Triple Berry Crumble Bars

$- 1 ½ cups rolled oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup brown sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional) To make Triple Berry Crumble Bars, start with quality ingredients. The rolled oats give a hearty texture. All-purpose flour binds everything together. Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness. Melted unsalted butter brings moisture and flavor. Vanilla extract enhances the taste of the bars. Baking powder helps them rise, while salt balances the sweetness. For the fruity filling, use a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. They add color and flavor. Honey or maple syrup sweetens the berries. Lemon zest brightens the mix with fresh notes. Cornstarch helps thicken the berry filling, but it is optional. If you prefer a thicker filling, use it. Each ingredient plays a role in creating these delicious bars. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for even baking. Next, line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift out the bars later. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a spoon to combine these dry ingredients well. Then, add the melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is crumbly. Reserve about 1 cup of this mix for later. Press the rest into the bottom of the prepared pan. This forms a solid crust. In another bowl, take your mixed berries and add honey, lemon zest, and cornstarch if you want to thicken it. Gently mix until the berries are coated. Carefully pour this berry mixture over the crust in the pan. Spread it out evenly so every bite has fruit. Now, sprinkle the reserved crumble over the berry layer. Press down gently to help it stick. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check if the top is golden brown and the berry filling is bubbling. This shows it is done. Let it cool completely in the pan before lifting it out using the parchment. Once cooled, cut into bars and enjoy! - Make sure the butter is fully melted before mixing. This helps blend the ingredients well. - Mix the oats, flour, and sugar gently. You want a crumbly texture, not a dough. - Try using other berries like blackberries or cranberries. Each berry adds a unique taste. - Swap honey for maple syrup or agave. These sweeteners give a different flavor twist. - Serve bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar. It adds a nice touch. - Place fresh berries around the bars for a colorful display. It makes the plate look inviting. {{image_2}} You can switch up the berries in these bars. Use what is fresh and in season. Try blackberries or cherries for a change. You can also mix berries for a fun flavor. Adding nuts or seeds gives your bars a nice crunch. Chopped almonds or walnuts work well. Sunflower seeds are also a great choice. If you need gluten-free bars, use almond flour or oat flour. These options work well in place of all-purpose flour. For a vegan treat, swap out the butter for coconut oil. You can also use maple syrup instead of honey. These changes keep the taste great while meeting dietary needs. These bars taste amazing warm or chilled. Warm bars are soft and gooey, while chilled bars are firm and refreshing. You can serve them with ice cream for a rich treat. Yogurt is a lighter option that pairs well too. Both choices make the bars even more enjoyable. To keep your Triple Berry Crumble Bars fresh, follow these tips: - Short-term storage: Place the bars in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge. They will last about a week in the fridge. - Freezing instructions: For long-term storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To enjoy your bars warm again, follow these steps: - Proper reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the texture nice and crumbly. - Serving suggestions: You can serve the bars warm. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sweet touch. For a fun twist, drizzle some honey or maple syrup on top. This makes the bars even more delicious! Yes, you can use frozen berries in these bars. They will still taste great. However, frozen berries may add extra moisture. This can make the filling runnier. To fix this, add a little more cornstarch. It helps thicken the berry mix and keeps the texture nice. These bars last about three days at room temperature. They stay fresh longer in the fridge. In the fridge, they can last up to a week. Always store them in an airtight container. This keeps them from drying out and helps them stay tasty. Absolutely! You can make these bars one day ahead. Just store them in the fridge after they cool. When you are ready to serve, cut them into bars. You can also freeze them for later. Just wrap them well to avoid freezer burn. You now have a complete guide to making delicious triple berry crumble bars. We covered the essential ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. This dessert is great for any occasion. You can mix and match ingredients or adjust for dietary needs. Remember to store them properly for the best taste. Baking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy your creation and share it with others. Happy baking!$

Indulge in the sweet and tart flavors of these Triple Berry Crumble Bars! With a crunchy oat crust and a berry filling made of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, this delicious treat is perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and delightful to share, you'll love the simplicity of this recipe that combines wholesome ingredients. Click through to explore the full recipe and bake your new favorite dessert!

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Ingredients

1 ½ cups rolled oats

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for the filling)

Zest of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to incorporate the dry ingredients.

Add the melted butter and vanilla extract to the bowl, and mix until everything is evenly combined and crumbly.

Reserve about 1 cup of the crumble mixture; this will be used for topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.

In another bowl, mix the mixed berries, honey, lemon zest, and cornstarch (if using) until the berries are evenly coated. Gently pour the berry mixture over the crust in the pan, spreading it out evenly.

Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the berry layer. Press down gently to help it adhere.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the berry filling is bubbling slightly.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment overhang. Cut into bars once cooled.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 45 min | 9 bars

- Presentation Tips: Serve the bars sprinkled with powdered sugar and a side of fresh berries for an extra touch. For a delightful twist, drizzle with additional honey or maple syrup just before serving.