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Raspberry Crumble Bars Recipe

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4.3 from 14 reviews

Delight in these luscious Raspberry Crumble Bars featuring a buttery, tender crust topped with sweet and tangy raspberry jam, finished off with a delightful crumble topping. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, these bars are easy to make and best served chilled for clean, perfect squares.

Ingredients

Crust and Crumble

  • 1 cup butter (room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon table salt)

Filling

  • 1 cup raspberry jam

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish or a quarter sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and enable easy removal of the bars.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures a smooth, tender crust.
  3. Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla bean paste until well combined, which enriches the dough with flavor and richness.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
  5. Form Bottom Crust and Bake: Press approximately half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the crust turns a very light golden brown. Remove it from the oven and set aside to cool. Refrigerate the remaining dough to keep it firm for the crumble topping.
  6. Add Jam and Crumble Topping: Once the bottom crust has cooled, spread the raspberry jam evenly over it. For extra flavor, feel free to add a bit more jam. Then, crumble the chilled reserved dough over the jam layer evenly.
  7. Bake the Bars: Return the baking pan to the oven and bake at 325°F for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and crisp.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the raspberry crumble bars to cool completely for at least 4 hours before cutting into squares. These bars cut best when chilled, ensuring clean slices and a delightful texture.

Notes

  • For a more intense raspberry flavor, use seedless raspberry jam or add a layer of fresh raspberries beneath the jam.
  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
  • Chilling the remaining dough helps create a nice crumble texture on top.
  • These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.