Craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! These Mixed Berry Bars are the perfect answer for a quick dessert, a satisfying snack, or even a delightful addition to your next picnic. Forget complicated baking – this recipe is designed for even the busiest of cooks, promising homemade goodness without the fuss. Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create these intensely flavorful and utterly irresistible berry bars!
Ingredients:
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For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
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For the Berry Filling:
- 3 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen – raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries work wonderfully!)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the crust.
- Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and crumbly. Don't overmix!
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to create an even layer.
Preparing the Berry Filling:
- In a separate bowl, gently toss the mixed berries with granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The lemon juice brightens the berry flavors beautifully.
- Pour the berry mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
Adding the Crumble Topping:
- In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, pecans (if using), and cinnamon for the crumble topping.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the berry filling.
Baking the Berry Bars:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them towards the end, as ovens can vary.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for Baking Perfect Berry Bars:
- Frozen Berries: If using frozen berries, there's no need to thaw them beforehand. They'll release their juices during baking.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in both the crust and the filling.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. Ensure your oats are also certified gluten-free if needed.
- Creative Variations: Experiment with different berries or add a sprinkle of chopped chocolate chips to the crumble topping for an extra decadent touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving - approximate, will vary based on ingredients):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 3-4g
These Mixed Berry Bars are a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals. They’re perfect for quick dinner ideas, homemade cooking at its finest, and are sure to become one of your best recipes. Enjoy!