Introduction to Raspberry Streusel Bars
Raspberry Streusel Bars are the ultimate treat for those who appreciate the delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. These bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, luscious raspberry filling, and a crumbly streusel topping that's hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or just satisfying a mid-week craving, these bars offer the perfect, shareable dessert.
Why Raspberry Streusel Bars are Perfect for Homemade Treats
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own sweets. Not only do Raspberry Streusel Bars come together quickly, but they also allow for some personal touches—like adding a drizzle of sweet vanilla icing or swapping the raspberry preserves for your favorite fruit spread. The versatility in ingredients means you can tweak the recipe to suit your palate or even dietary preferences.
These bars are especially wonderful for entertaining; they’re easy to cut into portions and can be prepped ahead of time, making them ideal for busy schedules. Plus, who doesn’t love the satisfaction of baking something that looks as good as it tastes? If you're looking for a delightful homemade treat that will impress friends and family alike, give these Raspberry Streusel Bars a try!
For more baking tips and mouth-watering recipes, check out Sally's Baking Addiction, where you can find more inspiration.
Ingredients for Raspberry Streusel Bars
Creating delicious Raspberry Streusel Bars is easy and satisfying when you have the right ingredients at hand. Let's break them down into three delightful sections for clarity!
Crust Ingredients
For the buttery crust that forms the base of these bars, you will need:
- ½ cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
This combination sets a lovely foundation for your raspberry filling.
Filling Ingredients
For the sweet and tangy filling, gather:
- ¾ cup (240g) raspberry preserves
- 12-16 fresh raspberries
These ingredients bring that burst of raspberry flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery crust.
Streusel Ingredients
Finally, for the crunchy streusel topping, you will need:
- ½ cup (43g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- ⅓ cup (70g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (31g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- ¼ cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
As a delicious finishing touch, consider drizzling them with vanilla icing for an extra layer of sweetness! Each of these components plays a vital role in the overall flavor and texture, ensuring your Raspberry Streusel Bars are a hit.
Preparing Raspberry Streusel Bars
When you think of a delightful dessert, Raspberry Streusel Bars should be at the top of your list! With their buttery crust, sweet raspberry filling, and crunchy streusel topping, these bars are not only scrumptious but also easy to make. Let’s walk through the steps together!
Preheat the oven and prepare the pan
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (149°C). While the oven heats, take an 8-inch square baking pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. This step is essential for easy removal of your delicious creations after baking. Make sure to leave some overhang on the sides—this will act as a handy lifter when it’s time to cut the bars!
Make the crust
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. The melty butter helps to combine the ingredients smoothly, creating a heavenly base for your bars. Once mixed, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and stir until everything is well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 15 minutes, until lightly golden.
Create the raspberry filling
As your crust bakes, let’s whip up the luscious raspberry filling. You’ll need ¾ cup of raspberry preserves and 12-16 fresh raspberries. After removing the baked crust from the oven, spread the raspberry preserves evenly over the warm crust, then dot it with the fresh raspberries. The combination of the preserves and fresh fruit adds a delightful burst of flavor that perfectly complements the rich crust below.
Prepare the streusel topping
Now it's time to make that irresistible streusel topping! In another medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup of old-fashioned rolled oats, ⅓ cup of packed light or dark brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. For that perfect crumbly texture, cut in ¼ cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the raspberry filling, ensuring every inch is covered with sweet streusel goodness.
Bake and cool the bars
Finally, increase your oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake your creation for about 30-35 minutes. Watch for the streusel to turn a lovely golden brown and the raspberry edges to bubble. Once baked, let the bars cool for at least 20 minutes at room temperature. For the best texture, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting. When you’re ready to serve, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into squares or rectangles. Feel free to drizzle with some sweet icing for an extra touch!
These delightful Raspberry Streusel Bars are sure to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or chilled—either way, they promise to be a hit!
Variations on Raspberry Streusel Bars
Different Fruit Preserves to Try
While raspberry preserves shine in this recipe, consider experimenting with your favorite fruit flavors! Strawberry, peach, or even blueberry preserves can add a delightful twist to your Raspberry Streusel Bars. Each fruit brings its own unique sweetness and tanginess, allowing you to personalize your bars to suit your taste. Just remember to adjust the sweetness slightly, as some fruits can be sweeter than others.
Adding Nuts or Seeds
For an extra layer of texture, think about adding chopped nuts or seeds to the streusel topping. Almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds can enhance both flavor and crunch. Simply mix in a half-cup of your chosen nut or seed into the streusel mixture. This not only makes your Raspberry Streusel Bars more nutritious but also creates a lovely contrast with the soft fruit filling—a perfect way to elevate your baking!
