Sweet & Tangy Raspberry Crumb Bars Recipe: A Homemade Delight

Sweet memories flood back when I whip up these delectable raspberry crumb bars that dance between buttery richness and fruity brightness.

Memories of summer afternoons linger in every crumbly bite.

Fresh raspberries burst with intense flavor against a golden, crisp base.

Baking these treats brings comfort and joy to any kitchen gathering.

Layers of tender pastry cradle bright fruit with delicate precision.

Minimal ingredients combine to create something truly magical and irresistible.

Instructions to Bake Raspberry Crumb Bars

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab an 8-inch square pan and line it with aluminum foil, letting two sides hang over the edges.

Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

Toss in rolled oats and light-brown sugar. Use your fingers to break up any sugar clumps, creating a smooth, even mixture.

Step 3: Massage In The Butter

Drop softened butter into the dry ingredient bowl. Use your fingertips to work the butter through the mixture until everything looks moist and crumbly.

You’re aiming for a texture that holds together when squeezed.

Step 4: Create The Base Layer

Pour about 2 cups of the oat mixture into the prepared pan.

Press down firmly with your hands to create a solid, even foundation for your bars.

Step 5: Spread The Fruity Center

Carefully spread raspberry jam across the oat base.

Leave a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.

Step 6: Top It Off

Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the raspberry layer.

Gently press down to create a crumbly, textured top.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 34 to 38 minutes.

You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color that signals deliciousness is coming.

Step 8: Cool And Slice

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

This helps them set and makes cutting easier. Once cooled, lift out using the foil edges and slice into squares.

Store in an airtight container for maximum freshness.

Pro Tips for Perfect Raspberry Crumb Bars

• Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better crumb texture.
• Select high-quality raspberry jam with minimal added sugars for more authentic fruit flavor.
• Ensure oats are old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant, to maintain proper bar structure and crunch.
• Let bars cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling and achieve clean, precise edges.
• Store bars in refrigerator for up to 5 days in sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent jam from becoming too runny.

Flavor Variations of Raspberry Crumb Bars

• Berry Medley Bars: Replace raspberry jam with a mix of blueberry, strawberry, and blackberry preserves for a colorful, multi-berry experience.
• Nutty Oat Crumble: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the oat mixture for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats to create a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter and select plant-based jam to transform the recipe into a dairy-free treat.

Pairing Ideas for Raspberry Crumb Bars

• Complement the rich, buttery crumb bars with a smooth, cold scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess balances the warm, sweet raspberry filling and creates a delightful temperature contrast.
• Brew a chilled raspberry lemonade that echoes the fruity notes in the dessert. The tart and sweet beverage enhances the raspberry flavor while providing a light, zingy accompaniment.
• Brew a hot cup of Earl Grey tea with its bergamot undertones. The tea's subtle citrus and floral notes beautifully highlight the raspberry's brightness and cut through the bar's richness.

Storage Tips for Raspberry Crumb Bars

• Refrigerator Storage: Seal cooled raspberry crumb bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Refrigerate for up to 5 days, maintaining freshness and preventing soggy texture.
• Freezer Preservation: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe ziplock bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months, ensuring no moisture penetrates the packaging.
• Counter Storage: Keep bars in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place in cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to prevent jam from getting runny.
• Reheating Method: Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, restore crispness by placing in preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of jam in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute raspberry jam with other fruit preserves like strawberry, blueberry, or apricot. Choose a jam with a similar consistency for best results.

• Is it necessary to use rolled oats specifically?

Quick oats or old-fashioned oats work well. Avoid steel-cut oats as they won’t provide the right texture for the crumb bars.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and slightly set edges. The center should look dry and not wet when you remove the bars from the oven.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to create a gluten-free version of the recipe.

Delicious Raspberry Crumb Bars

• Craft with Ease: Requires minimal kitchen skills, perfect for bakers of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Quick and Delightful Treat: Minimal prep time allows you to create a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile raspberry bars suit various occasions like potlucks, family gatherings, afternoon tea, or casual weekend desserts that everyone will adore.
• No-Fuss Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples like flour, oats, butter, and raspberry jam, eliminating the need for complex or hard-to-find ingredients, ensuring stress-free baking.

Ingredients for Raspberry Crumb Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure to the crumb bars.
• Rolled Oats: Adds texture and hearty flavor to the base and topping.
• Light-Brown Sugar: Brings sweetness and depth of flavor to the bars.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars achieve a light and tender texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, tender base and helps bind the dry ingredients together.

• Raspberry Jam: Provides a sweet and tangy fruit layer that complements the buttery crumb base.

Raspberry Crumb Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Sweet raspberry crumb bars blend tangy fruit with buttery, crumbly layers of pure comfort. Homemade dessert perfection invites home bakers to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3/4 cups (180 ml) raspberry jam (seedless)
• 1/2 cups (113 g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup (225 g) rolled oats (old fashioned)
• 1/2 cups (100 g) light-brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) salt
• 1/4 tsp (1 g) baking soda

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and set up an 8-inch square baking pan with foil, creating a 2-inch overhang. Lightly grease the foil to prevent sticking.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add rolled oats and light-brown sugar, using fingertips to break down any sugar clumps and create a uniform mixture.
3. Introduce softened butter to the dry ingredients. Blend using fingertips until the mixture becomes evenly moistened and develops a crumbly texture.
4. Transfer approximately 2 cups of the oat mixture into the prepared pan. Compress firmly to create a solid, even base layer that will support the raspberry filling.
5. Distribute raspberry jam across the oat base, spreading carefully to leave a small border around the edges. Ensure an even layer to prevent overflow during baking.
6. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the raspberry layer, gently pressing to create a loose, crumbly topping. Bake for 34-38 minutes until the surface turns golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan. This resting period helps the bars set and makes cutting easier. Once cooled, lift out using foil edges and slice into squares for serving.

Notes

• Soften butter at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother crumb texture, preventing tough or dry bars.
• Choose high-quality raspberry jam with minimal additives for a more authentic, intense fruit flavor that complements the oat base.
• Customize the recipe by substituting raspberry jam with other fruit preserves like apricot, blackberry, or strawberry for delightful flavor variations.
• For gluten-free options, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg