If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that combines the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, then Raspberry Crumble Bars are a must-try! These bars are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. The crisp, buttery crumble on top and bottom encase a sweet and tangy raspberry filling that’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, packing them for a picnic, or just treating yourself to a delicious dessert at home, Raspberry Crumble Bars are an easy and delicious choice.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making these mouthwatering bars from start to finish. We will explore every step, provide expert tips, and even suggest some modifications for dietary needs. So, let’s dive into the sweet and tangy world of Raspberry Crumble Bars!
Ingredients You Will Need
To create the perfect Raspberry Crumble Bars, we’ve broken the ingredients into two categories: the crust and crumble, and the raspberry filling. Each part is simple to prepare, and the ingredients work together harmoniously to create that signature sweet and tart flavor combination.
Crust & Crumble Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups (210 g) all-purpose flour
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1 cup (80 g) rolled oats
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1/4 tsp baking soda
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp cinnamon
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3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar
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1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
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1 tsp (4 g) vanilla extract
Filling Ingredients:
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2 1/2 cups (425 g) fresh raspberries
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3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
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1/8 tsp salt
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3 Tbsp (24 g) cornstarch
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1 tsp fresh lemon juice
These ingredients are easily available at most grocery stores, and you can even make slight substitutions if needed. The butter adds a rich flavor, while the oats in the crumble give it a delightful texture.
How to Make Raspberry Crumble Bars
Now that you have everything you need, let’s jump right into the process of making these delicious Raspberry Crumble Bars.
Step 1: Prepare the Crust & Crumble
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make cleanup much easier.
In a large bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup rolled oats
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1/4 tsp baking soda
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp cinnamon
Next, add the wet ingredients:
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3/4 cup melted unsalted butter
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1/2 cup light brown sugar
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Use a spoon or your hands to mix these ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. It’s important that the mixture is not overly wet, as the crumble needs to hold its shape when pressed into the pan.
Reserve 1 cup of the crumble mixture for the topping. The rest of the mixture will be pressed into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
Step 2: Form the Crust
Once your crumble mixture is ready, take the portion that is meant for the base and press it firmly into the bottom of the 9×9-inch baking pan. Make sure the layer is even, so the crust bakes uniformly. You can use a spoon or your fingers to press the mixture into the pan. This will form a sturdy base for the raspberry filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Raspberry Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the following ingredients to make the raspberry filling:
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2 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/8 tsp salt
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3 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Gently stir until the raspberries are well-coated with the sugar and cornstarch mixture. The cornstarch helps thicken the filling while the lemon juice adds a bright, tangy note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the raspberries.
Step 4: Assemble the Raspberry Crumble Bars
Now that you’ve prepared both the crust and the filling, it’s time to assemble the bars.
Start by spreading the raspberry filling evenly over the crust in your baking pan. Be gentle while doing this to prevent the crust from lifting. Afterward, sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the raspberry filling, making sure the berries are mostly covered. This will create a nice, crumbly topping that’s perfectly balanced with the raspberry filling.
Step 5: Bake the Raspberry Crumble Bars
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake the bars for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You should start to see the edges of the crumble turning a deep golden color. This is a good indication that your bars are ready.
Once they’re done baking, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. It’s important to allow them to cool so that they set properly. This helps the bars hold together when sliced.
Step 6: Slice and Enjoy!
Once the bars have cooled, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper and place them on a cutting board. Slice into squares or bars, and you’re ready to serve! The crumble will have a delightful crispness, while the filling remains soft and slightly tangy, providing the perfect balance of flavors.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Raspberry Crumble Bars
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Use fresh raspberries: Fresh raspberries yield the best results for the filling, but you can substitute frozen raspberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid in the filling.
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Let the bars cool completely: This ensures that the raspberry filling sets, and the bars will hold their shape when sliced.
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Add a touch of almond extract: For an extra flavor twist, try adding a splash of almond extract to the filling. It pairs wonderfully with the raspberries and enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Make ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep or to bring to a gathering.
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Customize the crumble: You can experiment with the crumble topping by adding a bit of brown sugar or even finely chopped nuts for added texture.
Nutritional Information
While Raspberry Crumble Bars are undoubtedly a treat, they are still a dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
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Calories: 230 kcal per bar
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Carbs: 34g
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Fat: 11g
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Protein: 2g
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Sugar: 19g
The exact nutritional content will depend on the specific ingredients you use, but these bars are a relatively moderate treat when portioned correctly.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you’re a fan of Raspberry Crumble Bars, you’ll love these other delicious recipes with similar ingredients or flavor profiles:
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Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake – A rich and creamy cheesecake combined with the warm flavors of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for those who love indulgent desserts.
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Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolate chips, these cookies are a classic favorite everyone will enjoy.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars – For chocolate and peanut butter lovers, these bars are a dream come true. Perfectly sweet and creamy with a chocolatey twist.
