Raspberry Crumb Bars

Name: Raspberry Crumb Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 cups rolled oats; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.66 cups brown sugar (packed); 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes); 3 cups fresh raspberries; 0.5 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Okay, picture this: It’s a Saturday morning, the sun is streaming through the kitchen window, and the smell of buttery, raspberry goodness is wafting through the air. That’s exactly what happens every time I make these Raspberry Crumb Bars. They’re like a cross between a shortbread cookie and a raspberry jam bar, but even better! They’re way less fussy than making a whole pie but deliver that same comforting, fruity satisfaction. Honestly, these are so easy to throw together, even my non-baker friends are obsessed. And the best part? You probably have most of the ingredients already! I’m telling you, if you need a little sunshine in your day, these Raspberry Crumb Bars are calling your name.

What is a raspberry crumb bar?

Raspberry Crumb Bars are, essentially, a delightful layered dessert. Think of it as a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a sweet and tangy raspberry filling, finished off with even more buttery crumbs. The base and the topping are made from the same dough, which makes it super convenient. The raspberry filling adds a beautiful burst of flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the crust. It’s essentially comfort food in bar form, and honestly, it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time. It’s just the right amount of sweet, with that little bit of tartness from the raspberries cutting through the richness. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? These Raspberry Crumb Bars are seriously addicting. What I love most about this is how incredibly easy they are to make. No complicated steps, no fancy equipment needed. Just simple ingredients and a little bit of love.

What makes them a winner?

Flavor explosion: WhatWhat is the best combination of buttery crust and tangy raspberry filling? Is this a perfect balance of sweet and tart? Is every bite a piece of heaven?
EffortlessIs this recipe easy to make? How do I make a crust in minutes? Is the crumb topping as easy as it sounds? How quickly these things come together?
Budget friendlyYou probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. What are the stars of the show? Butter, flour, sugar, and raspberries. What are some great ways to make a delicious treat without breaking the bank?
Totally VersatileI love these with raspberries, but you can substitute other fruits for the filling! Blackberry? Yes, Blueberry yes, Double yes! I’ve even added a little lemon zest to the crumb before, and it’s great to play with it. What is the best way to get extra zing?

If you’re a fan of easy baking recipes like apple crisp or Blueberry Muffins, you’re absolutely going to adore these Raspberry Crumb Bars. But unlike those, this has the perfect portability for easy sharing or even just sneaking a little snack when you need it.

How do I make Raspberry Crumb Bars?

Quick Overview

How do I make Raspberry Crumb Bars? How do you make a crumb base/topping? Is it possible to make coarse crumbs? What is the crust? Press half of this mixture into the bottom of your pan. How do you spread the raspberry filling over the crust? Is it necessary to sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the filling and bake until golden brown? Once cooled, drizzle with a simple glaze and slice into bars. It’s so straightforward, and the result is always impressive. What is the process of crumbling dough?

Ingredients

For the Crumb Base & Topping: For a cranberry

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: 1 cup of rice flour, I always use unbleached flour for a slightly nutty flavor, but regular all-purpose works perfectly.
1 cup granulated sugar: Feel free to reduce this slightly if you prefer a less sweet bar.
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes. The colder the butter, the flakier it will be! I sometimes pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes before using it.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This gives the crust a little lift and keeps it from being too dense.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

For the Raspberry Filling:

12 ounces fresh raspberries: Fresh raspberries are best, but frozen work in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adjust to your preference depending on the sweetness of the raspberries.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: This helps to thicken the filling and prevent it from being too runny.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the raspberries perfectly.

For the Glaze (Optional):

1 cup powdered sugar: Sift it for an extra smooth glaze.
2-3 tablespoons milk: Start with 2 tablespoons and add more until you reach your desired consistency.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch Baking Pan. This step is crucial to prevent the bars from sticking. I learned the hard way once when I skipped the flouring and ended up with a crumbly mess! You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for a consistent texture.

Step 3: Cut in Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (I prefer the latter). ), cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should be crumbly with some small pieces of butter still visible. What creates that flaky texture?

