Name: Raspberry Crumble Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats; 3/4 cup raspberry jam (or 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries with 2 tablespoons sugar)

Jump to Recipe

Raspberry Crumble Bars are a classic dessert made with a buttery, tender crust and crumbly topping layered over sweet and tangy raspberry filling. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for tea time, potlucks, or a simple dessert at home. With just the right balance of sweetness and fruitiness, they offer comfort and elegance in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are everything a homemade dessert should be: simple, delicious, and satisfying. The buttery crumble both serves as the base and topping, while the raspberry layer adds vibrant flavor and color. They’re easy to slice, transport well, and can be made in advance. Plus, you can use fresh or jam filling, making them adaptable to any season.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Egg
Vanilla extract
Raspberry jam or preserves (or fresh raspberries with sugar and cornstarch)
Optional: lemon zest, powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix in the egg and vanilla until just combined.
Press half of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crust layer.
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling slightly.
Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 9–12 bars.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: about 1 hour 55 minutes

Variations

Use blueberry, strawberry, or apricot preserves instead of raspberry.
Add chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) to the crumb topping for texture.
Mix fresh raspberries with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon cornstarch for a fresher filling.
Add lemon zest to the crust and topping for a bright citrus note.

storage/reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. No reheating is necessary.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?

Yes, mix 1½ cups of fresh raspberries with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon cornstarch to create a quick filling.

How do I get clean slices?

Let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for neat edges.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Increase the baking time slightly.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute and check that your jam is gluten-free.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce the added salt by half to balance the flavor.

Should I refrigerate the bars?

They can be stored at room temperature but will last longer refrigerated.

Can I use other fruit preserves?

Absolutely — strawberry, blueberry, or mixed berry all work well.

What if my topping doesn’t crumble well?

Ensure your butter is cold and cut in properly. You can chill the mixture before baking for a crumblier texture.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter alternatives in place of dairy butter.

How long do they stay fresh?

They are best within 2–3 days at room temperature, but can last up to 5 days refrigerated or 2 months frozen.

Conclusion

Raspberry Crumble Bars are a delightful blend of tart berry flavor and buttery, golden crumble. Simple to make and always a favorite, they’re perfect for casual treats, dessert tables, or gifting. With just a few pantry staples and some raspberry jam, you can whip up a classic dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.