Mixed Berry Crumble Bars

by

A buttery shortbread base layered with jammy mixed berries and a golden, crunchy crumble topping.

Servings and Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55–60 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars
  • Dietary Badges: Vegetarian, Nut-Free

Ingredients (No measurements in this list, per outline — measurements are in the detailed recipe below)

For the Crust and Crumble

  • All-purpose flour
  • Old-fashioned oats
  • Granulated sugar
  • Light brown sugar
  • Unsalted butter
  • Salt
  • Vanilla extract

For the Berry Filling

  • Mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Lemon juice
  • Cornstarch
  • Vanilla extract

Instructions (Concise Card Version)

  1. Preheat oven and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, oats, sugars, and salt. Stir in melted butter and vanilla until crumbly.
  3. Press two-thirds of the mixture into the pan to form the crust.
  4. Cook berries with sugar, lemon, and cornstarch until thickened; spread over the crust.
  5. Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture over the berry layer.
  6. Bake until golden and bubbling, cool fully, then slice into bars.

Additional Notes

  • Using frozen berries works perfectly; no need to thaw.
  • Bars cut best once fully cooled or chilled.
  • Naturally nut-free and easy to make dairy-free with vegan butter.

Thesis

This recipe-first format ensures you get everything you need at a glance, with all details, variations, tips, and storage guidance below.

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Brief Introduction

These Mixed Berry Crumble Bars are the kind of dessert you make when you need something simple, nostalgic, and guaranteed to disappear fast. They strike the perfect balance: a buttery shortbread base, a thick layer of jammy berries, and a crisp, golden crumble topping. They work for picnics, potlucks, holidays, or the “I want a dessert now” moment.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Making the Crust and Crumble

Step 1: Combine dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Step 2: Add butter and vanilla
Pour in:

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Stir until a damp, sandy crumble forms.
    Tip: If it looks too dry, add 1 additional tablespoon melted butter.

Step 3: Press the base
Transfer two-thirds of the mixture into an 8×8 inch parchment-lined pan. Press firmly to create an even crust.

Making the Berry Filling

Step 4: Cook the berries
In a small pot, combine:

  • 3 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Cook 5–8 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 5: Layer the filling
Pour the berry mixture over the crust, spreading evenly.
Tip: If using frozen berries, cook a minute longer to evaporate excess moisture.

Baking the Bars

Step 6: Add the crumble
Scatter the remaining one-third of the crumble mixture on top.

Step 7: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and the edges bubble.

Step 8: Cool and slice
Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tip: Chill 1 hour for cleaner cuts.

Ingredient Details and Substitution Tips

Flour

All-purpose flour gives the bars structure.
Sub: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Oats

Old-fashioned oats add texture and help the topping stay crisp.
Sub: Quick oats work but make a softer crumble.

Butter

Melted unsalted butter gives richness and keeps the crumbs cohesive.
Sub: Vegan butter for dairy-free.

Mixed Berries

Use any combination: blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries.
Sub: Use a single berry or even cherries.

Cornstarch

Thickens the berry layer so it doesn’t run.
Sub: Arrowroot or tapioca starch.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

Flavor Variations

  • Lemon Blueberry: Add zest of 1 lemon to the filling.
  • Strawberry Rhubarb: Replace 1 cup berries with diced rhubarb; increase sugar by 2 tablespoons.
  • Blackberry Almond: Add 1 teaspoon almond extract to the filling.

Dietary Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Use GF oats and a 1:1 GF flour blend.
  • Dairy-Free: Replace butter with vegan butter sticks.
  • Reduced Sugar: Cut sugar in the crumble by up to one-third.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
  • Cut small squares for party trays.
  • Dust with powdered sugar for presentation.

Pairing Suggestions

  • Great with black tea or a simple latte.
  • For gatherings, pair with sparkling water or berry lemonade.

Storage and Make-Ahead Information

Storage

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Bars stay firmer when chilled.

Freezing

  • Freeze in layers separated by parchment for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw at room temperature 30–45 minutes before serving.

Reheating

  • Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
  • For a crisp top, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

Make-Ahead

  • Bake a day in advance; the flavors improve overnight.
  • You can also pre-cook the berry filling and refrigerate for 2 days.

Shelf Life Notes

  • The crumble softens slightly after day 3.
  • Best texture is within the first 48 hours.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per bar)

Calories: 235
Carbs: 34 g
Protein: 2.5 g
Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 85 mg

Allergens: Contains dairy and gluten.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen berries?
A: Yes. Use straight from the freezer; no need to thaw.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes. Bake in a 9×13 inch pan for 45–50 minutes.

Q: My bars are too soft. What happened?
A: The filling may need more cooking time. Simmer until visibly thick.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Yes, reduce by up to 25 percent without affecting structure.

Q: Can I make these without oats?
A: Yes. Replace oats with 1 cup coconut flakes or 3/4 cup extra flour.

Optional Personal Story

This recipe came from a summer ritual: every July, I’d return from the farmers’ market with far more berries than any one person reasonably needs. These bars became the easiest way to use them up, and eventually turned into a family favorite that shows up at picnics, school bake sales, and holidays.

Reader Interaction and Accessibility

If you make these bars, share your results or your own variation. Questions are welcome, and feedback helps improve future recipes.

Call-to-Action

Try these Mixed Berry Crumble Bars and let me know how they turned out. Share a photo, leave a comment, or pass the recipe along to someone who loves berry desserts.

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