Luxurious Berry Crumble Bars

Treat yourself to the delightful combination of juicy berries and a buttery crumble with our Luxurious Berry Crumble Bars! These bars are perfect for any occasion, offering a sweet and tangy experience in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Crust and Crumble:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold butter, cubed

For the Berry Filling:

• 3 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

1. Make the Crust and Crumble:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.

1. Prepare the Berry Filling:

• In a separate bowl, mix the berries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the berries are evenly coated.
• Spread the berry mixture evenly over the crust in the baking dish.

1. Top and Bake:

• Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the berries, pressing down lightly.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the berries are bubbly.

1. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 16 bars

Variations

• Berry Mix: Use any combination of berries you prefer, such as blackberries or strawberries alone.
• Add-Ins: For added texture, mix in some chopped nuts or a handful of chocolate chips.

Storage

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen berries?
   Yes, frozen berries work well. Just make sure to thaw them and drain excess moisture before using.
2. How can I prevent the crumble from getting too hard?
   Ensure you do not over-mix the crumble topping. It should have a crumbly texture.
3. What if I don’t have rolled oats?
   You can substitute with quick oats or additional flour if necessary.
4. Can I use a different type of sugar?
   Yes, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute of your choice.
5. How do I cut the bars neatly?
   Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean edges.
6. Can I add nuts to the crumble?
   Yes, adding chopped nuts can give an extra crunch to the topping.
7. What should I do if the berries release too much juice?
   You can add a bit more cornstarch to thicken the filling or bake a bit longer.
8. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time and stored as described.
9. How can I make these bars gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free oats and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
10. Can I use a different pan size?
    Adjust the baking time if using a different pan size.

Conclusion

Luxurious Berry Crumble Bars are a deliciously sweet and tangy treat that combines the freshness of berries with a rich, buttery crumble. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a special treat.

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