Raspberry White Chocolate Bars combine sweet, creamy chocolate and tart berries in a chewy blondie base. This irresistible White Chocolate Raspberry Bars dessert is ready in under an hour and perfect for bringing to a potluck or picnic. The vibrant red raspberries add a pop of color while the melted white chocolate creates a rich, fudgy texture that kids and adults adore. A final sprinkle of sea salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
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Just Like Grandma Used to Make
- Effortless Prep – Simple steps make this one of my favorite easy White Chocolate Raspberry Bars recipes.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor – The perfect sweet-tart balance makes everyone ask for seconds.
- Perfect for Sharing – These bars travel beautifully to potlucks and family gatherings.
- Nostalgic Comfort – That warm, buttery crust with raspberry jam takes me right back to my childhood kitchen.
What You’ll Need for White Chocolate Raspberry Bars
For the crust
- All-purpose flour – The base of our crust. Keep it simple and classic.
- Granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the crust.
- Unsalted butter – Go with softened butter for easy mixing.
- Egg – Room temperature is key for smooth incorporation.
- Vanilla extract – A touch of vanilla makes everything better.
For the filling
- White chocolate chips – The star of the show! Use good quality for the best flavor.
- Seedless raspberry jam – Adds a sweet-tart punch that pairs perfectly with the white chocolate.
For the topping
- Chopped pecans – Brings a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Don’t skip these!
- Remaining crust dough – Crumbled on top for that perfect golden finish.
A Quick Bake for Busy Hands
I love recipes that don’t keep me chained to the kitchen, and these bars are just that. You’ll spend about 15 minutes getting everything mixed and layered—just enough time to preheat the oven and maybe pour yourself a cup of tea. Then it bakes for 30 minutes, filling your home with the most wonderful aroma. In under an hour, you’ll have a pan of these gorgeous holiday dessert bars ready to share.
This is exactly the kind of easy family treat I turn to during busy weeks. The hands-off baking time means I can tidy up or help with homework while it works its magic. For more weeknight-friendly ideas that bring everyone to the table, browse our collection of snickerdoodle blondies.
White Chocolate Raspberry Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
- 1/4 cup pecans chopped
Equipment
- electric mixer
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- oven
- wire rack
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, then gradually mix in the flour until just combined—the dough will be thick and slightly crumbly.
- Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using your fingers or the back of a spoon.
- Spread the raspberry jam over the dough layer, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges to prevent sticking.
- Sprinkle the white chocolate chips and chopped pecans over the jam, then crumble the remaining dough evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is lightly firm to the touch.
- Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars—about 1-2 hours.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I know many families are more sugar conscious these days, and I often adapt recipes for friends who are diabetic or simply watching their glucose levels. For a lower glycemic version of these White Chocolate Raspberry Bars, consider using a natural sweetener like stevia in the crust. You could also look for a sugar-free raspberry jam to reduce the overall sugar content while keeping that lovely tart berry flavor.
Another simple tweak is to cut smaller portions—these rich bars satisfy even in petite squares. Remember, it’s all about enjoying real food made with heart, in a way that works for your family’s needs.
My Favorite Pro Tips for Perfect Bars
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make these White Chocolate Raspberry Bars truly special. Here’s what I’ve found works best in my own kitchen.
- For a flavor twist, try swirling the raspberry jam into the batter instead of layering it—it creates beautiful marbled holiday dessert bars.
- If you need a diet tweak, these bars work wonderfully with gluten-free flour blends—just be sure to press the crust firmly.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting; this patience gives you clean slices instead of crumbly ones.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container—they stay fresh for days, if they last that long! For more storage ideas, check out my tips for butterfinger caramel crunch bars.
The Simple Goodness in Every Bite
While these are certainly a treat, I believe there’s joy in understanding what we’re eating. The raspberries bring a touch of natural fruit goodness, and using real butter and eggs means we’re working with wholesome ingredients. Of course, moderation is key with any sweet indulgence.
For those interested in balanced eating, I often pair one of these bars with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a more satisfying snack. You can explore more about creating balanced treats through resources like the Land O’Lakes raspberry bar recipe which shares similar values. If you enjoy fruit-forward desserts, you might also love our lemon blueberry protein bites for a lighter option.
A Lighter Take on a Family Favorite
Sometimes I lighten up these White Chocolate Raspberry Bars for everyday enjoyment without sacrificing that comforting taste. You can reduce the sugar in the crust by a quarter cup—the jam and chocolate still provide plenty of sweetness. For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or replace them with rolled oats for texture.
