These vibrant raspberry streusel bars are a treat for the eyes and the palate. The sweet buttery crust, tangy raspberry filling and crunchy streusel topping come together to create a symphony of flavors that will make you reach for seconds. Whether for a family gathering, a picnic or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars are a delightful indulgence.
Most ingredients for this recipe are probably already in your kitchen. However, there are a couple of things you might need to pick up. Make sure to check for raspberry preserves and fresh raspberries. Raspberry preserves are usually located in the jam or preserves aisle of your supermarket, and fresh raspberries can be found in the produce section. Remember to check the quality of your fresh produce for the best results.
Streusel Bar Ingredients Featuring Raspberry
Unsalted butter: This is used in both the crust and the streusel to add a rich, creamy flavor.
Granulated sugar: It sweetens the crust and balances the tartness of the raspberries.
Vanilla extract: A little goes a long way in enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
Salt: A pinch of salt can highlight the sweetness and flavors of the dessert.
All-purpose flour: It forms the base of the crust.
Raspberry preserves: It gives the bars a sweet and tart raspberry flavor.
Fresh raspberries: These add freshness and tang to the dish.
Old fashioned oats: They create texture in the streusel topping.
Brown sugar: It sweetens the streusel topping and adds a hint of molasses flavor.
Ground cinnamon: This spice adds warmth to the streusel topping.
Vanilla icing: For drizzling over the top of the bars to add extra sweetness.
One reader, Hildy Lowell says:
These raspberry streusel bars are a delightful treat! The buttery crust pairs perfectly with the sweet raspberry filling and crunchy streusel topping. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine. Plus, they are easy to make and always a hit with family and friends. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Raspberry Streusel Bars
How to prepare the crust: Combine melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl. Add flour and stir until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 15 minutes.
How to make the streusel: Whisk together oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a medium bowl. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the filling with streusel and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.
How to cut the raspberry streusel bars: Lift the foil or parchment out of the pan using the overhang on the sides and cut into bars.
How to drizzle with vanilla icing: If using, drizzle the bars with vanilla icing before serving.
How To Make Raspberry Streusel Bars
These raspberry streusel bars have layers of a shortbread crust, raspberry jam filling, sugar-cinnamon oat streusel, and lastly vanilla icing on top.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- ½cupunsalted butter,(115 grams), melted
- ¼cupgranulated sugar,(50 grams)
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- ¼tspsalt
- 1cupall purpose flour,(125 grams), spoon and leveled
For the Filling:
- ¾cupraspberry preserves
- 16fresh raspberries
For the Streusel:
- ½cupold fashioned oats,(40 grams)
- ⅓cuplight or dark brown sugar,(70 grams), packed
- ¼tspground cinnamon
- ¼cupall purpose flour,(30 grams), spoon & leveled
- ¼cupunsalted butter,(60 grams), cold and cubed
- vanilla icing,for topping, optional
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (149 degrees C). Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on all sides. Set aside.
Crust:
-
Stir the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt together in a medium bowl. Add the flour and stir until everything is combined.
-
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
-
Remove the crust from the oven, and turn the oven up to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).
-
Spread preserves over warm crust. Dot the preserves with raspberries on top.
Streusel:
-
Whisk the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour together in a medium bowl. Cut in the chilled butter with a pastry blender or two forks (or even with your hands) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Sprinkle the filling with streusel and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the streusel is golden brown. The raspberry filling should be bubbling on the edges.
-
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
-
Lift the foil or parchment out of the pan using the overhang on the sides and cut into bars. Drizzle the bars with vanilla icing, if using.
-
These raspberry bars can be enjoyed at room temperature or cold.
Nutrition
- Calories: 194.55kcal
- Fat: 8.95g
- Saturated Fat: 5.52g
- Trans Fat: 0.35g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.31g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.43g
- Carbohydrates: 27.93g
- Fiber: 2.17g
- Sugar: 13.57g
- Protein: 1.63g
- Cholesterol: 22.88mg
- Sodium: 43.76mg
- Calcium: 37.31mg
- Potassium: 52.05mg
- Iron: 0.90mg
- Vitamin A: 73.21µg
- Vitamin C: 1.92mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Raspberry Streusel Bars
When making the streusel topping for these raspberry streusel bars, it's important to ensure the butter is cold before cutting it into the mixture. This helps to create a crumbly texture. If the butter is too warm, the streusel can become too doughy. Also, when pressing the crust into the baking pan, apply even pressure to ensure a uniform layer. This will help the crust to bake evenly and support the raspberry filling and streusel topping.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the crust and streusel the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of baking.
Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment to streamline the cooking process.
Room temperature butter: Use room temperature butter for the crust to make it easier to mix and press into the pan.
Chill time: While the bars are chilling in the refrigerator, use that time to clean up the kitchen and prepare other dishes.
Bake in bulk: Consider doubling the recipe and freezing half for later to save time on future dessert preparations.
Invest in quality tools: High-quality baking tools and equipment can make the process more efficient and enjoyable.
