If you’re looking for a treat that’s cozy, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet, these Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars will absolutely steal your heart (and maybe the spotlight at your next get-together). They combine a buttery oat crust, a layer of tangy raspberry preserves, and a golden crumbly topping—all ready in just about half an hour. Snack, dessert, or breakfast-on-the-go, these bars are truly irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic Flavors: Each bite of these Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars brings back that home-baked, old-fashioned goodness—think comfort food with a berry twist.
- Quick and Easy: You only need about 30 minutes and pantry staples to whip up a batch, making this recipe perfect for busy days or spontaneous cravings.
- Versatile and Customizable: Whether you’re gluten-free or vegan, there are so many ways to make these bars truly your own.
- A Crowd-Pleaser Any Time: Breakfast, snack, dessert—these bars fit in everywhere, and they’re just as lovely at a brunch table as they are in your lunchbox.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars rely on simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each component plays its part: oats for chewiness, coconut oil for richness, and that jewel-bright preserved raspberry layer for pops of flavor and color.
- Coconut oil (melted): This gives the bars a moist, slightly tropical richness—plus, it helps make the crust and crumble just the right texture.
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free substitute): The foundation of the base and topping; use your favorite gluten-free blend if needed.
- Quick oats: These create that signature hearty, crumbly bite and toast up beautifully in the oven.
- Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and brings a warm, almost caramel-like undertone to the bars.
- Coconut sugar (or granulated sugar): For just a touch of extra sweetness without overpowering the raspberry flavor.
- Baking powder: A pinch for lightness—helps everything bake up golden and not too dense.
- Salt: Don’t skip it! Salt balances out all the sweetness and lifts every other flavor.
- Raspberry preserves: The star of the show—look for a brand you love, or use homemade for a special touch.
Variations
The beauty of Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars is how easy they are to personalize! Don’t be afraid to swap ingredients and experiment—these bars are practically begging for your creative touch, whether you’re switching flavors or making them allergy-friendly.
- Switch up the fruit: Try strawberry, apricot, or blueberry preserves—any favorite jam or fruit spread will work a treat and create a whole new flavor profile.
- Make them vegan: Simply ensure your sugar and jam are vegan-friendly, and you’re all set—no animal products needed!
- Add nuts or seeds: Stir a handful of chopped almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds into the crumble for extra crunch and protein.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or lemon zest to the crust for a deeper, more complex flavor.
How to Make Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars
Step 1: Prep your pan & set the scene
Preheat your oven to 350°F and give your 8×8 baking pan a quick spritz of non-stick spray. This might sound simple, but ensuring your bars come out easily (without any sticky mishaps!) makes all the difference in presentation and clean-up later on.
Step 2: Make the oat crumble mixture
In a large bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, flour, oats, maple syrup, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir everything together until you have a thick, rough, crumbly dough. A spatula works fine, but using your hands helps make sure every oat gets coated and the mixture comes together perfectly.
Step 3: Form the crust
Press about two-thirds of your crumble mixture evenly into the base of your prepared pan. Take your time to get a layer that’s even and well-packed—all those hearty oats form a firm foundation for the jammy filling to rest on.
Step 4: Spread the raspberry preserves
Gently spread your raspberry preserves over the crust, taking care to leave about half an inch around the edges. This little margin keeps the jam from scorching against the pan, ensuring the center stays luscious and fruity.
Step 5: Finish with the crumble topping
Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the raspberry layer, pressing just lightly to help the pieces stick. You want some clumps and texture here—that rustic, crumbly look is part of the charm!
Step 6: Bake and let cool
Pop your pan onto the center rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the kitchen smells irresistible. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing—this makes them much easier to cut into tidy squares (if you can resist digging in sooner!).
Pro Tips for Making Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars
- Room-Temperature Coconut Oil: Melt the coconut oil but let it cool slightly before mixing. This helps bind the crumble but avoids a greasy texture—especially important for those lovely oat clusters.
- Don’t Over-Spill the Jam: Keeping preserves away from the very edges prevents burning and keeps the bars looking pretty, not sticky!
- Pack the Base Well: Press the crust layer firmly and evenly, so the bars hold together when you slice them and don’t fall apart in your hands.
- Let Them Cool Completely: Patience pays off—wait until the Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars are fully cooled before cutting for the most picture-perfect results.
How to Serve Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh raspberries, or even a dollop of softly whipped cream can make these bars pop visually and in flavor. If you really want to go fancy, a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top adds a stunning finishing touch!
Side Dishes
Enjoy Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars alongside a warm cup of tea, a chilled glass of almond milk, or even with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for dessert. They also pair beautifully with a simple yogurt parfait for a brunch that wows.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized cubes for a sweet brunch buffet, or wrap individual squares in parchment and baker’s twine as sweet gifts. For an elegant twist at parties, stack the bars on a cake stand and tuck fresh berries or edible flowers between the layers for a colorful display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh for up to three days, but if your kitchen is very warm, you may want to keep them in the fridge for optimal texture.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Place sliced, fully cooled bars in a single layer on a sheet pan, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—perfect for stashing away emergency treats.
Reheating
If you love your Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars warm, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave brings them right back to that “fresh from the oven” coziness. For a crispier texture, heat in a toaster oven for a few minutes until just warmed through.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh raspberries instead of preserves?
Fresh raspberries can be used, but they need a little help to thicken and sweeten. Toss about 1 cup of fresh raspberries with a tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of cornstarch. Spread this mixture in place of the preserves—just be aware that fresh berries will yield a juicier, slightly more rustic filling.
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Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, they can be! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and be sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The recipe is very flexible and comes out delicious either way.
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What if I don’t have coconut oil?
No worries—melted unsalted butter or a mild olive oil also work perfectly. Each brings a slightly different flavor, but all make a delicious, tender crumb and crisp topping.
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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Double all ingredients and bake the Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars in a 9×13-inch pan. Bake time may need to be slightly increased—look for a lightly golden top as your cue they’re done.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give these Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars a try—they’re pure comfort, fuss-free, and full of bright berry flavor. Share them with friends, sneak one for breakfast, or keep a secret stash just for yourself. However you enjoy them, I know you’ll love every bite!
PrintRaspberry Oat Crumble Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Berry Oat Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances the sweetness of raspberry preserves with hearty oats, creating a satisfying snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free substitute
- 1 1/2 cups quick oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar or granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup raspberry preserves
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 baking pan. Set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Mix well. Then add in the wet ingredients, excluding the raspberry preserves.
- Layering: Press ⅔ of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
- Add Preserves: Spread the raspberry preserves gently over the pressed mixture, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ of the mixture on top of the preserves, lightly pressing it down.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is lightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a rack. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Experiment with different fruit preserves for a variety of flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg