Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Tangy Raspberry Crumble Bars

Raspberry Crumble Bars are the kind of treat that always hits the spot when you need something sweet and tangy. Whether it’s a busy afternoon or a casual gathering, these bars have the perfect combination of flavors and textures everyone loves. The buttery, crunchy crumble topping is nice against the soft, tart raspberry filling, it’s a satisfying bite every time.

What makes these bars so good is the combination of easy and indulgent. You can have them as a quick snack, dessert after dinner or pack them up for a picnic. The best part? They’re made with only a few ingredients you probably have in your pantry. As you bake, your kitchen will fill with the smell of butter and fresh fruit, it’s the perfect setting for a cozy treat.

Raspberry Crumble Bars have that sweet and tangy balance, you’ll be making them again and again for everyday treats or special occasions.

How To Make Raspberry Crumble Bars

Raspberry Crumble Bars are a super easy treat that are sweet and tangy. The buttery crumbly base and topping is crunchy and the raspberry filling is fruity. These are quick to make and perfect for an afternoon snack, dessert or picnic treat. They’re versatile and easy so they’re a go-to dessert for any occasion and will please both kids and adults.

Ingredients

For the Base and Topping:

• 180g all-purpose flour
• 150g granulated sugar
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 120g unsalted butter

For the Raspberry Filling:

• 180g fresh raspberries
• 100g granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
3. Add the cold butter and cut into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or your hands until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1 cup of the crumble mixture for the topping.
4. In a saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, lemon juice and cornstarch.
5. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens and the raspberries have broken down. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Press the crumble mixture into the prepared baking dish to form a base.
7. Spread the raspberry filling over the base. Top with the reserved crumble mixture.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
9. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Raspberry Crumble Bars

1. Use Fresh Raspberries For Best Flavor

While frozen raspberries are easy, using fresh raspberries will take the flavor to the next level. Fresh raspberries have natural sweetness and color that makes the filling pop. If you are making these during raspberry season, this is the time to use fresh berries for that extra fruity punch in each bite.

2. Add Lemon Zest To The Raspberry Filling

Adding lemon zest to the raspberry filling will take it to the next level. The zest will enhance the tartness of the raspberries and add a subtle citrusy fragrance that will complement the sweetness of the fruit. Grate the lemon peel into the filling before cooking and you will have bars that will make your taste buds do the happy dance with every bite.

3. Make Sure The Butter Is Cold For The Crumble

To get that perfect crumbly texture for the base and topping, make sure the butter is cold when you mix it into the dry ingredients. Cold butter is flaky and crispy, that is what a good crumble is all about. You can even chill the cubed butter in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the flour mixture for extra flakiness.

4. Chill The Dough For Better Texture

Once you have made the crumble mixture, it is a good idea to chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before pressing it into the baking dish. Chilling the dough helps the butter to set and prevents the crumble from becoming too soft or sticky when baking. This gives you a crisper, firmer base once the bars have cooled.

5. Use A Food Processor For Quick Mixing

Using a food processor to make the crumble is not only quicker but also ensures the butter is evenly distributed into the dry ingredients. This will save you time and effort especially when making large batches. Just pulse the ingredients until they look like coarse crumbs, then chill before pressing into the dish.

6. Add A Pinch Of Salt

A little salt in the crumble mixture will help balance the sweetness of the sugar and the tartness of the raspberries. Salt brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit and overall flavor. Do not overdo it, just a small amount will do the trick without overpowering the delicate balance of flavors.