Substitute Ingredients For Raspberry Streusel Bars Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the crust while also adding a hint of coconut flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and moisture to the crust while also providing a subtle floral flavor.
raspberry preserves - Substitute with strawberry preserves: Strawberry preserves can offer a similar fruity and sweet flavor to the filling, while adding a different berry twist to the bars.
fresh raspberries - Substitute with blackberries: Blackberries can provide a similar tartness and juiciness to the bars, while adding a different berry flavor profile.
old fashioned oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes can offer a similar texture and nutty flavor to the streusel, while adding a boost of protein and nutrients.
light or dark brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can provide a similar caramel-like sweetness to the streusel, while adding a hint of caramel flavor.
all purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can offer a gluten-free alternative with a nutty flavor, while adding a slightly denser texture to the crust and streusel.
unsalted butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee can provide a rich and nutty flavor to the crust and streusel, while adding a hint of caramelization.
Presenting Raspberry Streusel Bars for Maximum Appeal
Elevate the raspberry bars: Place the raspberry streusel bars on a pristine white plate to showcase the vibrant colors of the raspberries and the golden streusel topping.
Garnish with fresh raspberries: Arrange a few fresh raspberries on the plate to add a pop of color and a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Drizzle with vanilla icing: Create a beautiful drizzle of vanilla icing over the top of the raspberry streusel bars, adding a touch of sweetness and a visually appealing finish.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the plate with a sprinkle of powdered sugar to add a delicate and professional touch to the presentation.
Accompany with a dollop of whipped cream: Serve the raspberry streusel bars with a small dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side, adding a creamy and luxurious element to the dish.
Add a sprig of fresh mint: Place a small sprig of fresh mint on the plate for a burst of color and a hint of refreshing aroma, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the dessert.
Essential Tools for Making Raspberry Streusel Bars
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting dishes.
- 8-inch square baking pan: A square-shaped pan used for baking and preparing various desserts and dishes.
- Parchment paper: Used to line baking pans and prevent food from sticking.
- Medium bowl: A bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients.
- Pastry blender: A tool used to blend solid fat into flour when making pastry dough.
- Forks: Used for mixing and blending ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Raspberry Streusel Bars
- These raspberry streusel bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, place the bars in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Allow the bars to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- To freeze the raspberry bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to serve, thaw the bars overnight in the refrigerator, then bring them to room temperature before serving. If desired, you can refresh the bars by placing them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- If you plan to freeze the bars, it's best to do so without the vanilla icing. Add the icing after thawing and bringing the bars to room temperature for the best presentation and texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Raspberry Streusel Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover raspberry streusel bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the streusel topping is crisp again. This method is ideal for restoring the crispness of the crust and streusel while keeping the raspberry filling warm and gooey.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can reheat the bars in the microwave. Place a single bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 15-20 seconds. If reheating multiple bars, increase the time accordingly, but be careful not to overheat them, as the raspberry filling may become too hot and start to bubble.
For a more even reheating, you can use a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the raspberry streusel bars on the wire rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and the streusel is slightly crisp.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to quickly reheat the bars while maintaining their texture. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the bars in the basket, ensuring they aren't touching each other. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the bars are heated through and the streusel is crisp.
For a more indulgent treat, you can reheat the raspberry streusel bars in a skillet with a dollop of butter. Melt a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the bars in the skillet and heat for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until warmed through and slightly crisp. The butter will add a rich flavor and help crisp up the crust and streusel topping.
Interesting Trivia About Raspberry Streusel Bars
The raspberry streusel bars recipe is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of raspberry preserves with a buttery streusel topping. These bars are perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled. They are a great way to showcase the delicious flavor of fresh raspberries and are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.
Is Making Raspberry Streusel Bars at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this raspberry streusel bars recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of the ingredients. While raspberries and butter may be pricier, the recipe yields a substantial quantity, making it suitable for a household. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering the delightful combination of flavors and textures. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $15-$20, making it a reasonable option for a homemade dessert.
Are Raspberry Streusel Bars Healthy or Unhealthy?
The raspberry streusel bars recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to its high content of butter, sugar, and refined flour. The crust and streusel topping are the main culprits, as they are rich in saturated fats and added sugars. However, the recipe does include some redeeming ingredients, such as fresh raspberries and oats, which provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter in the crust and streusel by replacing half of it with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado
- Swap out half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Cut back on the sugar in the crust and streusel by using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, or simply reducing the amount of sugar used
- Increase the amount of fresh raspberries used in the filling to boost the fiber and vitamin content
- Add a sprinkle of chia seeds or flax seeds to the streusel for an extra dose of healthy omega-3 fatty acids
- Instead of using raspberry preserves, which often contain added sugars, try making your own filling by cooking down fresh or frozen raspberries with a touch of honey or lemon juice
Editor's Opinion on Raspberry Streusel Bars
The combination of the buttery crust, sweet raspberry preserves, and crunchy streusel creates a delightful texture and flavor contrast in these raspberry streusel bars. The addition of fresh raspberries adds a burst of fruity freshness. The vanilla icing drizzle provides a sweet finishing touch. The recipe is well-balanced and offers a perfect blend of sweetness and tartness. The bars can be enjoyed as a delightful dessert or a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea. Overall, this recipe is a delightful and versatile option for any occasion.
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Why trust this Raspberry Streusel Bars Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful treat for any occasion. The raspberry preserves and fresh raspberries provide a burst of fruity flavor, while the buttery crust and streusel topping add a satisfying crunch. The use of vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma and taste. With a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, these bars are a guaranteed hit. The detailed instructions ensure a foolproof baking experience, and the addition of vanilla icing adds a touch of elegance. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the meticulous preparation to create a delectable dessert that will impress everyone.
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