Raspberry Crumb Bars
Raspberry Crumb Bars are a delightful treat featuring a buttery crust layered with sweet raspberry preserves and topped with a crunchy oat and nut crumble. Perfect for afternoon tea or casual gatherings, they offer a harmonious blend of tart and sweet flavors with a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and butter a 9 x 9-inch pan.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Add the all-purpose flour, salt, oats, and chopped walnuts to the mixture and combine until crumbly.
- Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
- Spread the seedless raspberry preserves over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the raspberry layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting the raspberry preserves with other fruit preserves like apricot or strawberry for different flavors. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds work well too. Make sure to press the crumb mixture firmly into the pan to create a stable base. If you prefer a sweeter crumb, increase the powdered sugar slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These Raspberry Crumb Bars are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun brunch idea, serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or with a slice of Old Fashion 'Peach' Cake for a sweet spread. They also make a great afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Raspberry Crumb Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. To reheat, let them come to room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raspberry Crumb Bars contains roughly 384 calories, with 9g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1016mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the texture of the bars. The results should still be delicious and satisfying!
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of preserves?
While fresh raspberries can be used, they will not provide the same sweetness or consistency as preserves. If using fresh, consider mixing them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a thicker filling that holds together better during baking.
How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).