Raspberry Crumble Bars are like a warm hug in dessert form.
They blend the tartness of fresh raspberries with a buttery, crunchy crumble that’s hard to resist.
If you love fruit-filled desserts, these bars are about to become your new favorite treat.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create perfect raspberry crumble bars from scratch. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Raspberry Crumble Bars
Here are some serving suggestions to make your Raspberry Crumble Bars even more enjoyable:
With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic and indulgent dessert.
Whipped Cream: Top the bars with a dollop of whipped cream to add a light and creamy contrast to the tangy raspberries.
Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh raspberries or a mix of berries for an extra burst of fruitiness and color.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Yogurt: Serve with a side of Greek yogurt or a dollop of flavored yogurt for a refreshing and healthier option, especially for breakfast or a snack.
Tea or Coffee: Enjoy the bars with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
Lemon Drizzle: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the top by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice. This adds a bright citrus flavor that complements the raspberries.
Mint Garnish: Add a sprig of fresh mint on top of each bar for a touch of color and a hint of freshness.
These serving suggestions will enhance the flavors and presentation of your Raspberry Crumble Bars, making them even more delightful to enjoy.
Baking Tips
Here are some baking tips to ensure your Raspberry Crumble Bars turn out perfectly:
Use Fresh or Properly Thawed Raspberries: If you’re using frozen raspberries, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the bars soggy.
Mix the Filling Gently: When combining the raspberries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch, mix gently to avoid crushing the berries too much. This helps maintain their shape and prevents a mushy filling.
Line the Baking Pan: Use parchment paper to line your baking pan, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan once they are cooled, ensuring clean and easy cutting.
Press the Crust Firmly: When forming the crust, press the dough mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. A well-compacted crust ensures it holds together and provides a sturdy base for the bars.
Even Crumble Topping: When adding the crumble topping, break it into small, even chunks with your fingers. This ensures a uniform, crunchy topping that bakes evenly.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check for a golden brown top and bubbling filling around the edges. Overbaking can dry out the crust and crumble.
Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. This helps the filling set and makes the bars easier to slice cleanly.
Use the Right Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe. Using a different size can affect the thickness and baking time of the bars.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the raspberries before making the filling. If they are very tart, you might want to add a bit more sugar to balance the flavors.
Store Properly: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure your Raspberry Crumble Bars have the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy baking!
Recipe FAQ’s
How long do raspberry crumble bars last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they last up to three days. Refrigerated, they stay fresh for about a week.
Can I reduce the sugar content?
Certainly! You can reduce the sugar in both the crust and the filling. Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup if you prefer. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
Reheat individual bars in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps to maintain their crispy texture.
Raspberry Crumble Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
For the Raspberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries or frozen, thawed and drained
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Make the Crust and Crumble:In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Mix until the dough is crumbly.Stir in the oats until evenly distributed.
- Form the Crust:Press about 2/3 of the dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.Set the remaining 1/3 of the dough mixture aside for the crumble topping.
- Prepare the Raspberry Filling:In a medium bowl, combine the raspberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Gently toss to coat the raspberries evenly.
- Assemble the Bars:Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan.Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the raspberry layer, breaking it into small chunks with your fingers.
- Bake the Bars:Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the raspberry filling is bubbling.Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Cut and Serve:Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- The secret to a perfect crumble is the right balance of butter and dry ingredients. Your crumble mixture should hold together when pressed but still be crumbly enough to scatter over the filling.
- Ensure your crust is firmly packed and pre-bake it for a few minutes before adding the filling. This step helps to create a barrier that prevents the raspberry juices from soaking into the crust.