Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 16 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
With a buttery crumble on top of a tart raspberry filling, these Raspberry Crumble Bars are a delightful autumn treat perfect for the holidays.
As the crisp autumn air envelops New York City and the leaves turn into a dazzling mosaic of colors, there’s an unmistakable sense of comfort in the kitchen. With the holidays approaching, I find myself dreaming of baked goods that are not just delicious, but also perfect for sharing with friends and family. One of my go-to recipes? Raspberry Crumble Bars. These treats combine a tart, fruity filling with a buttery crumble that’s ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings or Christmas festivities – and trust me, they disappear fast!
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously tart and sweet flavor balance that everyone will enjoy.
- Easy to make, perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
- Great for sharing at holidays, potlucks, and gatherings.
- Versatile – can be customized with different berries for variety.
- Hearty crumble texture that complements the fruity filling beautifully.
Ingredients
To make these delightful Raspberry Crumble Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Raspberry Crumble Bars (Step-by-Step)
Creating these scrumptious Raspberry Crumble Bars is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect dessert.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). The scent of warmth that fills your kitchen is truly delightful!
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then, pour in the melted butter and mix until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should hold together when pressed – a crumbly texture that will form the base and topping of our bars.
Step 3: Press the Mixture
Take about two-thirds of this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, creating an even layer that looks like a sandy beach. Pop it into the oven for about 10 minutes until it just starts to set – you’ll notice the edges turning lightly golden.
Step 4: Make the Filling
While the crust bakes, toss the fresh raspberries with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in another bowl. The vibrant color and sweet-tart aroma promise a luscious filling. Let this sit for a few minutes while your crust cools a bit.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the raspberry mixture over the crust, spreading it out carefully. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top, making sure you cover the filling but still allow some raspberry peeks to show through.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the topping should turn golden brown, and the filling will bubble – that’s when you know they’re almost done!
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. The contrast between the buttery crumble and the sweet, tangy raspberries is simply irresistible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Make sure to let the crust cool slightly before adding the raspberry filling to prevent a mushy texture.
- Using Frozen Raspberries: While they can work, fresh raspberries give the bars a much brighter and more vibrant flavor.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your bars; overbaking can dry them out. Look for a slight jiggle in the center when you take them out.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon to the crumble mixture.
- Swap out some of the raspberries for blueberries or blackberries for a mixed berry variation.
- If using a 9×13 inch pan, increase the ingredients by 1.5 times for thicker bars.
Variations
- Substitute the raspberries with blackberries, strawberries, or a mix of berries for different flavors.
- Add chopped nuts or coconut flakes to the crumble for added texture.
- Incorporate spices like nutmeg for a warm autumn touch.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the crust a day in advance and store it in an airtight container until ready to bake.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Enjoy the bars at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave before serving.
- Freezing: These bars can be frozen for up to a month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
During my testing, I found that the tartness of the raspberries was perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the crumble. Moreover, these bars hold up well, making them ideal for potlucks or holiday parties where sharing is key. The joy of seeing people enjoy my baking is what makes this recipe one of my favorites for the season!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 12 bars · Serving Size: 1 bar
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 2g protein · 35g carbs · 12g fat
Delicious Raspberry Crumble Bars for Autumn
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in melted butter and mix until well incorporated.
- Press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Combine raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Let sit while crust cools.
- Pour the raspberry mixture over the crust and crumble the remaining oat mixture on top.
- Bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and filling is bubbly.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
While you can use frozen raspberries, fresh raspberries will provide a brighter and more vibrant flavor in the bars.
2. How should I store leftover Raspberry Crumble Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month.
3. What can I do if my bars come out too dry?
To prevent dry bars, monitor the baking time closely. Look for a slight jiggle in the center before removing them from the oven to ensure they are not overbaked.
4. Can I add other fruits to the recipe?
Yes! You can substitute some of the raspberries with blueberries or blackberries for a mixed berry variation, enhancing the flavor profile.
5. Is it necessary to cool the crust before adding the filling?
Yes, allowing the crust to cool slightly before adding the raspberry filling is important to avoid a mushy texture in the final bars.
