Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly balanced dessert that combines the rustic wholesomeness of whole wheat with the vibrant, sweet-tart burst of blackberry jam. These Whole Wheat Blackberry Crumb Bars are not just a treat; they're a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or a dessert enthusiast looking for a guilt-free indulgence, these bars will revolutionize your baking game and leave everyone asking for your secret recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 9 bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup blackberry jam
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Add softened butter to the dry ingredient mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly sand-like texture.
- Press approximately two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even, compact base layer.
- Spread the blackberry jam evenly over the crumb base, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the jam layer, creating a rustic, uneven topping that will provide a delightful crumbly texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the crumb topping appears slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. This cooling period helps the bars set and makes cutting easier.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire batch out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 9 equal squares, ensuring clean cuts with a sharp knife. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the perfect crumbly texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining butter with dry ingredients, stop mixing as soon as you achieve a sandy consistency to keep the bars tender.
- Use High-Quality Jam: The better your blackberry jam, the more flavorful your bars will be.
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! Let the bars cool entirely to help them set and make cutting easier.
- Storage Hack: These bars stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Customization Option: Feel free to swap blackberry jam with other fruit preserves like raspberry or mixed berry for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
