Description
Sweet passion meets rustic charm in these berry crumble bars, blending Mediterranean-inspired flavors with classic homestyle baking. Layers of buttery crust, jammy berries, and crisp crumble topping promise delightful moments of pure culinary bliss you’ll savor to the last crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (90 grams) rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) salt
Sugar:
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
Fat:
- 1 cup (227 grams) cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
- Craft the foundational crumble base by blending flour, oats, white and brown sugars, baking powder, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Incorporate cold butter into the dry mixture, using a pastry cutter or fingertips to create a texture resembling rough, uneven breadcrumbs.
- Firmly press half of the crumbly mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a compact and even foundation.
- In a separate bowl, gently toss fresh berries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, ensuring each berry is evenly coated with the sweet, thickening mixture.
- Distribute the berry filling uniformly across the pressed crust, creating a vibrant and glossy layer.
- Scatter the remaining crumb mixture over the berry layer, lightly pressing down to create a rustic, textured topping.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and bubbling berry filling.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the baking dish, which helps them set and makes cutting easier.
- Once thoroughly cooled, slice into square portions and serve as a delectable dessert or sweet treat.
Notes
- Choose ripe, seasonal berries for the most intense and sweet flavor profile in your crumble bars.
- Freeze bars for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container for convenient make-ahead dessert option.
- Swap traditional wheat flour with gluten-free blend to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture or taste.
- Reduce sugar content by using fresh berries at peak ripeness and adding a touch of honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness enhancement.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 246
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 108 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 2.6 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg