Imagine a dessert that combines the rich buttery taste of shortbread with the tart sweetness of raspberry jam. These Raspberry Jam Bars are just that - a heavenly combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy your sweet tooth. They're easy to make and perfect for sharing, whether it's at a family gathering, a picnic, or just a simple treat at home.
Most of the ingredients for these Raspberry Jam Bars are pantry staples such as flour, oats, sugar, and butter. However, one ingredient that might not commonly be found in your home is unsweetened coconut flakes. You can usually find this in the baking aisle of your local supermarket, along with the raspberry jam. Depending on your preference, you could opt for seedless or seeded jam.
Ingredients for Raspberry Jam Bars
Pecans: Pecans add a delightful crunch and rich, buttery flavor.
All purpose flour: The base for our bars, provides structure.
Unsweetened coconut flakes: Adds a subtle coconut flavor and extra texture.
Old fashioned rolled oats: Oats contribute to the hearty texture of these bars.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the bars rise.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars.
Light brown sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
Raspberry jam: Provides the tart, fruity filling.
One reader, Arel Elder says:
These raspberry jam bars are a delightful treat! The combination of pecans, coconut, and raspberry jam creates a perfect balance of flavors. The texture is just right, and the bars are not overly sweet. I love how easy they are to make, and they're always a hit with my family and friends. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Raspberry Jam Bars
How to prepare the baking dish: Line an 8-inch square baking dish with heavy-duty aluminum foil, allowing it to overlap the sides, and then spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
How to blend the dry ingredients: In a food processor, combine the pecans, flour, coconut, oats, salt, and baking powder until the mixture has a fine, sand-like texture.
How to mix the dough: Beat the butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and creamy. Then, add the egg and beat until well combined.
How to assemble the bars: Spread ⅔ of the dough on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then spread the raspberry jam over the dough, leaving a ¼-inch space between the jam and the sides of the baking dish. Finally, scatter the remaining dough over the jam.
How to bake the bars: Bake for about 35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown.
How to cool and cut the bars: Let the bars cool in the baking dish for about 15 minutes, then lift them out of the pan using the foil overhang. Allow them to sit until completely cool, then cut into 16 bars.
How To Make Raspberry Jam Bars
Like little bites of heaven, these raspberry jam bars are a delightful mix of tart and sweet. It has a gooey and rich center that you won’t get enough of.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cuppecans
- 1cupall purpose flour
- ½cupunsweetened coconut flakes
- ¼cupold fashioned rolled oats
- ¼tspsalt,heaping
- ¼tspbaking powder
- 1stickunsalted butter,softened
- ½cupgranulated sugar
- ¼cuplight brown sugar,packed
- 1large egg
- ½cupraspberry jam
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with heavy-duty aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
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In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade, place the pecans, flour, coconut, oats, salt, and baking powder. Blend until the mixture has a fine, sand-like texture. Set aside.
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In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar on medium speed for a few minutes, until light and creamy. Add the egg and beat until well combined.
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Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat on low speed until just combined. The dough will be sticky. Place ⅔ of the dough on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, using an offset spatula to spread it into an even layer.
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Spread the jam over the surface of the dough, leaving ¼-inch space between the jam and the sides of the baking dish. Pinch off 1-inch clumps of the remaining dough and scatter evenly over top of the jam.
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Bake for about 35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown.
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Let the jam bars cool in the baking dish on a rack for about 15 minutes. Using the foil overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and onto the countertop.
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Pull the foil away from the sides to prevent sticking, and then let sit for a few hours, until completely cool.
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Cut into 16 bars, serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- These can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let the cool completely and store in an airtight container separating layers with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Before serving, remove the bars from the container and let them come to room temperature.
