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Raspberry Bars

A slightly chewy buttery, and brown sugar oatmeal crumble with a sweet raspberry layer makes for the yummiest Raspberry Bars. There is nothing like this recipe that is so simple for you to bake and serve any time of the year.

There is no doubt these are bakery-style bars just like you would see on the menu at your favorite coffee shop or local bakery. They are thick, buttery, sweet, and absolutely loaded with wonderful raspberry flavor.

Enjoy these cozy bars cooled or even as a heavenly raspberry oat crisp! That is right-- you can even use this recipe for a warm after dinner treat. Otherwise allow them to cool completely, cut and serve for a delicious bar with your coffee.

A glass 9x13-inch baking dish filled with a layer of oatmeal crumble, then a red raspberry layer and lastly it is topped with another layer of oatmeal crumble. The bars have been cut into slices and and bar is removed.

While everyone expects this Raspberry Bar recipe to call for fresh or frozen raspberries, we say otherwise. The hubs has been a huge fan of thick raspberry bars for years. It is his favorite sweet treat from the coffee shop, and we have tried so many times in the past to replicate the recipe. Our mistake was using fresh or frozen raspberries. Finally we stumbled onto the secret ingredient-- raspberry preserves. And do these bars now have the bakery wow factory. Plus the entire family can safely enjoy these bars at home without the steep coffee shop price tag.

We have found these gluten free, dairy free, and soy free bars are the perfect school snack, after dinner sweet treat, and always a good breakfast or brunch recipe.

And if you love raspberry flavor like we do we have another yummy raspberry recipe on our website. Our Raspberry Crumble Muffins are bursting with a streusel-like topping and fresh raspberries.

For now check out our Raspberry Bar recipe with only 6 ingredients and the best flavor.

raspberry bar ingredients

  • gluten free all-purpose flour-- (use the spoon and level method mentioned below) our go-to gf all-purpose brand is Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-1 Baking Mix. We purchase it in bulk here to save money.
  • dairy free butter-- we stock our refrigerator with Earth Balance Buttery Sticks; use your favorite brand
  • gluten free old-fashioned oatmeal-- for this recipe you do not want to substitute with quick cooking oats; we use Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
  • brown sugar-- packed
  • ground cinnamon
  • raspberry preserves-- we use this brand's entire 18 ounce jar
A collage of 4 pics. The first one has a 9x13-inch baking dish with an oatmeal crumble in the bottom, The second one has a glob of raspberry preserves in the middle. The 3rd picture has raspberry preserves spread all over it and the last picture has another layer of oatmeal crumble.

kitchen utensils and essentials

  • large food processor or pastry cutter
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 9x13-inch baking dish with lid-- here is what baking dish we use for dinner and dessert recipes
  • parchment paper-- optional
  • nonstick spray

frequently asked questions

can fresh or frozen raspberries be substituted in this recipe

No, this recipe is specially customized for raspberry preserves, and you will notice the difference in taste and texture. These bars are AMAZING with raspberry preserves.

will different fruit preserves work

Yes, you can substitute for another fruit flavor. Let me know your favorite in the comment section below.

are these bars just for dessert

No, we send these as school snacks, after school snacks, and even serve them as breakfast bars. Plus they travel well for road trips to enjoy at your destination. Lastly, we also serve these at showers, potlucks, and for brunch.

can these be baked ahead of time

These bars are best when baked and allowed to cool completely before serving, unless you are baking them to enjoy as a crisp. Then enjoy these right out of the oven as a crisp. Otherwise-- our trick is to bake these the night before so they can cool and thicken up overnight before cutting and serving the next day.

what is the spoon and level method

This is an important tip for any baking you do with flour. Honestly, the spoon and level method is considered the most accurate method for measuring flour. Simply put, this method is exactly what it sounds like. You’ll use a spoon to scoop the flour into your measuring cup. Then, you’ll level off the top with the back of a knife so the flour is level with the top of the measuring cup. If you scoop your dry measuring cup into the flour bag, you can end up packing the flour and surprisingly increase the flour in recipes by ¼ cup. Yeeks! We have been guilty of this over the years, but now that we know… you won't find us making that mistake again. It is worth it to always take the extra step and grab a large spoon and knife.

