Irresistible Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars: A Sweet Symphony of Flavor!
Prepare to indulge in the delightful harmony of sweet raspberries and buttery oatmeal with our Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars recipe! These irresistible bars are a perfect combination of chewy, crunchy, and fruity goodness, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re packing them for a picnic or serving them as a dessert at your next gathering, these bars are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and unlock the secrets to creating these delectable treats!
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (NOT quick cook or instant)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 (18 oz) jar raspberry jam
Instructions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Creaming Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Adding Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporating Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until crumbly and well combined.
- Layering the Bars: Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the bottom crust layer.
- Spreading Jam: Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the oat mixture in the baking dish, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Creating the Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the raspberry jam layer, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are lightly crisp.
- Cooling and Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or bars and serve.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the oat mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Enhance the flavor of the bars by adding grated lemon or orange zest to the oat mixture.
- Mixed Berry Variation: Use a combination of raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry jams for a mixed berry version of these bars.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Option: Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content. Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of brown sugar and granulated sugar. Opt for a sugar-free raspberry jam or make your own using fresh raspberries and a keto-friendly sweetener.
- Low Carb Variation: Reduce the amount of rolled oats and replace them with additional almond flour or coconut flour. Use a low-carb sweetener in the crumble mixture and choose a sugar-free raspberry jam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use other fruit jams instead of raspberry?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fruit jams such as strawberry, blueberry, or apricot to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- How should I store these bars?
- Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for longer storage, but be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Can I freeze these bars?
- Yes, these bars freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Indulge in the delightful flavors and textures of Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars and treat yourself to a sweet escape from the everyday. With their buttery oatmeal base, luscious raspberry filling, and crumbly topping, these bars are a true delight for the senses. Whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or special treat, they’re sure to bring joy to every bite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of these irresistible bars!
Here’s to baking bliss and the simple pleasures of homemade treats!