Step 4: Press & Reserve

If you want to make a crust, press half the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to evenly press it down. What are the best toppings to serve with the crumb mixture?

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Set aside. Do not mash raspberries too much – you want them to retain their shape.

Step 6: Add Filling

Pour the raspberry filling evenly over the crust.

Step 7: Top with Crumble

Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the raspberry filling. Don’t pack it down – you want it to be light and crumbly.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the pan with foil.

Step 9: Cool & Glaze

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing and glazing. This is important, as they need time to set. While the bars are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, slice, and serve.

What to Serve It With

These Raspberry Crumb Bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many different ways. Here are a few ideas:

For Breakfast: Pair a warm Raspberry Crumb Bar with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. It’s the perfect way to start your day on a sweet note. I love enjoying mine with a latte on a lazy weekend morning.

For Brunch: Elevate your brunch spread by adding these bars to the mix. They look beautiful arranged on a platter alongside fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla Ice Cream. Serve with mimosas or sparkling cider for a truly festive touch.

As Dessert: These bars are a delightful after-dinner treat. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair well with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of herbal tea.

For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a Raspberry Crumb Bar as a cozy afternoon snack with a glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings on a chilly day.

My family loves to have these Raspberry Crumb Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, fruity bars and the cold, creamy ice cream is simply irresistible. It’s a tradition we’ve had for years, and it always brings a smile to everyone’s face.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Raspberry Crumb Bars

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure these Raspberry Crumb Bars come out perfectly every time. Here are my top tips:

Cold Butter is Key: Using cold butter is essential for creating a flaky, crumbly crust. If the butter is too soft, it will melt into the flour and result in a dense, tough crust. I even like to put my butter in the freezer for about 10 minutes before using it to make sure it’s extra cold.

Don’t Overmix: When cutting the butter into the flour mixture, be careful not to overmix. You want the mixture to resemble coarse crumbs, with some small pieces of butter still visible. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough crust.

Use Fresh or Frozen Raspberries: Both fresh and frozen raspberries work well in this recipe. If using frozen raspberries, make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid. This will prevent the filling from being too runny.

Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bar, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the crust and the filling. Taste the filling before adding it to the crust and adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake the bars until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. This usually takes about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the pan with foil.

Cool Completely Before Slicing: It’s important to let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This allows them to set and prevents them from crumbling. I know it’s tempting to dig in while they’re still warm, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!

One time, I tried using melted butter instead of cold butter, thinking it would save me some time. Big mistake! The crust turned out greasy and dense. Lesson learned: cold butter is non-negotiable.

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Raspberry Crumb Bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. Here are my tips for storing and reheating:

Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may become slightly softer, but they’ll still be delicious.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezer Instructions: These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend glazing the bars right before serving for the best appearance. If you glaze them ahead of time, the glaze may become sticky or dissolve slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together and prevent the crust from being too crumbly. You may also need to add a bit more liquid to the dough to achieve the right consistency. Start with an extra tablespoon of milk or water and add more as needed. Keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free flours can sometimes bake faster.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

This recipe is for raspberry crumb bars, not zucchini bread. No zucchini needed!

Can I make this as muffins instead?

While I haven’t tried making these as muffins, I think it could definitely work! You would just need to adjust the baking time. Fill muffin liners about ¾ full with the crumb mixture, then top with the raspberry filling and remaining crumb mixture. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

You can easily adjust the sweetness level to your liking. To reduce the sweetness, simply reduce the amount of sugar in both the crust and the filling. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in place of the granulated sugar. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the bars. If you want a sweeter bar, you can add a bit more sugar or drizzle the bars with extra glaze.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, there are plenty of other options. You can dust the bars with powdered sugar, drizzle them with melted chocolate, or top them with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. You could also skip the topping altogether and enjoy them plain. They’re delicious any way you slice them!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Raspberry Crumb Bars! I truly believe that these bars are worth trying. They’re incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you love easy baking recipes that deliver big on taste, these bars are for you. And if you happen to love this recipe, you absolutely HAVE to try my blueberry version! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking!

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