Raspberry Crumble Bars: Easy, Homemade Dessert Perfection

There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a warm, freshly-baked Raspberry Crumble Bar after a long day. The contrast between the tart, jammy raspberry filling and the buttery, oat-studded crumble creates an irresistible texture that satisfies in a way few desserts can. Whether you’re hosting an impromptu gathering of friends or simply craving something sweet yet substantial, these Raspberry Crumble Bars deliver every time.

The beauty of these bars lies in their versatility and approachability. Unlike fussy desserts that demand precision and specialized equipment, these Raspberry Crumble Bars come together with pantry staples and fresh (or frozen) raspberries. The aroma of butter and oats baking to golden perfection will fill your kitchen with the kind of warmth that makes a house feel like home. Best of all, this easy Raspberry Crumble Bars recipe yields impressive results that look like they came from a professional bakery.

Why You’ll Love These Raspberry Crumble Bars

• ✅ These classic Raspberry Crumble Bars with buttery crust come together in just minutes of active prep time
• ✅ Perfect easy homemade Raspberry Crumble Bars with oats that stay fresh for days
• ✅ Versatile recipe that works as breakfast, snack or best Raspberry Crumble Bars for dessert lovers
• ✅ Customize with healthy Raspberry Crumble Bars using almond flour for a gluten-free option
• ✅ Make quick Raspberry Crumble Bars for last-minute snacks or potlucks year-round
• ✅ These Raspberry Crumble Bars with a crumbly topping provide the perfect balance of sweet and tart

Ingredients for Raspberry Crumble Bars

These delicious Raspberry Crumble Bars require simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The recipe scales easily for larger gatherings or can be halved for a smaller batch.

For the Crust and Crumble:

• 2 1/4 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)

For the Filling:

• 4 cups fresh raspberries (about 2 pints)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Ingredient Tips and Substitutions:

• For vegan Raspberry Crumble Bars with coconut oil, swap the butter with an equal amount of coconut oil
• Try healthy Raspberry Crumble Bars using almond flour by replacing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with almond flour
• For gluten-free Raspberry Crumble Bars for summer picnics, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats
• Frozen raspberries work perfectly in this recipe (no need to thaw first)

How to Make Raspberry Crumble Bars – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease any exposed parts of the pan.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble Mixture

In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups flour, rolled oats, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract if using. Stir until everything is well incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for the topping.

Step 3: Form the Bottom Crust

Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to create a smooth, even surface. Bake for 10-12 minutes until just beginning to turn golden at the edges.

Step 4: Prepare the Raspberry Filling

While the crust is baking, prepare your filling. In a medium bowl, gently toss the raspberries with sugar, lemon juice, the reserved 2 tablespoons of flour, and cornstarch until well coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Raspberry Crumble Bars

Remove the par-baked crust from the oven. Spread the raspberry mixture evenly over the warm crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the raspberries, creating a textured topping.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the raspberry filling is bubbling at the edges. For extra crispy Raspberry Crumble Bars, bake for 5 more minutes.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Allow the Raspberry Crumble Bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for proper setting – at least 2 hours or ideally overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 8: Cut and Serve

Once completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan. With a sharp knife, cut into squares or rectangles as desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Raspberry Crumble Bars

• Perfect Texture Secret: The key to the best Raspberry Crumble Bars is not overmixing the crumble. Stop mixing as soon as everything is incorporated for that perfect crumbly texture.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the crumble mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Flavor Variations: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to the crumble mixture for a flavor twist.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: If using particularly juicy berries, toss them with an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to prevent the dreaded soggy bottom.
• Clean Cutting Technique: For picture-perfect Raspberry Crumble Bars with a crumbly topping, refrigerate completely before cutting and wipe your knife clean between cuts.

Best Ways to Serve Raspberry Crumble Bars

These versatile Raspberry Crumble Bars can be enjoyed in multiple ways:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert
• Pair with afternoon tea or coffee for a sophisticated snack
• Include in lunch boxes for a sweet treat
• Crumble over yogurt for a breakfast parfait
• Serve at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream
• For an elegant presentation, dust with powdered sugar just before serving

Nutritional Information for Raspberry Crumble Bars

Per serving (1 bar, assuming 16 bars per recipe):

• Calories: 275 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 16g

These easy homemade Raspberry Crumble Bars with oats provide a good source of fiber from the oats and raspberries, making them a more nutritious dessert option.

Storage & Leftovers

One of the best features of these quick Raspberry Crumble Bars for last-minute snacks is how well they keep:

• Counter Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week for optimal freshness.
• Freezer: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual Raspberry Crumble Bars in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To enjoy warm, microwave a refrigerated bar for 15-20 seconds or a frozen bar for 30-45 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raspberry Crumble Bars

What are Raspberry Crumble Bars made of?

Raspberry Crumble Bars consist of three key components: a buttery oat crust on the bottom, a sweet-tart raspberry filling in the middle, and a crumbly oat topping. The crust and topping are typically made from the same mixture of flour, oats, sugar, and butter, while the filling uses fresh or frozen raspberries combined with sugar and a thickening agent like cornstarch.

How do you store Raspberry Crumble Bars?

For optimal freshness, store Raspberry Crumble Bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep at room temperature for 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Always ensure they’ve cooled completely before storing.

Can I use frozen raspberries for Raspberry Crumble Bars?

Yes! Frozen raspberries work excellently in Raspberry Crumble Bars and can be used straight from the freezer without thawing. You might need to add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch if your frozen berries release more liquid than fresh ones, and you may need to extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes.

How long do Raspberry Crumble Bars last?

Properly stored Raspberry Crumble Bars will last 2 days at room temperature, up to 1 week in the refrigerator, and up to 3 months in the freezer. Their quality is best within the first 3-4 days, but they remain delicious throughout their storage life.

Conclusion

These classic Raspberry Crumble Bars with buttery crust bring together the best of fruit crumbles and bar cookies in one irresistible package. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability – perfect for beginners or experienced bakers alike. With their perfect balance of buttery richness, tart fruit filling, and satisfying crunch, it’s no wonder these Raspberry Crumble Bars have stood the test of time as a beloved dessert.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these Raspberry Crumble Bars are sure to become a regular in your baking rotation. The next time you have raspberries on hand – or even when you don’t and need to reach for the frozen berries – remember this foolproof recipe for dessert success.

Have you tried making these Raspberry Crumble Bars? Share your experience in the comments below, or tag us in your creations on social media. We’d love to see your take on this classic treat!

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