For more detailed baking tips and variations, check out this resource.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Raspberry Streusel Bars
Perfecting Your Raspberry Streusel Bars
When making Raspberry Streusel Bars, consider using high-quality raspberry preserves for the best flavor. You can also experiment with different fruit preserves like strawberry or peach for a fun twist!
Cooling and Storing Tips
Remember to cool the bars completely before cutting; this helps achieve clean, professional-looking slices. To keep them fresh, store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy.
Helpful Baking Insights
Using cold butter in your streusel is key for that perfect crumbly texture. Don't forget to check your oven temperature with a thermometer to avoid any surprises! For more expert baking tips, explore resources like King Arthur Baking. Happy baking!
Serving suggestions for Raspberry Streusel Bars
Enjoying Bars at Room Temperature vs. Cold
When it comes to enjoying your Raspberry Streusel Bars, you might wonder whether to savor them warm or chilled. Room temperature offers a delightful flavor experience, allowing the buttery crust and sweet raspberry filling to shine. However, chilling your bars enhances their texture, making them perfect for a refreshing treat on a hot day. Many folks, including me, prefer them cold—it adds a satisfying firmness and intensifies the raspberry flavor. Try both ways and see which you like best!
Pairing Bars with Beverages
Pairing your Raspberry Streusel Bars with the right beverages can elevate your dessert experience. Consider a cup of freshly brewed herbal tea or a rich cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. I also love them with sparkling water or homemade lemonade for a zesty contrast. These drinks not only complement the flavors but also make a lovely afternoon snack for gatherings. Try different options and discover your personal favorite pairing!
Time Breakdown for Raspberry Streusel Bars
Preparation Time
The prep time for these delicious Raspberry Streusel Bars is about 20 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients and making the buttery shortbread crust that serves as the foundation for these treat-worthy bars.
Baking Time
You'll spend approximately 50 minutes baking the bars. This gives the layered crust, sweet raspberry filling, and crumbly topping that perfect blend of flavors, resulting in a delightful dessert.
Total Time
In total, you’ll need about 3 hours and 20 minutes to whip up these delectable bars. Most of this time is for cooling, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. If you’re eager, you can start with preparation during your lunch break, making these bars a great option for a weekend project!
For more baking fun, check out Sally's Baking Addiction for additional tasty recipes!
Nutritional Facts for Raspberry Streusel Bars
When indulging in these delightful Raspberry Streusel Bars, it's helpful to know what you're savoring! Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content per serving:
Calories
Each bar contains approximately 180 calories, making them a satisfying treat without going overboard.
Carbohydrates
With around 25 grams of carbohydrates, these bars provide a good balance of energy with a sweet touch.
Sugars
You're looking at about 10 grams of sugar per bar. The natural sweetness of raspberries, combined with the brown sugar streusel, creates a delightful flavor without overwhelming your palate.
For more detailed insights into ingredients and healthy alternatives, check out resources like the USDA Food Composition Database for accurate nutritional values. Enjoy your baking!
FAQs about Raspberry Streusel Bars
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Absolutely! You can use frozen raspberries for your Raspberry Streusel Bars. Just be sure to thaw them first and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. This way, you'll still enjoy that tangy raspberry flavor without compromising the texture of your bars.
How do I store leftover bars?
To keep your Raspberry Streusel Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about five days, making them a great quick snack or dessert. If you're feeling adventurous, you can freeze them for up to three months! Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Doubling the recipe is easy and perfect for gatherings. Just use a 9x13-inch pan instead of an 8-inch square one. Bake for around 45 minutes, and you'll have a delicious batch ready to share (or keep all for yourself!).
For more tips, check out our guide to baking with frozen fruits or our favorite dessert storage methods!
Conclusion on Raspberry Streusel Bars
Raspberry Streusel Bars are a delightful treat that bridges the gap between sweet and tangy flavors, making them perfect for any occasion. With their buttery crust, luscious filling, and crunchy topping, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy these bars room temperature or chilled for that extra refreshing bite!
Raspberry Streusel Bars
Equipment
- 8-inch square baking pan
- mixing bowl
- whisk
- Pastry Blender
- parchment paper
Ingredients
Crust
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour spooned & leveled
Filling
- ¾ cup raspberry preserves
- 12-16 pieces fresh raspberries
Streusel
- ½ cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- ⅓ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour spooned & leveled
- ¼ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
Optional Topping
- vanilla icing for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: Stir the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt together in a medium bowl. Add the flour and stir until combined. Press the mixture into the baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the crust and increase the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C).
- Spread raspberry preserves over the warm crust. Dot with fresh raspberries.
- Make the streusel: Whisk oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a medium bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle streusel over filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the streusel is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
- Drizzle with vanilla icing if desired.
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