Raspberry Bars with Oatmeal Crumble Topping are a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of fresh raspberries with a sweet and crunchy oatmeal crumble. These bars are perfect for a sweet snack, dessert, or even a breakfast treat!

Ingredients

For the Raspberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Oatmeal Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Timing

Making Raspberry Bars with Oatmeal Crumble Topping takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Raspberry Filling

1. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gently toss to coat the raspberries and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Oatmeal Crumble Topping

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add Butter: Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients and stir until crumbly and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Press Crumble Mixture: Take about two-thirds of the crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base.
2. Add Raspberry Filling: Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the crumble base.
3. Top with Remaining Crumble: Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the raspberry filling.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy! These bars can be served warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Raspberry Bars with Oatmeal Crumble Topping (per bar, based on 12 bars):

Nutrient	Amount per Bar
Calories	180
Protein	2g
Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	27g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	8g

Tips for Customization

• Different Berries: Substitute raspberries with other berries like blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a different flavor.
• Add Nuts: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping for added crunch.
• Spices: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the crumble mixture for extra warmth and flavor.

Conclusion

Raspberry Bars with Oatmeal Crumble Topping are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that balances the tartness of raspberries with a sweet, crunchy topping. They are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with family and friends!