Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey with our irresistible Very Berry Crumble Bars – a dessert that promises to transform your ordinary day into an extraordinary culinary adventure! Imagine biting into a perfectly balanced treat where buttery, crumbly layers meet a vibrant burst of fresh mixed berries, creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these bars are your ticket to becoming an instant dessert hero!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredient mixture. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly and starts to hold together when pressed.
- Reserve about 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a compact base layer.
- In a separate bowl, gently combine the mixed berries, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss carefully to coat the berries without breaking them apart.
- Spread the berry mixture evenly over the pressed crumb base, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the berries, creating a rustic, uneven topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the berry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. The cooling process helps the bars set and makes cutting easier.
- Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 16 even squares.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warm. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Berry Selection: Use a mix of fresh, ripe berries for the most complex and delicious flavor profile. If fresh berries are out of season, frozen berries work wonderfully too!
- Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is fully melted but not scorching hot when mixing with dry ingredients to achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
- Pressing Technique: When creating the base layer, use the back of a measuring cup or flat spatula to press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly for a compact crust.
- Cornstarch Trick: The cornstarch helps thicken the berry filling and prevents a runny, soggy bottom – a crucial step for achieving that perfect bar consistency.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes for cleaner, more professional-looking slices.
- Storage Hack: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week, making them perfect for make-ahead desserts!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
