Introduction
Raspberry Jam Bars are a delightful treat that combines a buttery, crumbly crust with a sweet and tangy raspberry filling. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a dessert, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that will have you enjoying homemade treats in no time.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup raspberry jam
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25-30 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Yield
12-16 bars
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2–3 minutes.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed or by hand until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together when squeezed.
4. Assemble the Base Layer: Press about two-thirds of the crumbly dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
5. Add the Jam Layer: Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crust, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edges to prevent the jam from bubbling over during baking.
6. Top with Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining one-third of the dough over the jam layer. It’s okay if the jam isn’t completely covered; the crumble topping adds texture.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the jam is bubbly and the crumble topping is golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and enjoy!
Optional Additions
– Oats: For added texture, use 1½ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of rolled oats instead of the 2 cups of flour.
– Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle about ½ cup of chocolate chips over the jam layer before adding the crumble topping for a chocolatey twist.
Storage Tips
– Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
– Refrigeration: Keep them refrigerated for up to 1 week.
– Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Raspberry Jam Bars!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2–3 minutes.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed or by hand until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together when squeezed.
4. Assemble the Base Layer
Press about two-thirds of the crumbly dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
5. Add the Jam Layer
Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crust, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edges to prevent the jam from bubbling over during baking.
6. Top with Remaining Dough
Crumble the remaining one-third of the dough over the jam layer. It’s okay if the jam isn’t completely covered; the crumble topping adds texture.
7. Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the jam is bubbly and the crumble topping is golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and enjoy!
Notes
Optional Additions
For added texture, you can use 1½ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of rolled oats instead of the 2 cups of flour. For a chocolatey twist, sprinkle about ½ cup of chocolate chips over the jam layer before adding the crumble topping.
Storage Tips
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can be kept refrigerated for up to 1 week. For longer storage, place the cooled bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Cook Techniques
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy to introduce air into the mixture, creating a tender texture in the bars.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Combine flour and salt with the butter-sugar mixture by mixing on low speed or by hand to prevent overworking the dough, which can lead to tough bars.
Pressing Dough Into Pan
Evenly press about two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking pan to form a solid base that will hold up under the weight of the jam.
Layering
Spread the raspberry jam over the crust, leaving a small border to prevent overflow during baking. This helps keep the presentation neat.
Crumbling Topping
Crumble the remaining dough over the jam layer for added texture. An uneven layer allows the jam to show through, enhancing the visual appeal.
Baking
Bake until the jam is bubbly and the crumble is golden brown. This ensures even cooking and maximizes the flavors of the ingredients.
Cooling
Let bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to allow the layers to set, making them easier to slice without falling apart.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of jam?
Yes, you can substitute raspberry jam with other fruit jams or preserves like strawberry, blackberry, or apricot for different flavors.
How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the jam is bubbly and the crumble topping is golden brown. A slight jiggle in the center is normal.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, replace the unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a plant-based substitute for granulated sugar if needed.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water or milk, mixing until it holds together better without becoming sticky.
How do I store leftover Raspberry Jam Bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
These Raspberry Jam Bars are a delightful blend of buttery crust and sweet fruit filling, perfect for a snack or dessert. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, they are easy to make and sure to impress family and friends. The addition of optional ingredients like oats and chocolate chips can elevate the experience, making each batch unique.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Blueberry Lemon Bars
Swap out the raspberry jam for blueberry jam and add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a refreshing twist.
Pecan Pie Bars
Incorporate chopped pecans into the crumble topping for a nutty flavor, complementing the sweetness of the jam.
Peach Oatmeal Bars
Use peach preserves instead of raspberry jam and replace half of the flour with rolled oats for a wholesome variation.
Coconut Lime Bars
Mix shredded coconut into the crust and use lime curd instead of jam for a tropical treat.
Chocolate Raspberry Crumble
Add cocoa powder to the crumble topping and sprinkle a few chocolate chips on the jam layer for a rich chocolate and raspberry combination.
