Sweet & Tangy Raspberry Bars Recipe: A Fruity Delight!

Crumbly, buttery crusts meet a vibrant raspberry filling in these irresistible tangy raspberry bars that burst with summer’s sweetest essence.

Layers of rich, golden shortbread provide the perfect foundation for the bright, zesty fruit spread.

Raspberries dance across a delicate base, creating a dessert that balances sweet and tart with remarkable precision.

Each bite promises a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.

These bars are surprisingly simple to assemble, requiring just a few quality ingredients and minimal kitchen expertise.

The recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat that sparkles with fresh, fruity charm.

Serve these bars at your next gathering, and watch as they disappear in moments of pure culinary delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 232 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients For Raspberry Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a tender, delicate base with perfect crumbly texture.
• Old-Fashioned Oats: Adds hearty, nutty flavor and provides delightful rustic crunch.
• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, smooth foundation and helps bind ingredients together.
• Brown Sugar: Introduces deep caramel undertones and keeps bars moist.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create crispy edges.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic depth.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavor profiles.

• Raspberry Jam: Provides vibrant, fruity center with tangy-sweet burst of flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Optional brightening element that adds citrusy complexity to jam layer.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides elegant finishing touch with delicate sweetness.

Kitchen Tools For Raspberry Bars

• 9×13-inch baking pan: Essential for creating the perfect bar size and shape.
• Parchment paper: Crucial for easy removal and preventing sticking.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining crust ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending butter, sugars, and vanilla smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Sharp knife: Used for clean, precise cutting after bars cool.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helpful for mixing and spreading ingredients evenly.

How To Make Raspberry Bars

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and grab a baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over so you can easily lift out your delicious creation later.

• Create the Crumbly Base

Mix melted butter with sweet sugars, a splash of vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Toss in flour and oats, stirring until you’ve got a delightful, crumbly mixture that looks like delicious sand.

• Build the Foundation

Press about two-thirds of your crumbly mixture into the pan, creating a solid, compact base that will hold all the fruity goodness.

• Spread the Fruity Layer

Dollop raspberry jam across your crust, spreading it evenly. If you’re feeling fancy, mix in some zesty lemon for an extra flavor punch.

• Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining crumbly mixture over the jam. Pop the pan into the oven and bake until the top turns a beautiful golden color and the jam starts to bubble with excitement.

• Slice and Serve

Let your masterpiece cool completely in the pan. Once it’s ready, lift it out using the parchment paper and slice into mouth-watering squares. Enjoy your raspberry treasure!

Tips To Try With Raspberry Bars

• Pro Storage Trick: Store these raspberry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness up to a week.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars celiac-friendly without sacrificing texture or taste.
• Fruit Flexibility: Experiment with different jam varieties like strawberry, apricot, or mixed berry to create unique flavor profiles and personalize your dessert.
• Nutritional Boost: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra protein and a delightful crunch that elevates the bar's texture and nutritional value.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire batch in advance and freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to maintain optimal flavor and quality.

Serving Suggestions For Raspberry Bars

• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Serve these raspberry bars alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat that brightens your day.
• Dessert Plating Elegance: Dust the bars with powdered sugar and add a small dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an elevated, restaurant-style presentation that impresses guests.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack these bars in a container for outdoor adventures, school lunches, or potluck gatherings – they travel wonderfully and taste amazing at room temperature.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with a cute ribbon, creating a homemade gift that shows personal care and culinary skill.

How To Store Raspberry Bars

• Fresh Fridge Storage: Keep raspberry bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Smart Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars remain delicious for 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Counter Display Magic: Store at room temperature for 2 days maximum. Place in a covered container away from direct sunlight to maintain crispness and prevent soggy texture.
• Slice and Serve Wisdom: Cut bars into uniform sizes for consistent portioning. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts to ensure neat, clean edges without crumbling.

Tangy Raspberry Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delightful raspberry bars combine sweet and tangy flavors in a simple dessert perfect for summer gatherings. Crumbly shortbread base and luscious raspberry filling create a memorable treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cups (2 sticks or 226 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ to 1 cup raspberry jam or preserves
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over edges for easy removal.
2. Crumb Base: Combine melted butter, granulated and brown sugars, vanilla, and salt. Mix flour and rolled oats into the butter mixture until it forms coarse, crumbly texture.
3. Layering Foundation: Press approximately two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating a compact and stable base for the raspberry dessert.
4. Fruit Infusion: Spread raspberry jam evenly across the crumb foundation, optional lemon zest can be sprinkled to enhance the fruity flavor profile.
5. Topping Assembly: Randomly scatter remaining crumb mixture over the jam layer, ensuring an uneven, rustic appearance that will crisp and golden during baking.
6. Baking Process: Place pan in preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the surface turns light golden and jam edges begin to caramelize and bubble.
7. Cooling and Serving: Allow dessert to cool completely in the pan, then lift out using parchment paper overhang and slice into uniform rectangular bars using a sharp knife.

Notes

• Prevent Jam Seepage: Ensure jam layer is evenly spread with a thin, consistent coating to avoid excessive leaking during baking.
• Achieve Perfect Crumb Texture: Mix dry ingredients until they resemble coarse sand, avoiding overmixing which can make the base tough and dense.
• Control Baking Temperature: Bake at moderate heat (around 350°F) to allow even golden browning without burning the delicate crumb topping.
• Cooling is Crucial: Let bars cool completely before cutting to allow layers to set and prevent crumbling, enhancing overall structural integrity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 232
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 28 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg