This is a simple and versatile recipe that is packed with fruit flavor and one of my family’s favorites!

Berry Crumble Bars

Category

Category name

Serves

Makes about 15 bars

For the Crust

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold
  • 1 ¼ cup, plus 2 tablespoons pastry flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Method

  1. Line a quarter baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In the bowl of a food processor or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the butter, flour, sugar and salt and process or mix until a dough begins to form. Remove from the food processor or mixer and finish mixing by hand if needed. Press the dough evenly into the parchment-lined baking pan, making sure that it reaches into the corners.

For the Fruit Filling

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 cups berries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar, or more as desired
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Lemon or orange zest, optional
  • Vanilla extract, optional
  • Cinnamon, coriander or cardamom, optional

Method

  1. Halve or quarter the strawberries, depending on their size. In a large bowl, toss the berries with the sugar and any of the optional flavorings. Taste and add more sugar as desired (start with less and add more as needed). Add the flour and toss together. The flour should lightly coat the fruit. I use a bit more for frozen fruit since there is more liquid. Spread the fruit evenly over the dough, making sure that it reaches into the corners.

For the Oat Topping

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup, plus 3 tablespoons rolled oats
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup, plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, rolled oats and brown sugar and mix well. Add the melted butter and mix until the butter is fully incorporated and there are no dry pieces. Sprinkle over the filling, covering as much of the fruit as possible.
  3. Bake until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling, 25 to 35 minutes or more, as all ovens vary and you may need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the cooking time.
  4. Allow to cool to warm or room temperature before cutting. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.