When you’re craving something delightfully tart yet satisfyingly sweet, Raspberry Bars are the answer you’ve been searching for. With a buttery crumb crust, rich notes of oats, and a layer of vibrant raspberry jam peeking through, these bars strike the perfect balance of gooey and golden-crisp. Whether you serve them for a casual family gathering or a special afternoon treat, Raspberry Bars always steal the show with their irresistible jewel-toned center and nostalgic flavor. Let’s dive into why they’re sure to become a repeat request in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Raspberry Bars lies in a handful of classic baking staples, each playing an important role in creating the ideal texture and flavor. Take a look at these simple ingredients and see how each shines in the finished bars.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the bars their rich, melt-in-your-mouth foundation and helps achieve that perfect crumb topping.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Brings sweetness and helps cream the butter to just the right fluffiness.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds a caramel-like depth and chewy texture to both the base and crumb layers.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Lays the groundwork for structure and allows the bars to hold their beautiful layers.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle lift for a light crumb that isn’t overly dense.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and allows all the flavors to shine.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 1/2 cups): Signature texture and wholesome heartiness—you just can’t skip them!
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla brings out all the bakery-style aroma you love.
- Raspberry jam (1 1/2 cups, seedless or regular): The shining star—choose a good-quality jam for bright, bold fruit flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the raspberry layer and gives it a pop of fresh, zesty tang.
How to Make Raspberry Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F to set the stage for perfect baking. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides—this trick lets you lift the whole slab out for easy cutting (and keeps cleanup breezy).
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened unsalted butter with both the granulated and brown sugars. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smells like the start of something delicious—about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract to carry that warm aroma through every bite.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of your leavening and seasoning, so every slice of the Raspberry Bars has consistent flavor and texture.
Step 4: Combine and Add Oats
Add your dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until it’s crumbly with small, moist clumps. Then, gently stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats until just incorporated for that iconic chewy bite.
Step 5: Build the Crust
Press about two-thirds of the crumbly oat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use a flat spatula or your fingers to form an even layer—this will be the sturdy base holding up the luscious jam.
Step 6: Make the Raspberry Filling
In a small bowl, stir together the raspberry jam and fresh lemon juice. The lemon’s acidity enlivens the jam, cutting through any extra sweetness and intensifying the berry flavor. Spread this mixture across the crust, reaching as close to the edges as possible.
Step 7: Add the Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the raspberry layer. Gently press down so the topping clings to the jam and creates that signature rustic look. Don’t worry about perfection—rustic means more irresistible crispy bits!
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake your assembled bars for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden and the jam bubbles enticingly at the edges. Remove them from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. The hardest part? Waiting to slice into them! (But trust me—it’s worth it for the cleanest, neatest cuts.)
How to Serve Raspberry Bars
Garnishes
Elevate your Raspberry Bars with a flourish of fresh raspberries, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream. These finishing touches offer elegance and an extra burst of berry goodness.
Side Dishes
Pair these vibrant bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk for the ultimate dessert moment. They also shine alongside a platter of mixed berries or as a happy partner to a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into triangles for a modern twist, or serve them as part of a dessert board with other fruit treats and chocolates. Raspberry Bars also make an eye-catching edible gift: bundle them up in parchment and ribbon for a homemade present packed with love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay marvelously chewy, and the flavors deepen by the day, making that “midnight snack” all the more tempting.
Freezing
To keep Raspberry Bars fresh even longer, layer them between sheets of parchment paper and freeze in a well-sealed container for up to two months. Let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before enjoying—still as tasty as day one.
Reheating
If you crave that just-baked warmth, pop a bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or give them a short stint in a 300°F oven. This trick perks up the crumb and makes the jam extra gooey.
FAQs
Can I use a different jam instead of raspberry for these bars?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam is traditional for Raspberry Bars, feel free to swap in apricot, blackberry, or strawberry jam if you want to experiment with flavors—you’ll be surprised at how versatile this recipe is.
How do I keep the bars from crumbling when I cut them?
For neat slices, make sure the bars are completely cooled before lifting them from the pan. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts, to get those beautiful, picture-perfect portions.
Are Raspberry Bars suitable for freezing in advance?
Definitely! Raspberry Bars freeze wonderfully. Just cool, slice, and layer them with parchment before freezing. When you’re ready to serve, take them out and let them come to room temperature for bars that taste freshly baked.
Can I make this Raspberry Bars recipe gluten-free?
Yes—with a couple of adjustments. Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats. The bars will turn out slightly different in texture but still deliciously satisfying.
Is there a way to make these bars vegan?
With a few swaps, you can! Substitute vegan butter for dairy butter and choose a plant-based jam. The bars will stay rich and crumbly, with all the bright raspberry flavor you love.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, Raspberry Bars are simply irresistible—chewy, fruity, and always crowd-pleasing. Give this recipe a try, and watch these jewel-toned squares disappear at your next gathering. You may just find yourself baking up a double batch the next time!
Print
Raspberry Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and tart flavors of these delectable Raspberry Bars. A buttery oat base topped with a layer of raspberry jam creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making these bars a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups raspberry jam (seedless or regular)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare Crust: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until crumbly. Stir in the rolled oats until combined.
- Assemble Bars: Press about two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. In a small bowl, stir the raspberry jam with the lemon juice until smooth, then spread it evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the jam layer, gently pressing it down.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store raspberry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
