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Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors? Say hello to Raspberry Lemon Crumble Bars! These delectable treats are the ultimate summer snack, boasting a buttery crumble crust, a luscious raspberry filling, and a zesty lemon twist that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or just craving a sweet treat at home, these bars are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love Raspberry Lemon Crumble Bars
These bars are not just easy to make, but they also look stunning on any dessert table. The vibrant red of the raspberries against the golden crumble crust is a feast for the eyes. Plus, they are perfect for sharing with friends and family — or keeping all to yourself!
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Raspberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Serving Size
Makes about 12 bars
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Make the Crust and Topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping, and press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Raspberry Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring gently until the raspberries start to break down and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the raspberry filling over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping over the raspberry layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Then lift them out using the parchment overhang and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Butter: Make sure your butter is cold to achieve that perfect crumbly texture.
- Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully, so feel free to make a double batch!
- Berry Variations: Try substituting the raspberries with blueberries or blackberries for a different twist!
Why This Recipe Stands Out
The Raspberry Lemon Crumble Bars are a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The tartness of the raspberries complements the sweetness of the crumble, while the hint of lemon adds a refreshing brightness. They’re the perfect dessert to brighten up any day!
Sister’s Diary
I discovered this recipe during a summer gathering when a friend brought over her homemade crumble bars. The combination of raspberry and lemon immediately struck a chord with me. I knew I had to recreate them in my kitchen! These bars have since become a family favorite, especially during berry season.