This allergen safe bar recipe baked with safe gluten and dairy free ingredients is created from a similar recipe found here, Beyond the Chicken Coop.

A glass 9x13-inch baking dish filled with a layer of oatmeal crumble, then a red raspberry layer and lastly it is topped with another layer of oatmeal crumble. The bars have been cut into large square slices.

more must-try fruit recipes

We have shared several delicious fruit bar, dessert, and quick bread recipes such as zucchini bars, lemon streusel bars, and strawberry poke cake, not to mention our orange velvet pound cake that is so flavorful and mouthwatering. Plus there's morning glory muffins packed with fruits and shredded veggies, and blueberry muffins bursting with fresh juicy blueberries.

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A glass 9x13-inch baking dish filled with a layer of oatmeal crumble, then a red raspberry layer and lastly it is topped with another layer of oatmeal crumble. The bars have been cut into large square slices.

lastly

With less than 15 minutes of hands-on prep time and 6 basic ingredients, these Raspberry Bars are always a good idea. We keep a jar of raspberry preserves in the pantry so we can make these bars whenever we want. They are also easy to make and share with friends and family.

You will find more easy and safe recipes like this on our website, Eating Gluten and Dairy Free.

Plus you can shop our cookbook, The Classics. It is available for instant download. This way you can hit print and head into the week with new recipes your loved ones will enjoy.

Go ahead and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Like and comment often so our posts keep showing up in your feed. We will inspire you with delicious recipes, essential product information, and tips to eating your best.

We don't want you to miss the very best of eating gluten and dairy free.

Eat well and feel well,

Jill

A glass 9x13-inch baking dish filled with a layer of oatmeal crumble, then a red raspberry layer and lastly it is topped with another layer of oatmeal crumble. The bars have been cut into large square slices.

Raspberry Bars

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Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 43 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 20 bars

Ingredients

  • 3 c gluten free all-purpose flour spoon and level method
  • c dairy free butter softened and cut into small cubes
  • 1½ c plus ⅓ c gluten free old-fashioned oatmeal divided
  • c brown sugar packed
  • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 18 oz raspberry preserves

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F and lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish; set aside.
  • In a food processor or large bowl with a pastry cutter, combine the flour, butter, oatmeal, cinnamon and sugar.
  • Take out 1¼ cup of the mixture and add ⅓ c of oatmeal to it; set aside.
  • Add the remaining mixture to the baking dish and pat down into the sides and bottom of the dish. We like to tightly pack the mixture into the dish to form a nice, stable crust for the bars that won't fall apart.
  • Using an angled spatula, spread the raspberry preserves evenly over the oatmeal mixture.
  • Evenly sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the raspberry preserves.
  • Bake for 42-45 minutes; you will notice the raspberry preserves bubbling on the edges.
  • Allow to cool completely before cutting and serving.
  • Cover and place on the countertop for up to 4 days.

Notes

To enjoy this recipe as a crisp, serve immediately after removing it from the oven.

Nutritional Disclaimer

These Nutritional Facts are ESTIMATED. Your actual nutritional info with this recipe may vary depending on the brands you choose. “Eating Gluten and Dairy Free” is not a registered dietician or nutritionist. The provided nutritional info above is based on a generic calculator, if you want more accurate info, use your nutritional calculator of choice where you can choose brands and get more info that way.

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Recipe Rating




Lanet

Saturday 23rd of April 2022

I checked the bobs red mill site and their 1-1 gf flour is 148g per cup. Is this approximate to what you use? This recipe looks delicious and I love the idea of using raspberry preserves for the topping. I might even try peach preserves with it.

Jill

Thursday 19th of May 2022

Yes, we use the spoon and level method for the Bob's Red Mill GF 1 to 1 Baking Mix. Peach preserves sounds absolutely delicious too, Jill