Get ready to experience a mouthwatering explosion of fruity goodness that will transform your ordinary dessert routine into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Berry Crumb Bars are not just a treat; they're a perfect balance of buttery, crumbly crust and juicy, vibrant berries that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver a dessert that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 9 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for berries)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will form the base and crumb topping for your bars.
- Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure to pack it down firmly to create a solid base.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the berry filling. Combine 2 cups of mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries) with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Gently toss the berries until they are well coated with the sugar and cornstarch mixture.
- Evenly distribute the berry mixture over the pressed crumb base in the baking dish. Make sure to spread the berries out to ensure even coverage.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the berry filling. Try to cover the berries as evenly as possible, but it’s okay if some berries peek through.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the berry filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes. This will help the filling set up a bit more.
- After cooling, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Transfer them to a cutting board and slice into 9 squares.
- Serve the berry crumb bars warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Tips
- Berry Selection: Use a mix of fresh berries for the most complex and vibrant flavor. If fresh berries are out of season, frozen berries work perfectly too – just don't thaw them before using.
- Crumb Consistency: The key to perfect bars is achieving a sandy, coarse crumb texture. Make sure your melted butter is not too hot when mixing with dry ingredients.
- Even Distribution: When pressing the crumb mixture into the pan, use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to create an even, compact base.
- Prevent Soggy Bottom: The cornstarch in the berry mixture helps absorb excess liquid and prevents your bars from becoming too wet.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean, neat squares that hold their shape.
- 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.
- Serving Suggestion: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate these bars from delicious to absolutely irresistible!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
