Oh, these Raspberry Crumble Bars? They’re absolutely irresistible! Imagine biting into a soft, buttery base topped with a sweet-tart raspberry filling and a crispy, golden crumble topping. It’s like a cozy dessert hug that’s perfect for any time of day—whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee, packing them in a lunchbox, or indulging after dinner. Trust me, these bars are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and buttery—once you take a bite, you won’t want to stop!
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Why You’ll Love Raspberry Crumble Bars
This recipe isn’t just about making a delicious dessert—it’s about creating an experience. Here’s why Raspberry Crumble Bars will quickly become your new favorite:
Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up these bars in no time. You’ll have everything you need to create a sweet treat that tastes like it’s from a fancy bakery, without all the hassle.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet, crumbly topping and the tangy, juicy raspberries come together in perfect harmony. Every bite feels like a burst of happiness!
Great for Sharing: Whether you’re bringing them to a party, sharing with friends, or enjoying them on your own, these bars are the perfect dessert to share. They’re easy to cut and serve, making them a great crowd-pleaser.
Versatile: If you’re not a raspberry fan (though, who wouldn’t be?), you can easily swap in another berry, like blueberries or strawberries, or even mix in a combination for a twist on the classic.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store well, so you can make them in advance for a busy week ahead. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for several days!
Ingredients
Butter: The key to a perfectly buttery crust and crumble topping. It gives these bars that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and crumble topping. You can even use brown sugar for a little extra depth of flavor!
Flour: Forms the base of both the crust and crumble. It creates that tender, chewy texture that balances perfectly with the fruit filling.
Raspberries: Fresh or frozen, raspberries provide a juicy, tart contrast to the sweet buttery crumble.
Lemon Zest: A dash of lemon zest in the filling enhances the fruity flavors, giving them a bright, zesty punch.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and a subtle warmth to the flavor profile. It pairs beautifully with the raspberries.
Baking Powder: A little lift for the crumble topping to help it bake up golden and crispy.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into how to make these delicious bars:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Prepare the Crust and Topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside about 1 cup of the mixture for the crumble topping.
Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the raspberries with lemon zest and a little sugar. This simple step enhances the fruity flavor and gives the filling just the right sweetness.
Assemble the Bars: Press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even base. Spread the raspberry mixture evenly on top of the crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the raspberries.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. The whole kitchen will smell amazing by this point!
Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing them into squares. They need to firm up a bit before you dive in.
How to Serve Raspberry Crumble Bars
Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: These bars are delicious on their own, but a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes them to the next level.
Fresh Berries: Serve with extra fresh raspberries or your favorite berries for an added burst of flavor.
Tea or Coffee: These bars pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They make a great afternoon snack or a sweet ending to a cozy dinner.
Additional Tips
Use Cold Butter: Make sure your butter is cold when preparing the crust and crumble to get that perfect crumbly texture.
Add a Dash of Cinnamon: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the crumble topping or the raspberry filling.
Frozen Raspberries Work Too: If you’re using frozen raspberries, just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using.
Don’t Skip the Cooling Step: Let the bars cool before cutting to allow the filling to set and make for cleaner slices.
Storage Tips: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use other berries instead of raspberries?
A1: Yes! Blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries would all work wonderfully in this recipe.
Q2: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely! Simply swap the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.
Q4: Can I freeze these bars?
A4: Yes! After they’ve cooled, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw them on the counter before serving.
Q5: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A5: Definitely! You can make them a day or two in advance. They keep well and even taste better after a day or two as the flavors meld together.
Q6: Can I add nuts to the crumble?
A6: Yes! Chopped walnuts or almonds would make a great addition for a little crunch.
Q7: How can I make the filling thicker?
A7: If you prefer a thicker filling, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the raspberries and sugar before assembling.
Q8: Can I add a glaze to these bars?
A8: Yes, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a splash of lemon juice would add a nice finishing touch.
Q9: How do I cut clean squares?
A9: Use a sharp knife and let the bars cool completely before cutting them. For even cleaner cuts, run the knife under warm water and wipe it between slices.
Q10: Can I use jam instead of fresh raspberries?
A10: Yes! Use about 1 cup of raspberry jam if you want to skip the fresh fruit. It will give you that same sweet-tart flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it, friends—Raspberry Crumble Bars, the perfect dessert for any occasion. Sweet, tart, buttery, and oh-so-delicious, these bars will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying them on your own or sharing with loved ones, they’re sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Enjoy every crumb!
Print
Raspberry Crumble Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
These Raspberry Crumble Bars are a perfect combination of fruity, buttery goodness that’s so easy to make and impossible to resist! A sweet, tangy raspberry filling topped with a buttery shortbread crumble – ideal for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the shortbread:
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225g salted butter, softened
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120g granulated sugar
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320g plain flour
For the filling:
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230g frozen raspberries
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150g raspberry jam
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60g granulated sugar
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3 tbsp cornflour
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1/2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
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Prepare the shortbread: Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan). In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the plain flour and mix until the dough forms.
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Bake the base: Press the shortbread mixture into the bottom of an 8×8” baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the base is lightly golden. Let it cool for around 15 minutes before adding the filling.
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Make the raspberry filling: In a separate bowl, combine frozen raspberries, raspberry jam, granulated sugar, cornflour, and lemon juice. Stir until everything is well-mixed.
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Assemble and bake: Once the base has cooled, spread the raspberry filling evenly over the shortbread. Return to the oven and bake for another 35 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Cool and serve: Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy these buttery, fruity delights with a cup of tea or coffee!
Notes
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You can use fresh raspberries instead of frozen if preferred.
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For an extra crunch, sprinkle some oats on top of the filling before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg