Raspberry Crumble Bars

Celebrate the vibrant flavors of summer with our Raspberry Crumble Bars—a delightful union of juicy raspberries, buttery crumble, and a hint of citrus zest. These bars encapsulate the essence of sunshine in every bite, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Indulge in the season’s bounty with this easy-to-make treat that will elevate your dessert game and leave your taste buds craving more.

Exciting Story: The inspiration for our Raspberry Crumble Bars comes from lazy summer afternoons, where the air is filled with the scent of ripe berries and the promise of sweet indulgence. The first time we baked these bars, it was like capturing the spirit of a summer day—a burst of raspberries, the buttery crumble, and the zing of citrus coming together in perfect harmony. Now, they are a symbol of summer gatherings and the simple joys of savoring the season’s treasures.

Why Raspberry Crumble Bars are a Slice of Summer Joy:

Selling Points:

• Juicy Raspberry Filling: A generous layer of fresh raspberries creates a burst of fruity goodness in every bite.
• Buttery Crumble Bliss: The golden-brown crumble topping provides a perfect contrast to the juicy raspberries, offering a symphony of textures.
• Citrus Zest Elevation: A touch of citrus zest (lemon or orange) adds a bright and refreshing note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Easy-Breezy Baking: With a simple and straightforward preparation, Raspberry Crumble Bars are the ideal dessert for lazy summer days or impromptu gatherings.

Ingredients: For the Raspberry Filling:

• 3 cups (about 360g) fresh raspberries
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons (15g) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of one lemon (or orange), finely grated

For the Crumble:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 230g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Zest of one lemon (or orange), finely grated

For Dusting (Optional):

• Powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

For the Raspberry Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, gently toss together fresh raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and finely grated lemon zest until the raspberries are well coated.

For the Crumble:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and finely grated lemon zest.
2. Add cold, cubed unsalted butter to the mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assembly:

1. Press half of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the base.
2. Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the crumble base.
3. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the raspberry filling, creating a crumbly topping.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the crumble is golden brown and the raspberry filling is bubbly.
5. Remove from the oven and let the Raspberry Crumble Bars cool completely in the baking dish.
6. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the dish. Place them on a cutting board and cut into squares or bars.
7. Optional: Dust the tops of the bars with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
8. Serve and enjoy the burst of summer flavors!

Notes:

• Allow the Raspberry Crumble Bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean and neat slices.
• Experiment with different berries or a mix of berries for a variation in flavor.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, but for longer storage, refrigerate them. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use frozen raspberries?

A: Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Keep in mind that frozen berries may release more liquid during baking, so adjust the cornstarch accordingly.

Q: Can I substitute the citrus zest?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to use either lemon or orange zest, depending on your preference or what you have on hand.