Indulge in homemade Raspberry Crumb Bars, a delightful confection combining flour, oats, brown sugar, butter, and luscious raspberry jam for a perfect sweet treat.
Growing up, my grandmother had a raspberry bush in her garden that burst with berries every summer. She would gather these sun-kissed treasures and transform them into the most divine Raspberry Crumb Bars. I remember sitting in her kitchen, the aroma of butter and raspberries filling the air, as she shared stories of her childhood. Those bars were more than a dessert; they were a symbol of family, tradition, and the simple joys of home cooking. Now, every time I bake these bars, I’m transported back to those precious moments, cherishing the legacy of love and raspberries she left behind.
What makes this Raspberry Crumb Bars truly exceptional?
- Simplicity in Ingredients: Made with everyday kitchen staples like flour, oats, and butter, this recipe is accessible and easy to whip up without a special shopping trip.
- Versatility for All Seasons: Whether it’s a summer picnic or a cozy winter gathering, these Raspberry Crumb Bars fit any occasion.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of the buttery crumb and the tangy sweetness of raspberry jam creates a delightful contrast that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer seedless jam or a different fruit flavor, this recipe is adaptable to suit various preferences.
Ingredients Notes For This Raspberry Crumb Bars:
These Raspberry Crumb Bars are a testament to the magic that simple ingredients can create. Each component plays a crucial role:
- Flour forms the structure,
- Baking Soda offers a tender crumb,
- Salt enhances flavors,
- Oats add a delightful chewiness,
- Brown Sugar brings a depth of sweetness,
- Butter contributes to the rich, crumbly texture, and
- Raspberry Jam offers a burst of fruity goodness. Opt for quality ingredients to elevate this classic treat!
Step-By-Step To Make This Raspberry Crumb Bars:
Intro: Making Raspberry Crumb Bars is a delightful journey through simple baking steps, each adding its own charm to the final product.
Step 1: Preheating your oven and preparing your baking dish sets the stage. The foil overhang trick is a lifesaver for easy removal!
Step 2: Mixing dry ingredients is about creating a harmonious base. Breaking up brown sugar clumps ensures every bite is perfectly sweet.
Step 3: Blending in the butter is where magic happens. Aim for a moist, crumbly texture that holds together – the foundation of your bars.
Step 4: Pressing the oat mixture into the pan is crucial. A firm, even base means a sturdy bar that holds the luscious jam.
Step 5: Spreading the jam requires a gentle hand. Keeping a margin at the edges prevents sticky edges and ensures a neat bar.
Step 6: Adding the final crumb layer and baking transforms your efforts into a golden, tempting treat. That golden color is your signal – perfection is ready!
Step 7: Cooling is patience. It’s hard to wait, but this step is key for perfectly set, easy-to-cut bars. Slice and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Storage Options:
Storing Raspberry Crumb Bars is a breeze. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, making them perfect for gradual indulgence. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you can’t resist, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a just-baked feel!
Variations and Substitutions:
- Jam Choices: Don’t stop at Raspberry! Strawberry, apricot, or blackberry jams can bring a new twist to the classic flavor.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs without compromising taste.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped almonds or walnuts into the crumb mixture for an added crunch.
- Lemon Zest Addition: A bit of lemon zest mixed into the jam layer can brighten the flavors, especially during summer.
- Vegan Options: Use plant-based butter and a vegan-friendly jam to make these bars suitable for a vegan diet.
- Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of the jam layer for a luxurious chocolatey twist.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Raspberry Crumb Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Rolled Oats Old Fashioned
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar firmly packed
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 3/4 cup Raspberry Jam seedless variety may be preferred
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with aluminum foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two opposite sides to facilitate easy removal of the bars after baking. Once lined, apply a light coating of grease to the foil.
- Dry Ingredient Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, whisking them together thoroughly. Add the rolled oats and light brown sugar to the mixture. Utilize clean fingertips to break up any clumps of brown sugar, ensuring an even consistency.
- Incorporating Butter: Add the softened unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingertips to blend the butter into the mixture until it is uniformly moistened. This mixture will form both the base and the topping of the bars.
- Assembling the Base: Transfer approximately 2 cups of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press down firmly to create an even and consistent base layer.
- Adding the Raspberry Layer: Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the oat base, maintaining a margin of about 1/4 inch from the edges to prevent the jam from seeping out during the baking process.
- Final Layer and Baking: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the raspberry layer and press down gently to form a crumbly top. Bake in the preheated oven until the surface turns golden brown, approximately 34 to 38 minutes.
- Cooling and Serving: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the dish. This step is vital for the bars to set properly. Once cooled, use the foil overhang to lift the bars out and cut them into desired sizes. Store the bars in an airtight container.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
