Raspberry Crumb Bars

Crumb bars have a rich history that traces back to various cultures around the world. The concept of combining a sweet fruit filling with a crumbly topping has evolved over the years, leading to the dessert we know and love today.

Discover the delicious world of Berry Delight Crumb Bars, where tart raspberries meet a sweet, buttery crumble. Perfect for summer outings or special occasions, these bars are a visual and flavorful treat. Learn about the history of crumb bars, the health benefits of raspberries, and follow a simple step-by-step guide to create this indulgent dessert in your kitchen. Elevate your baking with variations and garnishing tips for an impressive finish. Indulge in a delightful escape into flavor!

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Ingredients

For the Raspberry Filling:

2 cups fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crust and Topping:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish (optional):

Powdered sugar for dusting

Fresh raspberries or mint leaves for decoration

Instructions

Prepare the Raspberry Filling:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir gently and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool while you prepare the crust.

Make the Crust and Topping:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter and vanilla extract. Pour the butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly. Reserve about 1 cup of the mixture for topping.

Assemble the Bars:

Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking pan to create an even layer. Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the crust. Then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the raspberry layer.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Cool and Slice:

Once out of the oven, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for a few hours to cool completely. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper, if used. Slice into squares or bars.

Serve:

Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh raspberries or mint leaves before serving for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 12 bars