If you’re avoiding dairy, coconut oil works beautifully in place of butter, and there are wonderful dairy-free white chocolate options available now. For more inspiration on adaptable recipes, try our vegan sugar cookie bars or explore the pumpkin protein bars for another healthy twist on classic flavors.
Serving These Bars With Love
I’ll never forget the first time I brought these White Chocolate Raspberry Bars to our church potluck. The pan was empty before I even got through the line! Now, they’re my go-to for any gathering where I want to bring a taste of home.
These bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet ending to dinner. For a special treat, warm them slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm bar and cold ice cream is pure heaven. If you enjoy fruity desserts, you might also love our cherry cheesecake ice cream or refreshing lemon cherry sorbet for warmer days.
Avoid These Common Baking Mistakes
Even experienced bakers can sometimes run into trouble with bar cookies. Here are the pitfalls I’ve learned to avoid through trial and error in my own kitchen.
First, don’t overmix the crust dough—it should be just combined and slightly crumbly, not smooth like cookie dough. Overmixing makes the crust tough rather than tender. Second, be sure to leave that half-inch border around the edges when spreading the jam. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Finally, and this is the hardest part for me—wait until the bars are completely cool before cutting! I know the aroma is irresistible, but cutting warm bars leads to messy edges. For more technical guidance, the BAKER’S white chocolate melting techniques can help with handling chocolate. If you enjoy bar desserts, our raspberry cheesecake bars offer another delicious option, and the fudgy raspberry brownies provide a chocolatey alternative.
Storing Your Homemade Treats
I always make a double batch of these White Chocolate Raspberry Bars because they freeze beautifully. It reminds me of my grandmother, who kept her freezer stocked with treats for unexpected visitors—a tradition I’m happy to continue.
At room temperature, these bars keep well in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual bars in parchment paper and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. They thaw quickly at room temperature—perfect for packing in lunchboxes or satisfying a sudden sweet craving. For more make-ahead ideas, try our cinnamon apple cottage cheese bites or banana raspberry oatmeal for quick breakfast options.
Try This Recipe and Share the Love
I hope these White Chocolate Raspberry Bars become a cherished recipe in your home as they are in mine. There’s something magical about how simple ingredients—flour, butter, jam, and chocolate—can create something that brings people together around the table.
If you make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Cooking is about sharing and connection, and nothing makes me happier than knowing one of my recipes has found a place in your family traditions. For more dessert inspiration, explore our cherry lemon bars, moist Christmas cranberry bars, or lemon cherry ice cream for your next gathering.
More Cozy Baking Recipes You’ll Adore
If you loved these white chocolate raspberry bars, here are more comforting treats that will make your kitchen smell like heaven and bring everyone running to the table.
Raspberry Cheesecake Bars – Creamy cheesecake meets swirls of tart raspberry in these irresistible bars.Cherry Lemon Bars – Bright citrus and sweet cherries create a refreshing twist on classic lemon bars.
Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars – Festive and fruity, these bars bring holiday cheer to any dessert table.
Fudgy Raspberry Brownies – Rich chocolate brownies with bursts of raspberry throughout for the ultimate indulgence.
Snickerdoodle Blondies – All the cinnamony goodness of snickerdoodles in soft, chewy bar form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are raspberry blondies?
Raspberry blondies are a delightful variation of traditional blondies that incorporate raspberries or raspberry jam into the batter. Unlike chocolate brownies, blondies have a vanilla-based batter that pairs beautifully with the tartness of raspberries. Our White Chocolate Raspberry Bars are a perfect example—they feature a buttery crust with sweet raspberry jam and white chocolate chips for a wonderful contrast of flavors and textures.
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of jam?
While you can use frozen raspberries, I recommend thawing and draining them well to avoid adding excess moisture to your bars. The jam provides a concentrated raspberry flavor and helps create that lovely swirled effect. If you prefer using fresh or frozen fruit, you might enjoy our banana raspberry oatmeal which showcases fresh berries beautifully.
How do I prevent my white chocolate from burning?
White chocolate is delicate and can burn easily. The key is to bake at the recommended temperature (350°F) and check your bars a few minutes before the timer goes off. The white chocolate should look melted but not browned. If you’re new to working with white chocolate, consider checking the Driscoll’s fresh raspberry guide for additional berry pairing ideas.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars actually taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. They keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months. This make-ahead quality makes them perfect for holiday baking or when you need a dessert ready for unexpected guests.
