Jammy Raspberry Crumble Bars

About Raspberry Crumble Bars

Raspberry Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of raspberries with a buttery, crumbly topping. These bars evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia, reminiscent of summer picnics and family gatherings. The bright red raspberry filling is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor, creating a sweet-tart balance that is simply irresistible. With their satisfying texture—soft and jammy on the inside, crunchy on top—these bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual evenings at home to festive celebrations like birthdays and holidays.

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What You’ll Need for Raspberry Crumble Bars

Complete Ingredients List

To create your own Raspberry Crumble Bars, gather the following ingredients:

• For the Crust and Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For the Raspberry Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

If you’re looking to accommodate dietary restrictions or make some creative tweaks, here are some substitutions you can consider:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and oats with certified gluten-free oats.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of unsalted butter.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar in the raspberry filling or use a sugar substitute such as monk fruit or erythritol.
• Flavor Variations: Substitute raspberries with other berries such as blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a different experience. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon for a warming spice flavor.

How to Make Raspberry Crumble Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Raspberry Filling

Start by making the raspberry filling, as it needs to cool before assembling the bars. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups of raspberries, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Stir well to combine, and cook until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken, about 5-8 minutes. Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool completely while you prepare the crust.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup rolled oats, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together ¾ cup melted unsalted butter, ½ cup packed brown sugar, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and combine, but don’t overmix; you want a crumbly texture. Reserve about 1 cup of the mixture for the topping.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing for some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust. Pour the cooled raspberry filling over the crust and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the raspberry filling.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the raspberry filling is bubbling. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. After cooling, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Raspberry Crumble Bars

How to Serve Raspberry Crumble Bars

These Raspberry Crumble Bars are incredibly versatile in serving options. They can be enjoyed warm out of the oven, at room temperature, or even chilled for a refreshing treat. For a lovely presentation, cut the bars into squares and arrange them on a platter. A dusting of powdered sugar can elevate their aesthetic appeal, making them perfect for gatherings and special occasions.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

While these bars are delicious on their own, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the sweet and tart flavor. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkling of chopped nuts can also add an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Storing & Preserving Raspberry Crumble Bars

Best Storage Methods

For maximum freshness, store your Raspberry Crumble Bars in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life for about a week. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container to freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

To reheat, simply pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in a toaster oven. If frozen, defrost the bars in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying them or warming them slightly in the microwave for a couple of seconds.

Tips for Perfect Raspberry Crumble Bars Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

1. Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the bars while they bake; overbaking can lead to a dry texture.
2. Not Cooling: Allow the raspberry filling to cool before pouring it over the crust to avoid a soggy base.
3. Incorrect Pan Size: Ensure you’re using the correct size baking dish, as this impacts baking time and texture.

Helpful Tricks for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh raspberries yield the best flavor; if using frozen, ensure they are properly thawed and drained.
2. Pre-measure Ingredients: Before starting, measure out all ingredients to streamline the process and minimize mess.
3. Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Fun Variations of Raspberry Crumble Bars

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

To add a personal touch to your Raspberry Crumble Bars, consider incorporating different flavors. Add nuts like sliced almonds or pecans to the crumb topping for added crunch and richness. If you enjoy chocolate, folding in mini chocolate chips to the crust and topping will provide a delicious contrast to the tangy raspberry filling.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

1. Vegan: Replace butter with vegan butter, and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) instead of eggs.
2. Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol in the filling and topping for a lower-calorie option.
3. Keto: Substitute traditional flour with almond flour and sweetener, and ensure to lower the carbohydrate count from the oats.

FAQs

What If My Raspberry Crumble Bars Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If your bars turn out too dry, it could be due to overbaking or too much flour. Make sure to measure ingredients carefully, and check them a couple of minutes before the recommended time. If they’re too soggy, allow them to cool completely as they will firm up a bit after resting.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the bars in advance. The taste improves as they sit, and you can store them in the refrigerator for up to five days, making them perfect for meal prep or special occasions.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

If you don’t have fresh raspberries on hand, feel free to use other berries like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. If you’re out of cornstarch, arrowroot powder or plain flour can also work as a thickener for the filling.

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