Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

These bars come together quickly, so you’ll be enjoying a sweet, homemade treat in no time. Here’s how to make them:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Crumble Mixture
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large bowl, combine the **rolled oats**, **all-purpose flour**, **brown sugar**, **cinnamon**, and **salt**. Mix everything together until well-combined. Next, add the **cold butter** cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Some larger chunks of butter are fine—these will create a buttery, crumbly texture when baked.

Set aside about **1/2 cup** of the crumble mixture to sprinkle on top of the bars later.

#### Step 2: Make the Raspberry Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the **fresh raspberries**, **granulated sugar**, **lemon juice**, **cornstarch**, and **vanilla extract** (if using). Gently toss the ingredients to coat the raspberries. The cornstarch helps thicken the raspberry filling as it bakes, giving you a nice, jammy consistency.

#### Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Press about **2/3 of the crumble mixture** into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, forming a solid, even layer. This will be the base of your bars. Make sure it’s packed tightly so it holds together when baked.

Next, spread the raspberry filling evenly over the oat base. Be careful not to move the crumble around too much. Once the raspberries are evenly distributed, sprinkle the reserved **1/2 cup of crumble** over the top of the filling.

#### Step 4: Bake the Bars
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for **35-40 minutes**, or until the top is golden brown and the raspberry filling is bubbling. The edges should be slightly caramelized, and the crumble topping should be crisp and golden.

#### Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important as it allows the raspberry filling to set up properly, making the bars easier to cut.

Once cool, slice into squares or rectangles, and enjoy!

### Tips for the Best Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

1. **Use Fresh Raspberries**: If possible, use **fresh raspberries** for the best flavor and texture. If you’re using frozen raspberries, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
2. **Don’t Overmix the Crumble**: When mixing the butter into the dry ingredients, aim for a coarse, crumbly texture. If you mix too much, the crumble can become too dense.
3. **Customize the Filling**: Feel free to experiment with different fruits in the filling. **Blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries** would all work wonderfully in this recipe, or you can make a mixed berry version.
4. **Make it Gluten-Free**: To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute the **all-purpose flour** with a gluten-free flour blend.
5. **Serve with Ice Cream**: These bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a scoop of **vanilla ice cream** or a dollop of **whipped cream** for an extra indulgent treat.

### Why You’ll Love Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

1. **Hearty and Delicious**: The oatmeal in the crumble gives these bars a hearty texture, making them more satisfying than your average fruit dessert.
2. **Perfect for Any Occasion**: These bars are perfect for everything from casual snacking to special occasions. Serve them at a brunch, bring them to a picnic, or enjoy them as an afternoon treat with your coffee.
3. **Easy to Make**: With simple ingredients and minimal steps, these bars come together quickly, making them a great option for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
4. **Family-Friendly**: These bars are sweet enough to satisfy kids’ sweet tooths but have a level of sophistication that makes them appealing to adults as well.
5. **Make-Ahead**: The bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to a month if you want to enjoy them later.

### How to Serve Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

– **With Ice Cream**: For an indulgent treat, serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
– **As a Breakfast Option**: These bars are hearty enough to enjoy as a breakfast or brunch item, especially when paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
– **Topped with Whipped Cream**: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds an extra creamy layer of richness to these already delicious bars.
– **On Their Own**: These bars are just as delicious served on their own, as a snack or dessert after dinner.

### Conclusion

**Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars** are the perfect treat for anyone who loves a combination of sweet, tart, and hearty flavors. The juicy raspberries and buttery, oat-filled crumble come together to create a dessert that’s both comforting and satisfying. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a dessert to share, or a make-ahead treat, these Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are guaranteed to hit the spot.

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**Enjoy your homemade Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars—a sweet, tart, and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any time of day!**