During a heat wave, turning on the oven might seem like a daring move, but the allure of making these Mixed Berry Crumble Bars was simply irresistible. This easy, delicious, and incredibly juicy treat is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the sweetness of summer berries in a delightful dessert. With a simple recipe that combines the tartness of red currants, the sweetness of blueberries and blackberries, and a buttery crumble, these bars are a must-try. So grab the recipe below, and make sure to enjoy them in the cool shade!
Why You'll Love This: These Mixed Berry Crumble Bars are the epitome of summer in a bite. They are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a satisfying crumble texture that makes each bite unforgettable. The combination of red currants, blueberries, and blackberries offers a burst of fresh flavors, enhanced by a hint of lemon zest for that extra zing. Easy to prepare and irresistibly juicy, these bars are a fantastic way to use up summer's bounty of berries. Whether you're a berry aficionado or a crumble enthusiast, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for summer picnics, family gatherings, or as a refreshing treat after a long day, these Mixed Berry Crumble Bars are versatile and suit any occasion. They're a wonderful addition to a brunch spread, a sweet snack to enjoy with afternoon tea, or a delightful dessert to wind down an evening. Their easy-to-share format also makes them great for potlucks or as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and neighbors.
Decoration Tips: For an extra touch of elegance, dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Garnishing with fresh berries or lemon zest right before serving not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the bars' fresh and fruity appeal. Serve on a decorative plate or a rustic wooden board to complement the bars' homemade charm.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 300g flour
- 100g oats
- 150g sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 200g cold butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 300g red currants
- 100g blueberries
- 100g blackberries
- 100g sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Line the bottom of a baking pan with parchment paper and grease the sides with butter. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Combine berries, lemon zest, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl.
- In a stand mixer's bowl, mix flour, oats, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Cut butter into cubes and add to the dry ingredients, blending until coarse crumbs form. Mix in the eggs and vanilla, kneading until the dough forms a ball. Chill 1/3 of the dough for 15-20 minutes.
- Roll out the remaining dough into a 24x24 cm square and place it in the prepared pan, pressing down firmly. Drain excess juice from the filling and spread it over the dough.
- Retrieve the chilled dough, crumble it, and sprinkle over the filling.
- Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown.
These Mixed Berry Crumble Bars are a simple yet sophisticated treat that marries the vibrant flavors of summer berries with the comforting texture of a crumble. Enjoy the fusion of tart and sweet in every juicy bite!