Raspberry Bars Recipe

I recently made Raspberry Oatmeal Bars using a luscious butter crust, a tangy spread of raspberry jam, and an irresistible topping of old-fashioned rolled oats mixed with light brown sugar. I found the blend of rich flavors and textures incredibly delightful and perfect for any simple dessert craving.

I’ve been experimenting with new treats and when I came across these Raspberry Bars my mind was instantly blown away. I mixed together 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt to make a firm base.

After baking that, I layered a generous 1 cup of raspberry jam over it which gave a wild burst of flavor reminiscent of some Smuckers Jam memories. For the topping I combined 1/2 cup unsalted butter with 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar plus a pinch of salt.

It all came together like a dream and reminded me of the best Raspberry Oatmeal Bars and even a few of those fun Raspberry Crumb Bars I used to enjoy. Trust me, these easy dessert bars are full of surprises and I cant wait for you to try them too.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe cuz it always reminds me of good times in the kitchen. First, the buttery crust mixed with the tangy raspberry jam just blows my mind everytime I make it. Second, I like how the oatmeal topping adds a crunchy texture that makes each bite interesting and not too sweet. Lastly, its really simple to whip up so even on busy days I feel like I can manage a homemade treat without too much fuss.

Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter is rich in fat, addin moisture and flavor to both the crust and topping.
• Granulated Sugar brings sweetness and structure.

  It melts to create a tender, inviting base.

• Raspberry Jam delivers vibrant fruit flavor and a slight tartness that really brightens the dessert.
• Rolled Oats add texture and fiber with a nutty taste, they help balance out the sweet flavors.
• Egg acts as a binder delivering protein and moisture that help the crust hold together.
• Light Brown Sugar offers moist, caramel notes that deepen the topping’s rich flavor perfectly.
• All-purpose Flour provides structure and carbohydrates, ensuring both the crust and topping are well balanced.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for the crust)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the crust)
• 1 large egg (for the crust)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for the crust)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for the crust)
• 1 cup raspberry jam
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for the oatmeal topping)
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (for the topping)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for the topping)
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for the topping)
• Pinch of salt (for the topping)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan.

2. For the crust, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a bowl until smooth.

3. Add in 1 large egg and mix again, then stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt until a soft dough forms.

4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.

5. Spread 1 cup of raspberry jam over the crust layer evenly.

6. Next, to make the oatmeal topping, blend 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, and a pinch of salt in another bowl until crumbly.

7. Sprinkle the oatmeal mixture evenly over the raspberry jam.

8. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned.

9. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely before cutting.

10. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy your delicious Raspberry Oatmeal Bars!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven
2. Baking pan (greased)
3. Two mixing bowls – one for the crust and one for the topping
4. Electric mixer or whisk
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Spatula
7. Cooling rack
8. Knife for cutting the bars into squares

FAQ

Raspberry Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have unsalted butter for the crust, you can use salted butter – just reduce the extra salt in the recipe
• You can swap the granulated sugar with an equal amount of light brown sugar for a richer flavor in the crust
• If raspberry jam isnt on hand, try raspberry preserves or even a blended mixed berry jam – it gives a similar tangy taste
• You can use quick oats instead of old fashioned rolled oats if you’re in a pinch, though the texture might be a bit different
• If you dont have all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour works as a substitute, but expect a slightly nuttier flavor and denser crumb

Pro Tips

1. Try chillin the crust dough in the fridge for like 20 minutes before you press it into the pan so it holds together better and doesn’t get too sticky when you work with it.

2. Make sure your jam is spread evenly and smooth; if it seems extra watery, you might wanna simmer it a little bit beforehand to avoid it seeping into the crust too much.

3. When you sprinkle the oatmeal topping, gently press it down with the back of a spoon so it bakes evenly and gets that nice crunchy texture on top.

4. Keep an eye on the baking time because ovens vary a lot; if the topping starts lookin too brown, you can lower the temperature or take it out a bit early so you don’t end up with a burnt finish.