Raspberry Crumble Bars

Recipe: Raspberry Crumble Bars

INTRODUCTION:

These Raspberry Crumble Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that combines a buttery, shortbread-like base with a tart raspberry filling, topped off with a sweet and crumbly streusel. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or a sweet addition to any gathering, these bars are guaranteed to please everyone!

INGREDIENTS:

• For the Crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Raspberry Filling:
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• For the Crumble Topping:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • Pinch of salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make it easy to lift the bars out later.
2. Make the Crust:
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
3. Prepare the Raspberry Filling:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the raspberries break down, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Make the Crumble Topping:
   • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Assemble the Bars:
   • Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the baked crust.
   • Sprinkle the crumble topping over the raspberry filling, making sure to cover the filling evenly.
6. Bake the Bars:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the raspberry filling is bubbling.
   • Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy these delightful raspberry crumble bars. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.