FAQs About Raspberry Crumble Bars
1. Do Crumble Bars Freeze Well?
Yes, Raspberry Crumble Bars freeze extremely well, making them a perfect treat for meal prep or for keeping on hand for future cravings. To freeze them, allow the bars to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, cut the bars into individual servings and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for 2–3 hours until they are firm. Afterward, you can transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag for long-term storage. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that delicious, fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
2. What Can You Do with Raspberries?
Raspberries are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways beyond just being a filling for Raspberry Crumble Bars. Here are a few ideas for using fresh raspberries:
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Smoothies: Blend fresh raspberries with yogurt, almond milk, and other fruits for a healthy, refreshing smoothie.
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Jam and Jelly: Make your own homemade raspberry jam by cooking the berries with sugar and pectin for a sweet spread.
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Salads: Add fresh raspberries to green salads for a burst of flavor. They pair particularly well with goat cheese, spinach, and balsamic vinegar.
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Desserts: Aside from crumble bars, raspberries can be used in cakes, pies, tarts, and even ice cream for a sweet-tart kick.
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Baked Goods: Incorporate raspberries into muffins, scones, or cakes for a delicious fruity twist.
Raspberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, so they not only add amazing flavor but also contribute health benefits. You can also freeze them and store them for later use in your favorite recipes.
3. How Many Calories Are in a Raspberry Crumble Bar?
On average, a single Raspberry Crumble Bar contains around 230 calories. However, the exact calorie count may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Factors such as the type of sugar, the amount of butter, and any additional ingredients can slightly alter the nutritional values. These bars are a delightful treat but should be enjoyed in moderation if you are watching your calorie intake.
For those who are more health-conscious but still want to enjoy these bars, there are ways to lower the calorie content. You can substitute the butter for a lower-calorie option like coconut oil or swap out some of the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or stevia. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the calorie content will vary with any substitutions.
4. Can You Put Raspberries in a Crumble?
Absolutely! In fact, raspberries make a fantastic addition to any crumble, and they’re often used in crumbles like Raspberry Crumble Bars for their vibrant color, tartness, and natural sweetness. The soft, juicy raspberries melt beautifully into the crumble topping, creating a deliciously gooey and flavorful filling. The combination of the crumbly, buttery topping with the tangy sweetness of the raspberries is a perfect contrast, making it an irresistible dessert.
If you prefer to make a traditional fruit crumble with whole raspberries, you can simply mix the raspberries with sugar, lemon juice, and a bit of cornstarch or flour to help thicken the juices as they bake. Then, top them with your crumble mixture (made from flour, oats, sugar, and butter) and bake until golden and bubbling.
Raspberries are a great choice for crumbles due to their natural sweetness and the way they hold up well during baking. Plus, they’re a healthier alternative to other sugary fruit fillings, giving your crumble a tart balance that complements the rich, buttery topping.
Final Thoughts
Making Raspberry Crumble Bars is a simple and rewarding process that yields a delightful dessert every time. With a buttery, crumbly crust and a fresh, tangy raspberry filling, these bars are perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering, a potluck, or just an everyday treat.
By following the easy steps outlined above, you’ll create a dessert that will wow your guests and satisfy your cravings. Plus, with a few customization options and tips, you can tailor these bars to suit your tastes perfectly. Enjoy the fruity goodness of fresh raspberries and the crunch of a perfect crumble with these irresistible Raspberry Crumble Bars!
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Raspberry Crumble Bars: A Deliciously Sweet Treat
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Raspberry Crumble Bars are a sweet, buttery, and slightly tart dessert loaded with fresh raspberries and topped with a golden oat crumble. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, these bars are easy to make and hard to resist. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients
Crust & Crumble
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1 1/2 cups (210 g) all-purpose flour
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1 cup (80 g) rolled oats
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1/4 tsp baking soda
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp cinnamon
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3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar
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1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
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1 tsp (4 g) vanilla extract
Filling
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2 1/2 cups (425 g) fresh raspberries
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3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
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1/8 tsp salt
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3 Tbsp (24 g) cornstarch
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1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
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Preheat and Prep:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. -
Make Crust & Crumble:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until a crumbly dough forms. Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for the topping. -
Form the Base:
Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid crust layer. -
Prepare the Filling:
In another bowl, gently mix raspberries with sugar, salt, cornstarch, and lemon juice until well coated. -
Assemble the Bars:
Evenly spread the raspberry filling over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the top. -
Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the raspberry layer is bubbling. -
Cool & Slice:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or bars. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
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For a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
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Frozen raspberries can be used, but thaw and drain them first.
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Want it extra tangy? Add a bit of lemon zest to the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: raspberry crumble bars, raspberry dessert, oat bars, fruity bars, summer desserts