Berry Crumb Bars

These Berry Crumb Bars are buttery, crumbly, and filled with a sweet tart berry center. Perfect for dessert, brunch, or an easy fruity treat.

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Shopping list:

• quick oats
• all purpose flour
• salt
• baking powder
• brown sugar
• unsalted butter
• raspberries
• blackberries
• cornstarch
• lemon juice
• vanilla extract
• lemon zest
• strawberry preserves

Berry Crumb Bars are the perfect balance of buttery, crumbly, and bright berry flavor in every bite. A soft brown sugar oat crust made with quick oats, flour, baking powder, and butter bakes into a sturdy yet tender base. The center is filled with a sweet tart mixture of raspberries and blackberries, combined with strawberry preserves, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla for a vibrant, jammy layer that tastes like summer.

The same crumble mixture is sprinkled over the top and baked until golden and slightly crisp, creating the perfect contrast to the juicy berry filling. These bars are easy to slice, great for sharing, and perfect for everything from dessert to brunch or an afternoon snack. With simple ingredients and big flavor, they’re a go to treat when you want something fruity, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent.

Looking for some more sweet treats that use berries? Check out my Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Fluff or Sparkling Berry Lemonade!

If you love adding oats to your desserts, then you'll want to try this Rhubarb Crisp or Chocolate No Bake Cookies!

Keep scrolling for the full printable recipe 💙

Recipe tips and substitution ideas:

• For the best texture, press the bottom crust firmly and evenly into the pan so it holds together when sliced, using the bottom of a measuring cup can make this easier and more even than using your hands. Don’t skip pre baking the crust, as it helps prevent a soggy bottom once the berry layer is added. 

• Be sure to fully mix in the cornstarch when combining the berries so the filling thickens properly. If your berries are extra juicy, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to help the filling set.

• Let the bars cool completely before cutting so the layers firm up and slice cleanly, and for extra neat edges, chill them slightly before slicing. These are also great cut into bite sized squares. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days to keep them fresh.

• You can easily switch up these Berry Crumb Bars based on what you have on hand. Use blueberries, strawberries, or a mixed berry blend in place of raspberries and blackberries, or swap the strawberry preserves for raspberry or apricot preserves. If you don’t have fresh berries, frozen berries work too, just thaw first and add a little extra cornstarch to account for the extra moisture.

• For the crust, you can substitute old fashioned oats for quick oats, the texture will be a bit heartier, or use a mix of whole wheat and all purpose flour. Honey or maple syrup can replace some of the brown sugar for a slightly different flavor, and margarine or coconut oil can be used instead of butter, though butter gives the best flavor and texture. You can also use orange or lime juice and zest instead of lemon for a different citrus twist, and almond extract can be used in place of vanilla.

Our favorite kitchen equipment and supplies used with this recipe:

• Parchment Paper Baking Sheets
• OXO Good Grips 7-Piece Nesting Measuring Beaker Set
• Hand Press Juicer
• OXO Good Grips Etched Zester and Grater
• Silicone Spoon Spatula 

Yield 8 servings

Author Hot Eats and Cool Reads

Prep time

10 Min

Cook time

40 Min

Inactive time

40 Min

Total time

1 H & 30 M

Berry Crumb Bars

A soft brown sugar oat crust layered with jammy berries and topped with a golden crumble. These bars are bright, flavorful, and easy to love.

Ingredients

• crumble:
• 1 1/4 cups quick oats
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• filling:
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 cup fresh blackberries
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1/4 cup strawberry preserves

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, combine the quick oats, flour, salt, baking powder, and brown sugar. Stir until well combined.
3. Add the melted butter and stir until a crumbly mixture forms.
4. Press 2/3 of the crumble mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes.
5. In another large bowl, combine the raspberries, blackberries, and brown sugar. Gently mash the berries once with a fork and stir to combine.
6. Add the cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and strawberry preserves. Mix until well combined.
7. Pour the berry mixture over the baked crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
9. Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

457

Fat

19 g

Sat. Fat

11 g

Carbs

70 g

Fiber

4 g

Net carbs

66 g

Sugar

36 g

Protein

5 g

Sodium

187 mg

Cholesterol

46 mg

Hot Eats and Cool Reads is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe you try from this blog/website. You may not always have the same results I do due to variations in ingredients, humidity, altitude, cooking temperatures, typos, errors, omissions, or individual cooking abilities. 

You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful. I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Each individual's dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual.

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