Description
These Raspberry Bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a luscious, sweet-tart raspberry filling. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, they are an irresistible dessert or snack that combines fresh fruit with a rich, tender crumble.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust and Crumble:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Raspberry Filling:
- 3 cups fresh or thawed raspberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the edges for easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Make Crust and Crumble: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, cut the cold cubed butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, beat the egg together with vanilla extract, then stir this into the flour mixture until well combined.
- Form the Crust: Press about two-thirds of the dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a firm crust layer. Set aside the remaining dough for the topping.
- Prepare Raspberry Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together the raspberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and cinnamon if using. Stir frequently and cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Assemble: Evenly spread the cooled raspberry filling over the crust in the pan. Then, crumble the remaining dough evenly over the raspberry layer as the top crust.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the bars are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the top starts browning too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer the pan to the refrigerator for at least 1.5 hours to chill fully before slicing into bars and serving.
Notes
- For easier slicing, chilling the bars thoroughly helps them set and hold together better.
- Frozen raspberries should be fully thawed and drained well to minimize extra moisture in the filling.
- The optional cinnamon adds a warm spice note but can be omitted if preferred.
- Use parchment paper with overhang to lift the bars out cleanly without sticking to the pan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: raspberry bars, berry dessert, crumb bars, fruit bars, easy dessert, baking recipe
