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Raspberry Bars

These are the most scrumptious Raspberry Bars! They are the game changer you’re looking for!

 

Main image for Raspberry Bars

 

Buttery shortbread crust. Layered with sweet raspberry jam. 

And all topped off with a delicious crumble. 

It’s perfectly golden brown and a favorite for Mother’s day or any casual family gathering!

Raspberry Crumble Bars are super easy to make. Even if it’s your first time baking!

The combination of sweet raspberry jam and the buttery base? Oh my goodness it is to die for!

You can make it ahead of time. Which is perfect for busy days!

And you can switch up the jam or oats. So it’s totally new every time!

Some of our other favorite oat bars are Revel Bar, Lemon Crumb Bars, Leftover Cranberry Sauce Bars and Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Raspberry oatmeal bars is a wonderful dessert that’s sure to be a huge hit!

 

 

flour, rolled oats, brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl

 

What Ingredients Are in Raspberry Bars?

This great recipe is made from simple ingredients:

  • All-purpose flour: Makes the crust and topping perfectly crumbly.
  • Old-fashioned rolled oats: Quick oats won’t have the same texture.
  • Brown sugar: For that deep, caramel sweetness!
  • Ground cinnamon: A teensy bit is all you need.
  • Cold butter: Makes the base and crumble topping deliciously buttery.
  • Seedless raspberry jam: A nice sweet and tangy filling.

Pro tips: 

  • Cut the butter into small pieces before you start. It’s easier to combine with the dry ingredients.
  • Make sure your jam is at room temperature for easy spreading.

 

flour mixture blended with cubed butter added.

 

How to Make Raspberry Bars

Easy raspberry bars are simpler than you think! Here’s a rundown:

  1. Mix dry ingredients together.
  2. Work in the butter until you’ve got coarse crumbs.
  3. Press most of the crumb mixture into your pan for the bottom layer.
  4. Spread the raspberry filling.
  5. Put remaining crumb mixture on top of the jam and bake until golden brown.

Pro tip: 

  • Use a food processor for mixing the crumb mixture ingredients if you have one.
  • Line bottom of the pan with parchment paper to get the bars out easier.
  • Let it cool before cutting into squares! Otherwise it won’t turn out well.

 

A pastry blender mixing butter into flour and oats

 

Do Raspberry Bars Need to Be Refrigerated?

No, raspberry crumb bars do not need to be refrigerated. 

They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. 

If you prefer them a bit firmer or live in a very warm climate, popping them in the fridge isn’t a bad idea.

 

flour and butter mixture mixed together until pea sized pieces

 

Can You Make Raspberry Bars Ahead of Time?

Absolutely, you can make raspberry bars ahead of time!

They’re a fantastic dessert to prepare in advance.

They hold up really well when stored in an airtight container. 

So make them a day before your event, and they’ll taste just as fresh! Yum!

 

Cookie crust pressed into a 9 inch square pan.

 

Can I Use Fresh Raspberries in Raspberry Bars?

Yes, you can use fresh raspberries in your raspberry bar recipe! 

And get ready for a burst of fresh fruit flavor if you do!

But you might want to add a bit of thickener, like cornstarch mixed with the fresh berries.

Otherwise the bars might become too juicy and soggy.

 

Raspberry jam spread along the bottom of uncooked crust

 

Can I Use a Different Jam in This Recipe?

Feel free to use any jam you want in crumble bars! 

Raspberry jam is a classic. But it isn’t your only option! 

Different jam flavors like strawberry, apricot, or blackberry would be great.

Just choose your favorite!

 

reserved crust sprinkled on top of raspberry jam

 

Can I Use Other Types of Oats in This Recipe?

You can use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats if that’s what you have on hand. 

The texture might be slightly different. But they’ll still be delicious! 

Just avoid using instant oats, as they can become too mushy.

So stick with quick or old fashioned.

How to Store Raspberry Bars

Storing raspberry bars is super easy.

Once they have cooled to room temperature, place them in an airtight container. 

You can layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking if you want.

Keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness. 

If it’s really warm, you can store them in the fridge.

 

Baked raspberry bars in pan, fresh from the oven.

 

Can You Freeze Raspberry Bars?

Raspberry bars freeze great! 

Again, wait for them to completely cool. 

Then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. 

They can be frozen for up to 3 months. 

When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature.

You can also thaw them overnight in the fridge.

 

Sliced raspberry bars laid out on counter

 

Are Raspberry Bars Healthy?

These old world raspberry bars are a treat!

So like all good things, they should be enjoyed in moderation. 

They do have some wholesome ingredients like oats and raspberries.

But they also have sugar and butter.

I say go for it though! As a long as it’s moderation, you should get to eat your treats!

 

image of raspberry bars on counter with a few raspberries

 

What to Serve with Raspberry Bars?

This perfect dessert is delicious all on their own. Really they are!

But for an extra special dessert, you’ve got some options! 

A scoop of raspberry ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream are my favorite options. 

You could also drizzle them with a little bit of chocolate sauce or sprinkle some powdered sugar on top.

And if you want a whole dessert table, here are some easy desserts:

Next time you’re in the mood for an easy to make dessert for any special occasion, give these Raspberry Bars a try! They might just become one of your favorite recipes!

 

Yield: 12 Servings

Raspberry Bars

Raspberry Bars
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup cold butter cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup seedless raspberry jam, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325* F
  2. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line with nonstick foil or parchment paper.
  3. Combine flour, rolled oats, and brown sugar in a food processor and pulse 2 or 3 times until blended. (if you do not have a food processor, use a hand pastry blender or a fork)
  4. Add the butter and pulse 8-10 times until the mixture forms large, coarse crumbs the size of small peas. (Or use your hand pastry blender or work butter into mixture with a fork.)
  5. Remove 1 cup of the crumb mixture and set aside.
  6. Press remaining crumb mixture into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of the prepared pan.
  7. Drop teaspoons of the jam evenly over the crust, then spread it gently with the back of the spoon to cover the crust.
  8. Sprinkle reserved crumbs evenly over the jam layer.
  9. Bake 50 minutes or until top is a golden.
  10. Transfer to a rack and let cool until firm, about 2 hours (or chill until firm).
  11. Using a sharp knife, cut into 25 small squares.
  12. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 373Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 135mgCarbohydrates: 54gFiber: 2gSugar: 28gProtein: 4g
Originally Posted: March 18, 2014

Photos & Text Updated: March 18, 2024

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Lucy

Sunday 23rd of March 2014

These raspberry bars look fantastic!! I love raspberry. Yumm!

Janelle

Monday 24th of March 2014

Thanks Lucy! These taste as good as they look!

Diane Roark

Friday 21st of March 2014

Your Raspberry bars sound so yummy! Thank you so much for linking up this cake at Saturday Dishes blog hop. I pinned it. Blessings, Diane Roark recipesforourdailybread com

Janelle

Monday 24th of March 2014

Thanks Diane! They are super tasty and the raspberry can switched out for any flavor!

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