- Cover the bars with foil and store at room temperature for up to two days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 187.72kcal
- Fat: 10.14g
- Saturated Fat: 5.46g
- Trans Fat: 0.23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.97g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.02g
- Carbohydrates: 23.27g
- Fiber: 1.17g
- Sugar: 13.66g
- Protein: 1.94g
- Cholesterol: 26.81mg
- Sodium: 52.30mg
- Calcium: 17.32mg
- Potassium: 56.80mg
- Iron: 0.72mg
- Vitamin A: 53.40µg
- Vitamin C: 0.95mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Raspberry Jam Bars
When spreading the raspberry jam over the dough, it's important to leave a small border around the edges. This prevents the jam from sticking to the foil and making the bars difficult to remove. Also, when scattering the remaining dough over the jam, don't worry about covering every inch. Some jam peeking through will give your bars a beautiful, rustic look.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Make the dough and toast the pecans and coconut in advance to save time on the day of baking.
Use store-bought jam: Opt for a quality store-bought raspberry jam to save time instead of making the jam from scratch.
Chill the dough: After preparing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and work with.
Double the batch: Consider making a double batch and freezing half for later to save time on future baking days.
Sharp knife: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars easily and neatly without the dough sticking to the blade.
Pre-cut parchment: Line the baking dish with pre-cut parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Raspberry Jam Bars Recipe
pecans - Substitute with almonds: Almonds can provide a similar nutty flavor and crunch to the bars, while also adding a slightly different taste profile.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier alternative, adding a nuttier flavor and more fiber to the bars.
unsweetened coconut flakes - Substitute with chopped macadamia nuts: Chopped macadamia nuts can offer a rich, buttery flavor and a satisfying crunch, complementing the other ingredients in the bars.
old fashioned rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes can provide a similar texture and nutty flavor, while also adding a boost of protein and nutrients to the bars.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative, adding a hint of coconut flavor to the bars.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness while also providing a unique flavor and moisture to the bars.
light brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can offer a rich, caramel-like sweetness and depth of flavor to the bars.
raspberry jam - Substitute with strawberry preserves: Strawberry preserves can be used as an alternative fruit filling, providing a similar sweet and tangy flavor to the bars.
Creative Ways to Serve Raspberry Jam Bars
Elevate the raspberry jam bars: Place the raspberry jam bars on a rectangular plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded.
Garnish with fresh raspberries: Carefully place a few fresh raspberries on top of each bar, adding a pop of color and a burst of freshness to the presentation.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the entire plate with a fine layer of powdered sugar using a small sieve, creating an elegant and delicate finishing touch.
Drizzle with raspberry coulis: Using a small squeeze bottle, create a beautiful drizzle of raspberry coulis on the plate, adding a touch of sophistication and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Accompany with vanilla bean ice cream: Serve the raspberry jam bars alongside a quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream, adding a creamy and luxurious element to the dish.
Sprinkle with edible flowers: Add a touch of whimsy and elegance by sprinkling the plate with colorful and edible flowers, enhancing the visual appeal of the dessert.
Use a decorative plating sauce: Create a decorative design on the plate using a plating sauce, such as a raspberry or chocolate sauce, adding artistic flair to the presentation.
Incorporate a tempered chocolate garnish: Place a delicate piece of tempered chocolate on top of each bar, adding a luxurious and professional touch to the dessert.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Jam Bars
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, grinding, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It's great for making nut crusts, pastry dough, and blending dry ingredients for baking.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool used for combining ingredients, whisking, and stirring. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic, and is perfect for mixing the dry ingredients for the raspberry jam bars.
8-inch square baking dish: An 8-inch square baking dish is a sturdy and heat-resistant container used for baking and cooking. It's the perfect size for creating the raspberry jam bars and ensures even baking.
Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil is a thin, pliable sheet of metal that is used in cooking and baking to line pans, wrap food for storage, and cover dishes to prevent burning. In this recipe, it's used to line the baking dish for easy removal of the bars.
Nonstick cooking spray: Nonstick cooking spray is a convenient tool for greasing baking pans and dishes to prevent food from sticking. It ensures easy release of the raspberry jam bars from the baking dish.
Electric mixer: An electric mixer is a kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients. It's essential for creaming the butter and sugars, as well as combining the dough for the raspberry jam bars.
Offset spatula: An offset spatula is a versatile kitchen tool with a long, narrow blade that is angled. It's perfect for spreading and smoothing batters and dough in baking, such as spreading the dough for the raspberry jam bars.
