Raspberry Crumble Bars are not just a delicious dessert; they are the perfect treat to savor at any time of the day. Combining the vibrant flavor of raspberries with a buttery crumble, these bars offer both sweetness and a bit of tartness that dances on your taste buds. Imagine biting into a soft layer of crumbly goodness, followed by a burst of fresh raspberry filling—mouthwatering, isn’t it? Whether you’re looking for something to enjoy during your afternoon tea, a sweet addition to your picnic basket, or even a simple dessert to share with friends, Raspberry Crumble Bars fit the bill beautifully.
Why We Love This Raspberry Crumble Bars Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore Raspberry Crumble Bars. Firstly, they are incredibly versatile, allowing you to enjoy them warm, chilled, or at room temperature. Secondly, the recipe is simple enough for novice bakers and cost-effective, making it accessible to everyone. Whether you need an easy dessert for a family dinner or a sweet surprise for a gathering, these bars will undoubtedly impress.
The combination of fresh or frozen raspberries creates a juicy and flavorful filling that perfectly complements the buttery crumble on top. The use of gluten-free oat flour or regular flour, along with the option for vegan butter, means that everyone can indulge in this treat without worrying about dietary restrictions. Overall, Raspberry Crumble Bars bring joy with every bite, making them a beloved classic that you will want to bake time and again.
Ingredients for Raspberry Crumble Bars
To create your very own Raspberry Crumble Bars, you will need a selection of simple ingredients that can be easily found in your kitchen or local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free oat flour (or substitute all-purpose flour or 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour)
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (make sure they are gluten-free if desired)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (you can opt for coconut sugar as an alternative)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest from 1 lemon (optional for added flavor)
- 8 tablespoons butter (or vegan butter stick), melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 heaping cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the filling)
- 1 tablespoon tapioca flour or arrowroot starch (cornstarch can also be used)
- Zest from 1 lemon (optional for the filling)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for the filling)
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Raspberry Crumble Bars Directions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to create your mouthwatering Raspberry Crumble Bars.
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. It’s essential to have the oven ready so that your bars bake evenly.
- Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Generously spray the parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray to make it easy to remove the bars later.
- Mix Your Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, rolled oats, brown sugar (or coconut sugar), baking soda, salt, and lemon zest (if using). Mix them thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted butter, along with the vanilla and almond extracts. Stir everything together until a crumble-like consistency forms.
- Press Into Pan: Take about 1 3/4 cups of the crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. This will act as the crust for your bars.
- Make the Raspberry Filling: In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, combine the raspberries, maple syrup, vanilla extract, tapioca flour (or arrowroot), lemon zest (if using), lemon juice (if using), and a pinch of salt. As the mixture heats, gently mash the raspberries with a fork or spoon to break them down a bit.
- Cook Until Thickened: Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes. You want it to become thick enough to pour over your crust.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the raspberry filling over the crust you previously created, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Be gentle to avoid tearing the crust.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top of the raspberry filling. Make sure to cover it as evenly as possible for the best texture.
- Bake: Place the entire pan in the preheated oven and bake for around 30 minutes or until you see the filling bubbling and the topping turning a delightful golden brown.
- Cool and Chill: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, refrigerate the bars for extra firmness.
- Cut and Serve: Once chilled, slice the bars into 12 or 16 squares, ready to indulge in!
How to Serve Raspberry Crumble Bars
Serving Raspberry Crumble Bars is as easy as enjoying them! These bars are incredibly versatile, and you can enjoy them in various ways:
- As a Snack: Serve them as a mid-afternoon snack, paired with a cup of tea or coffee. The tangy raspberry flavor complements the warm drink beautifully.
- Dessert: Offer them as a light dessert after dinner. You might sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch.
- With Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve Raspberry Crumble Bars warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm bars and cold ice cream is nothing short of divine!
- Fresh Berries: You can also plate these bars alongside fresh raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flavor and presentation.
- On the Go: Individually wrap them in parchment paper or put them in a container for a delicious treat you can take with you wherever you go.
The delightful combination of flavors and textures makes these bars a hit on any occasion!
Expert Tips for Raspberry Crumble Bars
To ensure your Raspberry Crumble Bars come out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Choose Quality Raspberries: If you’re using fresh raspberries, select plump and vibrant ones. Frozen raspberries work as well but thaw them before cooking.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while they bake. Every oven is different, so they may need slightly more or less time. You want the topping to turn golden brown without burning.
- Resting Time Matters: Allow the bars to cool completely, even chilling them in the fridge before serving. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.
- Customize for Flavor: Feel free to experiment with additional spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to add a new flavor dimension to the bars.
- Texture Variation: For added crunch, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or seeds into the crumble topping. This creates an enjoyable variety in texture.
By following these tips, you’ll have delicious, perfectly baked Raspberry Crumble Bars that everyone will love.
How to Store Raspberry Crumble Bars
Storing your Raspberry Crumble Bars correctly will ensure they stay fresh and flavorful. Here’s how to do it:
- Cool Completely: Ensure the bars are fully cooled before storing. Storing warm bars can create moisture, leading to sogginess.
- In an Airtight Container: Place the cooled bars in an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper if stacking. This helps to keep them fresh.
- Refrigerate: For longer shelf life, keep your bars in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week when stored correctly.
- Freezing: If you want to enjoy these delicious bars even later, they freeze well. Ensure they are tightly wrapped or placed in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
Variations of Raspberry Crumble Bars
Exploring flavors can be a delightful adventure! Here are some tasty variations of Raspberry Crumble Bars you might want to try:
- Berry Medley: Mix raspberries with other berries like blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a fruity twist. Each berry brings its unique flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
- Citrus Burst: Add some additional citrus zest like orange or lime to the crumble and the filling for a vibrant freshness that lifts the flavor profile.
- Nutty Crumble: Stir in chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts into the crumble mixture for an added crunch and depth of flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the bars elevates them into a decadent dessert.
- Granola Style: Replace part of the crumble with granola for a more textured topping. This also adds an extra bit of sweetness and flavor.
These variations allow you to tailor the bars to your personal tastes or what you have on hand in your pantry.
FAQ About Raspberry Crumble Bars
Can I make Raspberry Crumble Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free oat flour and rolled oats. The recipe is designed to be adaptable to gluten sensitivities.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the filling is bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, frozen raspberries work perfectly in this recipe! Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the filling.
How can I make these bars vegan?
Simply use a plant-based butter alternative in place of regular butter, and ensure that the other ingredients are dairy-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Feel free to double the recipe and use a larger pan! Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary with the larger quantity.
Raspberry Crumble Bars
Equipment
- Oven
- 8×8-inch Baking Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Medium Pot
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Gluten-Free Oat Flour Or all-purpose flour.
- 1 cup Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats Ensure gluten-free if desired.
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar Packed, or coconut sugar as an alternative.
- 1/4 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 8 Tbsp Butter Or vegan butter, melted.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Almond Extract
- 3 cups Fresh or Frozen Raspberries
- 3 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract For the filling.
- 1 Tbsp Tapioca Flour Or arrowroot starch, corn starch can also be used.
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice Optional for the filling.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oat flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest (if using).
- Add melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir until a crumble-like consistency forms.
- Press 1 3/4 cups of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a medium pot over medium heat, combine raspberries, maple syrup, vanilla extract, tapioca flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Gently mash the raspberries.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 3-5 minutes until thickened.
- Pour the raspberry filling over the crust and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the raspberry filling.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack, then refrigerate for extra firmness before cutting into squares.
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