Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and tart with these raspberry streusel bars. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these bars feature a buttery base, a layer of luscious raspberry jam, and a crumbly streusel topping that adds the perfect crunch.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up raspberry jam and brown sugar if you don't already have them at home. Make sure to get a good quality raspberry jam for the best flavor.
Ingredients For Raspberry Streusel Bars
All-purpose flour: This is the base for both the crust and the streusel topping, providing structure and texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the base and the streusel topping.
Unsalted butter: Used in both melted and cold forms to create the perfect texture for the base and topping.
Brown sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness to the base.
Raspberry jam: The star of the show, providing a sweet and tart layer of fruitiness.
Technique Tip for Making Streusel Bars
When making the streusel topping, ensure that the butter is fully melted before mixing it with the flour and sugar. This will help create a crumbly texture that bakes into a perfectly crisp topping. For the base, use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients. This technique helps to distribute the butter evenly, resulting in a tender and flaky crust.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, although it may make the bars slightly denser.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is gluten-free and adds a nutty flavor, but it may alter the texture slightly.
granulated sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener with a rich flavor, but you may need to adjust the liquid content in the recipe.
brown sugar - Substitute with date sugar: Date sugar is less processed and adds a natural sweetness with a hint of caramel.
unsalted butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee is clarified butter that adds a rich, nutty flavor and is lactose-free.
raspberry jam - Substitute with strawberry jam: Strawberry jam provides a similar sweetness and texture but with a different berry flavor.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Streusel Bars
Allow the raspberry streusel bars to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This ensures the streusel topping remains crisp and the raspberry jam sets properly.
For short-term storage, place the bars in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you prefer to refrigerate, the bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This will keep the raspberry flavor fresh and the bars firm.
To freeze, first, cut the cooled bars into individual portions. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and then place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. For a slightly warm treat, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Always label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness, ensuring you enjoy your raspberry streusel bars at their best quality.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover raspberry streusel bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the bars loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the streusel topping from over-browning.
- Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes to let the streusel crisp up.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Microwave Method:
- Place a raspberry streusel bar on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the bar with a microwave-safe cover or another plate to prevent drying out.
- Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
- Check the temperature and heat in additional 10-second intervals if needed.
- Be cautious not to overheat, as the jam can become too hot.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the raspberry streusel bars on the toaster oven tray.
- Cover with aluminum foil to keep the streusel topping from burning.
- Heat for about 8-12 minutes or until warmed through.
- Remove the foil for the last 2 minutes to allow the streusel to crisp up.
- Let cool slightly before enjoying.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Place the raspberry streusel bars in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.
- If needed, flip the bars to ensure even heating.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Stovetop Skillet Method:
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over low heat.
- Place the raspberry streusel bars in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet with a lid to create a mini-oven effect.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking occasionally to prevent burning.
- Once warmed through, remove from the skillet and let cool slightly before serving.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the raspberry streusel bars at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).
9x9 inch baking dish: The dish in which the base and streusel topping are layered and baked.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine ingredients for both the streusel topping and the base.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, and butter.
Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients if needed.
Spatula: Helps in spreading the raspberry jam evenly over the base.
Pastry cutter: Used to cut in the cold butter into the flour and sugar mixture for the base until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Cooling rack: Allows the baked bars to cool evenly before cutting them into pieces.
Knife: Used to cut the cooled bars into individual servings.
Grease brush: Useful for greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking.
How to Save Time on Making These Bars
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set aside all ingredients before starting. This will streamline the process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.
Use a food processor: To save time, use a food processor to cut in the cold butter for the base mixture. This will make the process quicker and ensure an even texture.
Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven before you start mixing ingredients. This way, it will be ready to go as soon as you finish preparing the bars.
Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish. This will make it easier to remove the bars and reduce cleanup time.
Raspberry Streusel Bars
Ingredients
Streusel Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Base and Filling
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup raspberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour and ½ cup of sugar for the streusel topping. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly. Set aside.
- In another bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ cup of brown sugar for the base. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the base mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread raspberry jam evenly over the base. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the jam.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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