Heavy-duty aluminum foil: Heavy-duty aluminum foil is a thicker and stronger version of regular aluminum foil. It's ideal for lining baking pans, covering dishes for roasting, and wrapping foods for storage or grilling.
Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen utensil used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients. It's great for combining dry ingredients and ensuring they are evenly mixed for the raspberry jam bars.
Cooling rack: A cooling rack is a metal or wire rack used to cool baked goods and allow air to circulate around them. It helps prevent the raspberry jam bars from becoming soggy as they cool.
Storing and Freezing Tips for Raspberry Jam Bars
Once the raspberry jam bars have cooled completely, cut them into individual servings and place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw, remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour, or until they reach your preferred texture. Alternatively, you can microwave individual bars for 15-20 seconds to warm them up slightly.
If you prefer a crispier texture after freezing and thawing, you can reheat the bars in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges.
To maintain optimal flavor and texture, it's best to store the raspberry jam bars in an airtight container, as exposure to air can cause them to dry out or absorb unwanted odors from other foods.
How To Reheat Leftover Raspberry Jam Bars
Here are the best methods for reheating leftover raspberry jam bars:
- To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from browning too much. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. The foil helps trap moisture so the bars don't dry out.
- For a quick reheat, the microwave also works well. Place an individual bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high power in 10-second intervals until warm. Be careful not to overheat or the jam filling may become very hot.
- Another tasty option is to reheat bars in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Place the bars top-side down first to re-crisp the streusel topping, then flip and heat the bottom until warm. This method gives the bars a nice texture contrast between the gooey raspberry interior and crispy exterior.
- If you have an air fryer, try reheating the bars at 320°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and the top is re-crisped. This is a great option that is faster than the oven but still gives excellent results.
Interesting Trivia About Raspberry Jam Bars
The Raspberry Jam Bars recipe is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of raspberry jam with the nutty crunch of pecans and coconut. These bars are perfect for a quick snack or a sweet dessert. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, making them a convenient option for a busy week. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures in these delightful bars!
Is Making Raspberry Jam Bars at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this raspberry jam bars recipe is quite favorable for a household. The ingredients are fairly common and can be found at reasonable prices. The use of pecans, flour, coconut flakes, and raspberry jam provides a good balance of cost and quality. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it an affordable treat. In terms of the overall verdict, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for its simplicity, delicious flavor, and cost-effectiveness.
Are Raspberry Jam Bars Healthy or Unhealthy?
The raspberry jam bars recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The recipe uses a significant amount of butter and sugar, which are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
- All-purpose flour is used, which is a refined carbohydrate that lacks fiber and essential nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
- The recipe contains a considerable amount of jam, which is typically high in sugar and may overshadow the nutritional benefits of the raspberries themselves.
However, the inclusion of pecans, coconut flakes, and oats does provide some redeeming qualities, as these ingredients offer healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients.
To make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe, or opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Use a sugar-free or low-sugar raspberry jam to minimize the added sugar content
- Increase the amount of oats and nuts in the recipe to boost the fiber, protein, and healthy fat content
- Experiment with using coconut oil or Greek yogurt in place of some of the butter to reduce the saturated fat content
By making these adjustments, you can transform the raspberry jam bars into a more balanced and nutritious treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth.
Editor's Opinion on These Delightful Jam Bars
The combination of pecans, coconut, and raspberry jam in these bars creates a delightful balance of nuttiness and fruity sweetness. The texture of the crust is perfectly crumbly, and the jam layer adds a burst of vibrant flavor. The recipe is well-structured and easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. These raspberry jam bars are a delightful treat that will surely impress your guests and leave them craving for more.
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Why trust this Raspberry Jam Bars Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. The pecans and coconut flakes provide a satisfying crunch, while the raspberry jam adds a burst of fruity sweetness. With the perfect balance of butter and sugar, these bars are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The use of old fashioned rolled oats adds a wholesome touch, making this recipe a delightful choice for a snack or dessert. Trust in the harmonious blend of ingredients to create a memorable and delicious treat.
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