Introduction to Raspberry Streusel Bars
Why Raspberry Streusel Bars are a Must-Try Snack
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the essence of homemade goodness and irresistible flavor, Raspberry Streusel Bars should be at the top of your list. These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust layered with thick raspberry preserves and topped with a crunchy streusel made from oats and brown sugar. The combination of textures and flavors creates a snack that’s hard to resist.
What sets these bars apart is not just their delicious taste but also their versatility. You can enjoy them as a quick breakfast on the go, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or even a showstopper at gatherings. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, meaning you’ll have more time to spend savoring each bite or sharing them with friends.
For those curious about variations, raspberry isn’t your only option! Try substituting with other fruit preserves like strawberry or peach for a completely different take—check out more recipe ideas on Sally’s Baking Addiction for inspiration. Before you know it, these Raspberry Streusel Bars will become a staple in your kitchen, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Ingredients for Raspberry Streusel Bars
Creating raspberry streusel bars is not only simple but also an enjoyable experience! Here are the key ingredients you'll need to bring this delicious treat to life.
Crust Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (113g), melted — This forms the base of your crust, giving it a rich flavor.
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup (50g) — Sweetens your crust perfectly!
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon — Adds that warm, comforting aroma.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon — Enhances all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (125g), spooned & leveled — Provides structure to your crust.
Filling Ingredients
- Raspberry preserves: ¾ cup (240g) — The star of the show, infusing your bars with fruity goodness!
- Fresh raspberries: 12–16 — These add texture and burst with flavor.
Streusel Ingredients
- Old-fashioned whole rolled oats: ½ cup (43g) — Adds heartiness to your streusel.
- Brown sugar: ⅓ cup (70g), packed — Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon — A hint of spice to compliment the sweet and tart flavors.
- All-purpose flour: ¼ cup (31g), spooned & leveled — Ties the streusel together.
- Unsalted butter: ¼ cup (56g), cold and cubed — Ensures your streusel is crumbly and delicious.
Optional: Drizzle with some vanilla icing for that extra touch of sweetness!
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these heavenly raspberry streusel bars!
Step-by-Step Preparation of Raspberry Streusel Bars
Baking delicious raspberry streusel bars is not only a rewarding experience but also a breeze when you follow these simple steps. Let's dive into the process so you can impress friends, family, or just indulge in a sweet treat yourself!
Preheat the oven and prepare the pan
To start, preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C). This initial low heat is essential for our crust. While the oven heats up, grab an 8-inch square baking pan and line its bottom and sides with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some overhang; it helps in easily removing the bars once they're baked. Now it’s time to set this pan aside while we prepare our crust!
Make the crust mixture
In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup melted unsalted butter, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir them together before gently folding in 1 cup all-purpose flour. Once combined, press this buttery mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. It will form the base that perfectly complements our raspberry layer.
Bake the crust
Pop the crust into your preheated oven and bake it for about 15 minutes. You want it to set but not brown—this step ensures your crust is slightly firm to hold the luscious raspberry filling to come.
Assemble the filling
As your crust bakes, gather your filling ingredients. Spread ¾ cup of raspberry preserves over the warm crust, then sprinkle 12-16 fresh raspberries across the top. The combination creates a delightful and colorful layer that adds both flavor and appeal to your raspberry streusel bars.
Prepare the streusel topping
Now for the finishing touch—let's make the streusel! In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup rolled oats, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ cup all-purpose flour. Cut in ¼ cup cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender (or your fingers, if you prefer) until you achieve a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this streusel mixture generously over the raspberry-filled crust.
Bake and cool the bars
Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake for another 30-35 minutes until the streusel is golden brown and the raspberry filling is bubbling at the edges. This is where your kitchen might start to smell heavenly! After baking, allow the bars to cool for 20 minutes at room temperature, then chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Cut and drizzle with icing
Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice them into 12-16 bars based on your size preference. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle them with some homemade vanilla icing for that extra pop of sweetness.
And there you have it—your own homemade raspberry streusel bars ready to be enjoyed! They are perfect at room temperature or chilled, making them a versatile treat for any occasion. Happy baking!
Variations of Raspberry Streusel Bars
Strawberry or Peach Streusel Bars
Why stop at raspberries when you can explore the delightful world of fruity flavors? Substitute raspberry preserves with strawberry or peach preserves for a delicious twist. Just as rich in flavor, these alternatives bring their own personality to the classic streusel bar. You can even mix the fruits for a vibrant fruit medley that’s sure to impress your friends at brunch.
