Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing treat that tastes like love in every bite, let me introduce you to these Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars. The magic lies in the heavenly trio of buttery shortbread, sweet raspberry jam, and that perfect crumbly topping—with just five simple ingredients and a handful of steps, you have a dessert that’s at once nostalgic, irresistible, and stunning on any table. Whether you sneak a square with your morning coffee, serve them for a bake sale, or bring them to a potluck, these raspberry bars never fail to wow.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these bars so delightful is also what keeps them so simple: each ingredient is essential, bringing its own splash of flavor, texture, and beauty to the dish. You don’t need anything fancy—just the classics, working in perfect harmony.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation of our bars, giving them a soft-yet-crumbly bite.
• Unsalted butter: Use it softened for that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and helps crisp up the edges.
• Raspberry jam: Go for a pod of vibrant, flavor-packed jam—the star of the show in every gooey bite.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and sharpens all the flavors.

How to Make Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start things right by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a generous overhang on the sides—this simple trick ensures you’ll lift the bars out cleanly later, with no sticky, stubborn corners to wrestle from the pan.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, blend the softened butter, sugar, and flour together until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. Don’t rush this step—the texture should look and feel like coarse sand that holds together when you pinch it. This is your foundation and your topping, so it needs to be just right!

Step 3: Press the Dough

Scoop out around two-thirds of the dough and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Take your time to really pack it in—the tighter you press, the dreamier your shortbread base will be after baking.

Step 4: Add Raspberries

Using a spoon or spatula, spread the raspberry jam evenly over your pressed dough. Go right to the edges so every bite gets its share of bright, tart-sweet raspberry flavor. This is where Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars earn their signature pop of color and fruity tang.

Step 5: Crumble the Remaining Dough

With the rest of your dough, crumble it right on top of the jam layer. Use your fingertips to scatter little mounds across the surface, making sure the jam peeks through in a few places. These nooks and crannies become deliciously golden as they bake.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Slide your pan into the oven and let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is pure comfort—sweet, buttery, and slightly tart.

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Once baked, take the pan out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the bars from the pan onto a wire rack. Let them cool completely before slicing—this patience ensures clean, beautiful squares that hold together perfectly.

How to Serve Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars

Garnishes

For an elegant touch, dust your cooled bars with a cloud of powdered sugar, or scatter a few fresh raspberries and mint leaves on the platter. This little flourish makes them look as special as they taste, perfect for sharing at brunches and parties.

Side Dishes

These bars pair marvelously with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re feeling indulgent, a side of lemon sorbet brightens every bite, or serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad for extra springtime vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

For something playful, cut the Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars into little triangles for a tea party, or stack them in pretty glass jars tied with ribbon as edible gifts. They’re also lovely with a drizzle of melted white chocolate zigzagged over the top for a bake sale treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay perfectly tender and delicious, making them a sweet snack any time of day.

Freezing

Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars freeze beautifully! Place cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to two months; just thaw on the counter when cravings strike.

Reheating

If you want to serve your bars slightly warm (and who wouldn’t?), simply pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This gives the shortbread a freshly-baked crispness and softens the jam for extra gooey deliciousness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of jam for these bars?

Absolutely! While raspberry is classic and adds gorgeous color, you can swap it for strawberry, apricot, blackberry, or even a homemade mixed berry preserve. Each will put its own spin on the Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling required—one of the joys of this recipe is its speed and ease. The dough goes straight from the bowl to the pan and into the oven, saving you time and fuss.

How do I make the bars extra crisp?

For crispier edges, press the base an extra bit firmer and watch the bake time: leave them in the oven toward the longer end for a deeper golden color. They’ll have a satisfying snap with every bite!

What’s the best way to cut clean, neat bars?

Let the bars cool completely before slicing, and use a long, sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. For extra precision, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes first—the edges will be even neater.

Are these bars gluten-free?

As written, no—but you can substitute a one-to-one gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with great results! The Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars remain beautifully buttery with a slight crunch.

Final Thoughts

There’s so much to love about these Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars: they’re unfussy, deeply comforting, and guaranteed to disappear quickly wherever you take them. Give them a try and let this recipe become your new go-to for sharing a bit of everyday sweetness.

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