Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that hits all the sweet spots with minimal fuss, you have to try these Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars. They effortlessly combine buttery shortbread with tart raspberry jam in a way that feels both nostalgic and wonderfully fresh. Imagine a tender, crumbly base, bursting with vibrant berry flavor, topped with a golden, slightly crunchy crumble that invites you to take bite after bite without regret. These bars are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of texture and taste, from the rich butter that creates a tender dough to the bright raspberry jam that provides a luscious burst of flavor.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the shortbread base.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, giving the bars their signature buttery taste; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to a slight crispness when baked.
• Raspberry jam: Brings a delicious tartness and natural berry sweetness that perfectly complements the buttery crust.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and intensifying the taste.

How to Make Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides—this little trick makes it so much easier to lift the bars out once they’re baked and cooled.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour. Mix everything just until it forms a crumbly dough. Don’t worry if it looks a bit sandy; that’s exactly the right texture for these bars.

Step 3: Press the Dough

Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This creates a solid base that will hold the raspberry jam and the crumble topping beautifully, so pack it in tightly.

Step 4: Add Raspberries

Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the pressed dough layer. Don’t be shy here—use a full cup to ensure every bite gets a lovely burst of fruity flavor that contrasts perfectly with the buttery shortbread.

Step 5: Crumble the Remaining Dough

Crumble the rest of the dough evenly over the jam layer. This invites a delightful textural contrast—soft, sweet jam underneath delicate, golden crumbs. Aim for even coverage so every square has a crunchy topping.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. The smell filling your kitchen at this point is pure temptation!

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then use the parchment overhang to lift the entire block onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing into bars, so the raspberry jam sets perfectly without creating a sticky mess.

How to Serve Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars

Garnishes

These bars are a jewel on their own, but adding a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance and a subtle sweetness that enhances the raspberry flavor beautifully. Fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint on the side add a pop of color and a fresh aroma.

Side Dishes

Pairing Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars with a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream creates an irresistible dessert experience. A cup of aromatic tea or a glass of chilled milk balances the rich butteriness in the bars perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve the bars on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh berries and edible flowers. You can cut the bars into bite-sized squares for a party platter or layer them with yogurt and berries in a glass for an elegant dessert parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain their tender texture and fresh flavor, so they’re still delicious when you reach for one later.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

To bring back their just-baked warmth, pop the bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes, or microwave for 15 seconds. This warms the raspberry jam and revives the buttery crumble without making them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?

Fresh raspberries are lovely but won’t hold together as well as jam in this recipe. If you want to use fresh fruit, consider cooking it down with a bit of sugar to make a quick compote for better consistency.

What type of butter is best for these bars?

Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the salt level precisely. Using salted butter may alter the flavor balance, but if it’s all you have on hand, just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.

Are these bars gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, you can try a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture.

How do I get the crumb topping to stay crunchy?

Pressing the dough firmly on the bottom and distributing the crumble evenly on top ensures even baking. Avoid letting the jam pool too thickly, and bake until the top is a nice golden color for the perfect crunch.

Can I substitute the raspberry jam for another flavor?

Absolutely! Strawberry, apricot, or even blackberry jam would all work wonderfully. Just choose a jam you love, and keep the quantity the same for consistent texture and sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars are one of those delightful surprises that prove how something simple can taste incredibly special. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a dessert that’s buttery, fruity, and irresistibly crumbly. I encourage you to bake a batch soon—whether for a quick treat or a charming addition to your next gathering, these bars will quickly become a beloved favorite.

Print