Introduction
Indulge in the delightful combination of oats and berries with this scrumptious recipe for berry crumble bars. Perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack, these bars feature a buttery oat crust topped with vibrant strawberries and blueberries, all finished with a sweet glaze. Easy to prepare and sure to please, they are a fantastic treat for any occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Crust and Topping:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– ¾ cup all-purpose flour
– ⅓ cup light brown sugar
– ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Berry Filling:
– 1 cup strawberries, chopped small
– 1 cup blueberries, sliced in half
– 1½ teaspoons cornstarch
– Juice from ½ lemon
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Glaze:
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 2-7 tablespoons heavy cream
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 bars
Enjoy making these delicious berry crumble bars, and savor the delightful flavors of fresh fruit atop a hearty oat crust! Store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze for later enjoyment.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease an 8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly spray the parchment paper.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 4: Combine with Butter
Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Reserve ½ cup of this mixture for the topping.
Step 5: Form the Crust
Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Step 6: Layer the Fruit
Layer half of the chopped strawberries and blueberries over the crust.
Step 7: Add Cornstarch
Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the fruit layer.
Step 8: Drizzle Lemon Juice
Drizzle the lemon juice over the fruit.
Step 9: Sprinkle Sugar
Sprinkle half of the granulated sugar over the fruit.
Step 10: Add Remaining Fruit
Add the remaining fruit on top.
Step 11: Sprinkle Remaining Sugar
Sprinkle the remaining granulated sugar over the second fruit layer.
Step 12: Add Oat Mixture
Evenly distribute the reserved ½ cup of the oat mixture over the top.
Step 13: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
Step 14: Cool the Bars
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Step 15: Prepare the Glaze
Once cooled, prepare the glaze by mixing 2 tablespoons of heavy cream with the powdered sugar. Gradually add more cream until the desired consistency is achieved.
Step 16: Drizzle the Glaze
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
Step 17: Serve
Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Storage Instructions
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Tips
For longer storage, freeze the bars and thaw before serving.
Cook techniques
Whisking
Whisk together dry ingredients in a bowl to ensure they are evenly combined and to incorporate air for a lighter texture in the crust.
Mixing
Combine the melted butter with the dry mixture until crumbly. This creates a texture suitable for pressing into the pan for the crust.
Pressing
Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form a sturdy crust that will hold the berry filling.
Layering
Layer the fruit carefully and sprinkle cornstarch evenly to help thicken the juices during baking, ensuring a nice consistency.
Baking
Bake until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, which ensures the bars cook evenly and the flavors meld.
Cooling
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting, as this helps them set and makes them easier to slice.
Glazing
Mix powdered sugar with heavy cream to create a glaze. Adjust the cream gradually to achieve the desired consistency for drizzling.
FAQ
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen berries, but be aware that they may release more liquid during baking, so you might need to adjust the cornstarch.
How can I make the bars gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Can I use different fruits for the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or peaches according to your preference.
How do I store leftover bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
What is the best way to reheat thawed bars?
You can reheat thawed bars in the oven at a low temperature or microwave them briefly to warm them up.
Conclusion
This delightful berry oat bar recipe combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the vibrant flavors of strawberries and blueberries, resulting in a treat that is both nutritious and satisfying. The crispy crust perfectly complements the juicy fruit filling, while the glaze adds a sweet finishing touch. Enjoy these bars as a snack, dessert, or breakfast option, and share them with friends or family for a delightful homemade treat.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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Raspberry Lemon Bars
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Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
Incorporate chocolate chips into the oat mixture, creating a rich and satisfying dessert that combines the goodness of oats with chocolate.
Apple Cinnamon Crumble
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