberry jam layer. This will form the delicious, golden crumble topping once baked, adding textural contrast and a beautiful finish to your **homemade raspberry bars**.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection & Cool Patiently

With all layers assembled, place your baking pan into the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Allow the **raspberry bars** to bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during the last 10 minutes; they are ready when the crumb topping achieves a beautiful, golden-brown hue, and the jam beneath appears bubbly around the edges. Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire cooling rack. This is a crucial step: you must allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before you attempt to cut into them. This process will typically take a minimum of two hours, or even longer. Resisting the urge to cut them while warm is paramount, as the jam needs ample time to set and solidify, ensuring that your bars slice cleanly and maintain their perfect structure, preventing a gooey, crumbly mess. Patience will be rewarded with impeccably neat and delicious **raspberry dessert squares**.

Optimal Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your **raspberry bars** have cooled completely, proper storage is key to maintaining their freshness and delightful texture. For short-term enjoyment, place them in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you wish to extend their shelf life, transferring them to the refrigerator will keep them fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. Chilled bars often have a firmer texture, which some people prefer. For longer storage, these bars are excellent candidates for freezing. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for an hour or two, or overnight in the refrigerator.

These versatile **raspberry dessert bars** are fantastic on their own, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart with a satisfying crumbly texture. They make an excellent midday pick-me-up with a cup of tea or coffee, or a light dessert after dinner. For an extra special treat, I highly recommend pairing a slightly warmed raspberry bar with a scoop of creamy no-churn vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, smooth ice cream beautifully contrasts with the warm, fruity bar, creating a truly indulgent experience. They are also wonderful served with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. Whether served as a picnic treat, a potluck contribution, or a simple homemade indulgence, these **easy raspberry bars** are guaranteed to be a hit!

Frequently Asked Questions About Raspberry Crumb Bars

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?

While fresh raspberries can be used, this recipe specifically calls for jam or preserves to achieve the desired consistency and to prevent the bars from becoming too wet or soggy. If using fresh raspberries, you would need to cook them down with sugar and a thickening agent (like cornstarch) to create a preserve-like filling, which adds significant prep time and changes the recipe’s “easy” aspect.

Is room temperature butter really important?

Yes, for the dough, room temperature butter is crucial. It incorporates more easily and evenly into the dry ingredients, allowing for the formation of the distinct crumbly texture required for both the crust and topping. If butter is too cold, it will be hard to cut in; if too warm, it can make the dough oily and less crumbly.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing the bars?

The key to clean cuts is patience! Ensure the bars are completely cooled to room temperature (at least 2 hours) before slicing. For extra clean cuts, you can even chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour after they’ve cooled. Use a sharp, non-serrated knife and wipe the blade clean between each cut to prevent stickiness from the jam.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled. If doubling, use a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan. The baking time might need to be adjusted slightly, usually a few extra minutes, so keep an eye on the golden-brown color of the topping.

What’s the difference between raspberry jam and preserves for this recipe?

Jam is made from crushed fruit or fruit puree, while preserves contain whole or large pieces of fruit. Both work well in this recipe, with preserves potentially offering a slightly chunkier, more textural fruit layer. Choose based on your preference for fruit texture.

Why did my crumb topping sink into the jam?

This can happen if the jam layer is too thick or if the crumb topping is too finely ground and doesn’t have enough structure. Ensure you distribute the crumb topping evenly and don’t press it down into the jam. Using a high-quality, thicker jam also helps prevent this.