Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars

 Ever crave a burst of sunshine in every bite? These Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars are the answer! A sweet and tart treat, perfect for a midday pick-me-up or a delightful dessert. Inspired by cozy afternoon tea, this recipe brings a touch of homemade goodness to your table. Let’s bake some magic!

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars

These Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience! Here’s why you’ll be reaching for seconds:

• Easy to Make: Simple steps, perfect for beginner bakers.
• Bursting with Flavor: The tangy lemon complements the sweet raspberry perfectly.
• Perfectly Portable: Ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, or potlucks.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Always a hit with family and friends.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your favorite fruits and flavors.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
• Beautiful Texture: The crumbly topping contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling.
• Aromatic Delight: Your kitchen will smell heavenly while these bake!

These crumble bars offer less cleanup than making a whole pie, all while delivering that cozy, comforting feeling. These are simple enough even for your first baking attempt.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars. Let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to bake!

• All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120g). Use a good quality flour for the best crumble.
• Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g). Adds the perfect sweetness to both the crust and topping.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed: 1/2 cup (113g). Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly texture.
• Old-fashioned oats: 1/2 cup (40g). Adds a lovely chewiness and nutty flavor to the crumble.
• Raspberry jam: 1 cup (240g). Use your favorite brand or homemade for the best results.
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Freshly squeezed is always best!
• Lemon zest: 1 tablespoon. Adds a burst of bright citrus flavor. Be sure to zest only the yellow part of the peel.
• Fresh raspberries: 1 cup (125g). Adds a juicy, fresh element to the filling. Frozen raspberries can also be used if fresh are not available.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (8g). Helps to thicken the filling and prevent it from becoming too runny.

For the spices, consider using fresh lemon and raspberries from your local farmer’s market for the best flavor!

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks – A savory side for any occasion.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools can make all the difference! Here’s what you’ll need to bake these amazing Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars:

• 8×8 inch baking pan: For perfectly portioned bars.
• Parchment paper: Ensures easy removal and cleanup.
• Medium mixing bowl: To combine the crust and crumble ingredients.
• Whisk: For blending the dry ingredients.
• Pastry cutter or fingers: To incorporate the butter into the flour mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wire rack: For cooling the baked bars.

No pastry cutter? Use a fork or even your fingers! A heavy baking pan will also help to distribute the heat evenly.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

this …

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 9 bars
• Difficulty: Easy

Scale up the recipe for a larger crowd, or halve it for a smaller gathering. These bars are versatile and easy to adjust to your needs!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks!

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add 1/2 cup cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until coarse crumbs form. The butter should be cold to create a flaky crust.

Step 4: Add the Oats

Stir in 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats until well combined. This adds a lovely texture and nutty flavor to the crumble.

Step 5: Reserve Crumble Topping

Reserve 1 cup of the crumble mixture for the topping. Set it aside for later.

Step 6: Press Crust into Pan

Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This forms the base of your bars.

Step 7: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. This helps to set the crust and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Step 8: Prepare the Filling

While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine 1 cup raspberry jam, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 cup fresh raspberries, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix well to ensure the cornstarch is fully incorporated.

Step 9: Spread the Filling

Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the baked crust. Make sure it’s a nice, even layer.

Step 10: Sprinkle Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the filling. This creates that signature crumble topping we all love.

Step 11: Bake the Bars

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 12: Cool and Refrigerate

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour for cleaner slices. This helps the filling set and makes the bars easier to handle.

CHECK OUT: Greek Yogurt Raspberry Oat Muffins – A healthy and delicious breakfast option.

Tips for Success

Want to make sure your Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars are a hit? Here are some tips to help you achieve perfection!

• Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is key to creating a crumbly crust and topping.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in a tough crust.
• Evenly Distribute Filling: Ensure the raspberry filling is spread evenly over the crust.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent a messy filling.
• Refrigerate Before Slicing: Chilling the bars in the refrigerator for at least an hour helps the filling to set and makes for cleaner slices.

If your crust is browning too quickly, tent it with foil. Remember to pre-measure your ingredients for a smoother baking process!

Variations & Substitutions

Want to put your own spin on these Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars? Here are a few ideas to get you started!

• Other Fruits: Substitute blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries for the raspberries.
• Different Jams: Try using strawberry, apricot, or even blackberry jam.
• Nuts: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the crumble topping.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Honey can be substituted for sugar, but it will be sweeter. Add almond extract for a nutty kick!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars

These Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience!

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the sweet and tart flavors.
• Whipped Cream: Adds a light and airy touch.
• Fresh Berries: Garnish with extra raspberries or blueberries for a beautiful presentation.
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing beverage to balance the sweetness.

These bars are perfect for a summer picnic or a cozy fall evening. Stack the slices high and drizzle with a simple glaze for an elegant touch!

Health Benefits

These Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars aren’t just delicious; they also offer some nutritional benefits! Here’s a peek at what you’re getting with each bite:

• Raspberries: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Oats: Provide fiber, which aids digestion.
• Lemon: Offers vitamin C and a boost to your immune system.

These bars offer a source of carbohydrates for energy. While they are a treat, they do provide some beneficial nutrients!

Storage & Reheating

Want to enjoy these Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars for days to come? Here’s how to properly store and reheat them:

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
• Freezing: Freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Make sure to cool the bars completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup. Reheating in the oven helps retain that delicious crumble!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about making these Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars? We’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions to help you bake with confidence:

Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the filling.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Blind baking the crust for 15 minutes before adding the filling helps to prevent sogginess. Also, be sure to cool the bars completely before cutting.

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time. A larger pan will result in thinner bars, while a smaller pan will result in thicker bars.

How do I store the bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: Approximately 280 calories per bar
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 38g
• Protein: 3g

Exact nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more sweet treats? Explore these other delightful recipes for your next baking adventure!

• Delectable Maple Apple Crisp – A warm and comforting dessert with a hint of maple sweetness.
• Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding – A cozy and flavorful bread pudding perfect for chilly evenings.
• Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Bread – A festive and delicious bread that combines the best of snickerdoodles and pumpkin spice.

Conclusion

These Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars are fast, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a casual brunch or a sweet craving, these bars are perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s bake some happiness!

Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

Print