If you’ve ever wished for a show-stopping treat with very little fuss, these Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars are about to become your new best friend. Bright, jammy raspberries are sandwiched between layers of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread, all with just five easily-found kitchen staples! The simplicity here isn’t just for convenience—the delicate shortbread and tangy raspberry combination allow each flavor to truly shine. Whether you’re baking for a gathering, treating yourself, or whipping up a lunchbox surprise, these bars guarantee big smiles and zero leftovers.

Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s no wonder the ingredient list for these Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars is short and sweet—every single item plays a key role. Each brings a unique layer to the final result, balancing flavor, texture, and just the right amount of sweetness. Gather these pantry heroes and let’s transform them into something delightful!

All-purpose flour: The foundation for that classic crumbly shortbread texture we all love.
Unsalted butter: Softened for easy mixing, it ensures your bars are rich, tender, and perfectly melt in your mouth.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness, while helping to bind the dough together.
Raspberry jam: The star of the show; its fruity tang brings color, brightness, and a lovely jammy center.
Salt: Just a pinch intensifies all the other flavors and keeps the bars from being too sweet.

How to Make Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides—this little trick makes it so much easier to lift the bars out after baking.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter, sugar, flour, and salt. Mix them together with a sturdy spatula or even clean hands until you get a crumbly dough. Don’t overwork it; those little crumbles make for lovely texture later on!

Step 3: Press the Dough

Scoop about two-thirds of your dough into the bottom of your prepared pan. Press it down evenly and firmly with your fingers or the back of a spoon, making sure the base is well-packed so it holds together after baking.

Step 4: Add Raspberries

Spread the raspberry jam generously over the pressed dough. Take your time here—a nice, even layer will give every bite that sweet-tart raspberry punch. Aim all the way to the corners for pretty layers once sliced.

Step 5: Crumble the Remaining Dough

Take the last third of the dough and crumble it evenly over the raspberry layer. It doesn’t need to be perfect—those little golden pebbles on top turn irresistibly crispy and buttery in the oven.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Slide your pan onto the center rack of the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the aroma is filling your kitchen. The hardest part? Waiting patiently as they bake!

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then lift the bars out using the parchment paper and allow them to cool fully on a wire rack. For the cleanest slices, make sure they’re completely cool before cutting into twelve generous pieces.

How to Serve Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars

Garnishes

Try dusting your Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars with a bit of powdered sugar for an elegant, bakery-style finish. Fresh mint leaves or a few whole fresh raspberries scattered on top also add a gorgeous pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Side Dishes

Serve these raspberry bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert duo. For a lighter option, a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt balances the sweetness and adds some creamy contrast. Pairing with fresh berries or a fruit salad will brighten your dessert spread even more.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, cut your Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars into bite-sized pieces and pile them high on a pretty tiered tray. Stack them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon as edible gifts, or plate them in a rustic basket lined with a bright tea towel for a picnic or brunch treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your bars have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Layer with parchment paper to keep the tops crisp and the bars easy to grab on the go. They’re just as delicious the next day—maybe even more so as the flavors mingle!

Freezing

Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature—no special tricks required!

Reheating

If you like your bars slightly warm (maybe for serving with cold ice cream), pop them in a low oven (about 300°F) for five minutes. This revives that bakery-fresh aroma and softens the shortbread just enough, without melting the jam.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of jam?

Absolutely! While raspberry brings that wonderful tartness, feel free to try apricot, strawberry, or blackberry. Just be sure to choose a thick, high-quality jam for best results.

Can I use salted butter instead?

You can! If you do, simply omit the added salt in the ingredient list to avoid over-salting. The flavor will be just as delicious with a slight savory note.

What should I do if my dough is too dry?

If your dough doesn’t hold together when pinched, try adding a teaspoon of water at a time until it becomes crumbly but cohesive. Flour can vary a bit, so adjust as needed!

Can I double the recipe?

Go ahead! Just prepare the bars in a 9×13-inch pan and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Check for golden brown topping as your cue to pull them from the oven.

How do I get clean slices?

Let the bars cool completely before cutting, and use a long, sharp knife (wiping clean between cuts). For truly crisp edges, pop the bars in the fridge for 20 minutes before slicing.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain magic in sharing something homemade, especially when it’s as simple and irresistible as Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars. With minimal effort and maximum payoff, these bars promise to bring a little extra joy to any table. Give them a try soon—your sweet tooth will thank you!

Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 9 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Five Ingredient Raspberry Shortbread Bars are a delightful treat with a buttery, crumbly base, sweet raspberry jam filling, and a golden crumb topping. Simple to make and perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Detailed Ingredients with measures

All-purpose flour – 1 ½ cups
Unsalted butter – ½ cup, softened
Granulated sugar – ½ cup
Raspberry jam – 1 cup
Salt – ¼ teaspoon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make the Dough In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, and flour. Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly dough.
Step 3: Press the Dough Take about two-thirds of the dough mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Ensure it’s packed tightly.
Step 4: Add Raspberries Spread the raspberry preserves evenly over the pressed dough, making sure to cover it generously.
Step 5: Crumble the Remaining Dough Take the remaining one-third of the dough mixture and crumble it over the raspberry layer. Try to evenly distribute the crumbles for a balanced topping.
Step 6: Bake the Bars Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Cut Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift it out using the parchment paper and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, cut into bars.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American