Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them in a colander to drain any excess water. Then use as instructed.

Can I use different berries?

For the fresh fruit, I suggest sticking with raspberries and blackberries as these release a similar amount of juices. With that being said, you can choose to use all raspberries or all blackberries. For the preserves, use any flavor you like!

Can I use old fashioned oats instead of quick oats?

Unfortunately not, as old fashioned oats absorb liquid at a different capacity than quick oats.

Can this recipe be made vegan/dairy free?

Absolutely! Just swap the butter with plant-based butter and you're good to go.

Can this recipe be made gluten free?

I haven't tested it, but I think this recipe could work well with a cup for cup gluten free baking flour. Also make sure to use certified gluten free oats.

Can I use strawberry jam instead of preserves?

You can, but preserves are preferred for their texture and sweetness.

How do you store crumble bars?

Once the bars have baked and cooled, slice and store in a container in the refrigerator. They'll keep for about 5 days.

Can this recipe be doubled for a 9x13 dish?

I think that could work! I suggest increasing the bake time by about 5-10 minutes.

Brown Sugar Berry Crumble Bars

Description

These berry crumble bars have the most delicious and jammy triple berry filling with a sweet and buttery brown sugar crumble! They’re so quick and easy to make and are the perfect way to celebrate berry season.

Ingredients

Brown Sugar Crumble

1 1/2 cups (195g) all-purpose flour (or 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour), spooned and leveled
1 1/4 cups (125g) quick oats (use certified gluten free if needed)
3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter (regular or plant-based), melted

Triple Berry Filling

1 cup fresh blackberries*, divided
1 cup fresh raspberries*, divided
2 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp cornstarch
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp lemon juice (for added tartness) or water
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup (110g) strawberry preserves

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Instructions

Brown Sugar Crumble

Preheat the oven to 350F and grease an 8×8 baking pan. Line all sides with parchment paper and set aside.
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix in the melted butter, taking time to ensure the mixture is evenly hydrated with no dry patches. It should turn very dense and thick.
Press about 2/3 of the mix into the bottom of the baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Place the remaining crumble in the refrigerator.

Triple Berry Filling

While the crust bakes, make the filling.
In a bowl, add 3/4 cup blackberries (115g), 3/4 cup raspberries (105g), and brown sugar. Use a fork to give the berries a rough mash, making sure to mash each berry at least once. Then stir in the cornstarch, zest, lemon juice (or water), vanilla, and preserves.
Pour the filling over the prebaked crust and scatter the remaining berries (1/4 cup (30g) each) on top. Cover with the rest of the crumble and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The surface should look slightly golden and the edges will be a tiny bit bubbly.
Allow the bars to rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator cool completely, about 1 hour. Then lift out of the pan, slice, and enjoy!

Equipment

8×8 Baking Pan

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Notes

*FROZEN BERRIES – Frozen berries can be used for this recipe. Thaw the berries in a colander to drain any excess liquid. Then continue with the recipe as instructed.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American