Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and crunchy. These bars feature a buttery oatmeal crust, a luscious raspberry filling, and a crumbly topping. They are an excellent treat for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Easy to make and full of flavor, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are perfect for anyone who loves fruity desserts with a bit of texture. They’re simple to make, versatile, and can be enjoyed any time of the day. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.

Ingredients

For the Crust and Crumble:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Raspberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Saucepan (if using fresh raspberries)
• Whisk

Directions

Making the Crust and Crumble

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
3. Add Melted Butter: Pour in the melted butter and mix until the dry ingredients are moistened and the mixture is crumbly.
4. Form the Crust: Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.

Making the Raspberry Filling

1. Prepare the Raspberries: If using fresh raspberries, place them in a saucepan with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the raspberries break down, about 5-7 minutes. If using frozen raspberries, combine them directly with the sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a bowl.
2. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the raspberry mixture over the prepared crust in the baking dish.

Assembling and Baking

1. Add the Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the raspberry filling.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
3. Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. This ensures the filling sets properly and makes slicing easier.

Notes and Tips

• Butter Temperature: Using melted butter helps to create a uniform crumb mixture that sticks together well.
• Raspberry Consistency: If you prefer a smoother filling, you can blend the raspberries before cooking them down.
• Crust Thickness: Press the crust mixture firmly to ensure it holds together well when cutting the bars.

Storage

Store Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different Fruits: Substitute raspberries with strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free oats to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Nuts and Seeds: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans, or seeds such as chia or flax, to the crumb mixture for extra crunch and nutrition.

FAQ

Can I use jam instead of fresh or frozen raspberries?

Yes, you can use raspberry jam or preserves if you prefer. Simply spread a thick layer of jam over the crust before adding the crumb topping.

How do I prevent the bars from being too crumbly?

Ensure you press the crumb mixture firmly into the baking dish for the crust. Let the bars cool completely before cutting to help them hold together better.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars are great for making ahead. Store them in an airtight container and enjoy them throughout the week.

Pairings

Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful snack.

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