Ina Garten’s Raspberry Bars are a delightful combination of a buttery shortbread crust, sweet raspberry jam, and a crumbly topping. These bars are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a simple dessert. With their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and fruity filling, they are easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

What Are Ina Garten Raspberry Bars?

Ina Garten’s Raspberry Bars consist of a crisp, buttery shortbread base, a layer of raspberry jam, and a crumbly topping. The balance of tart raspberries and sweet, buttery crumbs makes them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Raspberry Bars

Simple yet delicious – Made with basic pantry ingredients.
Perfectly balanced flavor – Buttery crust with a sweet and slightly tart raspberry filling.
Easy to make ahead – Great for meal prep or entertaining.
Customizable – Can be made with different fruit preserves.
Ideal for any occasion – Great for brunch, tea time, or dessert.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Raspberry Bars

For the Shortbread Crust and Topping:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Raspberry Filling:

1 cup raspberry preserves (good quality)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Raspberry Bars

Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the crust – In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press into the pan – Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for the topping. Press the remaining dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Bake the crust – Bake for 15-18 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
Make the raspberry filling – In a bowl, mix raspberry preserves with lemon zest and juice. Spread evenly over the baked crust.
Add the crumb topping – Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the raspberry filling.
Bake the bars – Return to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
Cool and slice – Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Raspberry Bars

Serve with vanilla ice cream – The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the tart raspberry filling.
Pair with whipped cream – A light and fluffy topping enhances the bars.
Enjoy with coffee or tea – Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Drizzle with white chocolate – Adds an extra layer of sweetness.
Top with fresh raspberries – Enhances the fruity flavor.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Raspberry Bars

Use high-quality raspberry preserves – Ensures the best flavor.
Let the bars cool completely – Makes slicing easier and cleaner.
Chill for firmer bars – Refrigerate before slicing for a neater presentation.
Use fresh lemon juice – Adds brightness to the raspberry filling.
Don’t overbake – The bars should be lightly golden but not too dark.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Raspberry Bars

Use different preserves – Try strawberry, apricot, or blueberry jam.
Make them nutty – Add chopped almonds or pecans to the crumb topping.
Add a streusel layer – Mix oats and brown sugar into the topping for extra texture.
Make it gluten-free – Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Dust with powdered sugar – A simple yet elegant finishing touch.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Raspberry Bars

Store at room temperature – Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for longer storage – Lasts up to 5 days when chilled.
Freeze for up to 2 months – Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.
Thaw before serving – Let frozen bars thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Raspberry Bars

Serve at room temperature – These bars taste best when slightly cool.
Warm in the oven – Reheat at 300°F for 5 minutes for a freshly baked feel.
Microwave individual pieces – Heat for 10-15 seconds to slightly soften.

FAQs

Why did my raspberry bars turn out too crumbly?

Raspberry bars can be crumbly if the shortbread crust is not pressed firmly enough into the pan before baking. To ensure a solid base, use the bottom of a measuring cup to press down the dough evenly. Also, allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting helps them hold their shape.

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of raspberry preserves?

Yes, fresh raspberries can be used instead of preserves. Simply cook 2 cups of raspberries with ¼ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch over medium heat until thickened, then let it cool before spreading over the crust.

How do I cut raspberry bars cleanly without crumbling?

To get clean slices, let the bars cool completely and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife, and wipe it clean between cuts for the best results.

Can I make Ina Garten raspberry bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Raspberry Bars are a simple, buttery, and fruit-filled dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crisp shortbread base, tart raspberry filling, and crumbly topping, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a classic homemade treat!