Vegan Raspberry Streusel Bars
Want to enjoy your Raspberry Streusel Bars while keeping it plant-based? Easy! Simply swap out the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter, and replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture. You won’t lose the delicious buttery taste but will gain a guilt-free, vegan dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising flavor. Curious about more plant-based swaps? Check out this guide for more inspiration!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Raspberry Streusel Bars
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your Raspberry Streusel Bars! If you're out of raspberry preserves, other fruit spreads like strawberry or peach can work wonderfully. For a twist on the streusel, you can use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour or swap the oats for chopped nuts for added crunch.
Storing and Freezing Tips
To keep your Raspberry Streusel Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Want to extend their life? Freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving—they’ll be just as delicious as the day you made them! For best practices on freezing baked goods, check out this helpful guide on Food Storage Tips for further insights.
Serving Suggestions for Raspberry Streusel Bars
Best accompaniments
These Raspberry Streusel Bars are delightful on their own, but pairing them with a few accompaniments can elevate your experience. Try serving them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. A side of Greek yogurt adds a nice tang that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Creative serving ideas
For a fun twist, you can cut these bars into bite-sized squares and present them on a dessert platter at your next gathering. Drizzle warm vanilla icing over the top for that extra touch of sweetness! Alternatively, consider serving them with a refreshing cup of herbal tea or a chilled glass of lemonade, balancing out their rich flavors and making for a delightful afternoon treat. For more ideas, check out Food Network for inspiration on desserts!
Time Breakdown for Raspberry Streusel Bars
Preparation Time
Get started on these delicious Raspberry Streusel Bars with a prep time of just 20 minutes. This is perfect for those cozy afternoons when you are craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Cooking Time
Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to bake! The cooking time for these bars is 50 minutes. During this time, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible scent of baking raspberries and buttery crust.
Total Time
Including chilling time, the total time for these delightful treats comes to 3 hours and 20 minutes. This includes cooling time, so plan accordingly if you're preparing them for a special occasion. Remember, patience pays off; allowing them to chill enhances their flavor and texture!
For more details on how to make these delicious bars, you can check the full recipe here.
Nutritional Facts for Raspberry Streusel Bars
Calories per bar
Each serving of Raspberry Streusel Bars contains approximately 180-220 calories, depending on how big you slice them. Balancing your snack choices is key, so enjoy these delicious bars in moderation!
Sugar content
These delightful bars have about 10-12 grams of sugar per serving. The sweetness comes predominantly from the raspberry preserves and the brown sugar in the streusel, which adds that charming flavor profile without overwhelming your palate.
Fiber content
You’ll find around 2 grams of fiber in each bar. Thanks to the whole rolled oats in the streusel topping, these bars can provide a satisfying texture while contributing to your daily fiber intake—a great way to feel fuller longer!
For additional nutrition insights and tips on how to substitute ingredients, you might find resources from the USDA or Nutrition.gov helpful. Enjoy your baking adventure!
FAQ about Raspberry Streusel Bars
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Absolutely! Frozen raspberries can be a convenient and delicious option for your Raspberry Streusel Bars. Just be sure to thaw them and pat them dry before adding them to the filling. This prevents excess moisture, ensuring your bars don’t turn out soggy.
How long do these bars last?
When stored properly, your Raspberry Streusel Bars can last up to five days in the refrigerator. Just keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you have a busy week ahead, consider making a double batch!
What’s the best way to store them?
For optimal storage, place the bars in an airtight container in the fridge. If you want to enjoy them later, they freeze beautifully for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving. For more tips on storage, you can check out helpful articles from sources like Food Safety.gov to ensure your treats stay delicious.
Conclusion on Raspberry Streusel Bars
In summary, Raspberry Streusel Bars are a delightful treat that combines the vibrant taste of raspberries with a buttery crust and crunchy streusel topping. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy them fresh or chilled for a sweet indulgence!
Raspberry Streusel Bars
Equipment
- 8-inch square baking pan
- parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry Blender
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
- vanilla icing optional for topping
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on all sides. Set aside.
- Make the 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°F (177°C).
- Spread preserves over warm crust. Dot the preserves with raspberries on top.
- Make the 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 until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the filling with streusel and bake for 30–35 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.
Leave a Reply