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The sweet, tangy aroma of baked berries can turn any ordinary day into a memorable occasion. Picture this: a warm slice of Berry Crumble Bars in your hand, the top layer a delightful crunch contrasting with a luscious, fruity filling that bursts with every bite. That’s exactly what I’m here to share with you today—a recipe that’s not only simple and wholesome but also showcases the irresistible flavors of raspberries and blueberries.

I stumbled upon this recipe while looking for ways to use frozen fruit that had been lingering in my freezer. What began as an attempt to eliminate waste turned into a family favorite that I now whip up for gatherings, snack attacks, and even weekday dessert cravings. With wholesome ingredients like almond flour and almond butter, these bars promise to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt of fast food indulgence. If you’re longing for a treat that feels both comforting and refreshing, join me as we dive into the world of these delectable Mixed Berry Crumble Bars!

Why will you love these Berry Crumble Bars?

Easy Preparation: You can whip up these Berry Crumble Bars in just over an hour, making them a convenient option for both planned desserts and last-minute gatherings.
Wholesome Ingredients: Almond flour and oats create a nutritious base that ensures you’re indulging without sacrificing health.
Delightful Flavor Fusion: The sweet burst of blueberries and tart raspberries, combined with a touch of lemon juice, offers a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these bars can be enjoyed any time of day!
Crowd-Pleasing: These bars are a hit at family gatherings and friendly get-togethers, sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
No Stress Cooking: With minimal time and fuss, you can serve up these treats without breaking a sweat. Don’t forget to check out my other delicious dessert ideas like cookie recipes!

Berry Crumble Bars Ingredients

• Get ready to create a wholesome dessert that bursts with flavor!

For the Crust

Almond flour – provides a gluten-free base that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Rolled oats – add hearty texture and fiber to the bars.
Baking powder – helps the crust rise slightly for a more airy bite.
Salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor profile.
Maple syrup – serves as a natural sweetener, infusing a rich flavor with every bite.
Almond butter – adds creaminess and essential healthy fats, making the bars richer.

For the Berry Filling

Frozen berries – the star of the show, use a mix of raspberries and blueberries for a vibrant and tasty filling!
Lemon juice – brightens up the berry flavor and adds a refreshing zing.
Chia seeds – act as a thickener for the filling while boosting fiber content.
Additional maple syrup – adds a touch of sweetness to the filling for a perfect balance.

Feel free to customize these Berry Crumble Bars by swapping in different fruits or nut butters based on what you have on hand!

How to Make Berry Crumble Bars

Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray for easy removal later.
Warm the Berries: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the frozen berries, lemon juice, and a bit of maple syrup. Stir gently as they warm up, letting them release their juices.
Mash the Mixture: Using a fork or potato masher, continue mashing the berries until they burst and create a chunky, jam-like consistency. This shouldn’t take long—just a few minutes!
Chill and Thicken: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chia seeds. Allow the mixture to cool completely, placing it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help it firm up.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, rolled oats, baking powder, and salt, creating a hearty base for your crumble bars.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the maple syrup and almond butter to the dry ingredients and mix well. Use your hands if necessary to ensure everything is combined into a dough-like consistency.
Prepare the Base: Set aside a heaping 1/2 cup of the dough for topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the 8×8 dish to create a sturdy crust to hold all that delicious berry goodness.
Add the Berry Filling: After the berry jam has chilled, pour it evenly over the prepared crust, spreading it out to cover the entire base for a delightful, fruity layer.
Top and Bake: Sprinkle the reserved dough evenly over the berry filling. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and fragrant.
Cool and Slice: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into servings. This helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.

Optional: Serve with a dollop of yogurt for a delightful pairing.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Berry Crumble Bars?

The sweet flavors of these bars can shine even brighter when paired with the right accompaniments.

Whipped Cream: A light, fluffy dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a creamy contrast and elevates the dessert experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic combination of warm crumble bars with cold ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast that’s hard to resist.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with seasonal berries and mint adds a refreshing touch, enhancing the berry flavor without overpowering it.

The addition of fruit salad not only adds color to your plate but also brings a bright acidity that wonderfully complements the sweetness of the bars.

Greek Yogurt: Topped with a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt, this option provides a creamy, protein-packed contrast to the crumble bars.
Herbal Tea: Enjoy with a soothing cup of chamomile or peppermint tea for a calming dessert experience that soothes the soul.
Sparkling Water: An infused sparkling water with lemon or berries can complement the fruity notes of the bars while keeping things light.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some rich chocolate sauce over the bars for an indulgent twist that pairs well with the tartness of the berry filling.
Coconut Whipped Cream: For a dairy-free option, coconut whipped cream adds a tropical flair and creamy texture that pairs beautifully.
Cheese Plate: A small cheese plate with mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese can balance the sweetness and add a gourmet touch to your dessert spread.

With these pairings, your Berry Crumble Bars will shine as the star of the dessert table, ensuring everyone leaves with full hearts and happy bellies!

Expert Tips for Berry Crumble Bars

Perfect Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F before baking. This will ensure that your Berry Crumble Bars rise and brown evenly.
Chill the Filling: Allow your berry filling to cool completely in the fridge. This helps thicken the mixture, preventing a soggy crust when baked.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overworking the dough can lead to tough bars.
Grease Wisely: If you choose not to use parchment paper, ensure your baking pan is well-greased. This will help the bars release easily after cooling.
Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to swap in other berries or fruits based on what’s in season. Just remember to adjust the sweetness as needed for your Berry Crumble Bars!

Make Ahead Options

These Berry Crumble Bars are a fantastic meal prep solution for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings! You can prepare the berry filling and crust separately up to 24 hours in advance. Simply warm and mash the berries (step 2-4) and store the cooled mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The crust (steps 5-7) can also be prepared ahead; just press it into the baking dish and cover it tightly. When you’re ready to serve, add the berry filling over the crust, top with the reserved dough, and bake as directed. This approach ensures every bite of your Berry Crumble Bars remains just as delicious!

How to Store and Freeze Berry Crumble Bars

Room Temperature: Keep your Berry Crumble Bars at room temperature for up to 3 days, placing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Fridge: For longer storage, refrigerate the bars in a tightly sealed container, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week, perfect for those midweek cravings!
Freezer: To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months, ensuring you always have a tasty treat on hand.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature, then warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to revive the flavor and texture.

Berry Crumble Bars Variations

Feel free to take these Berry Crumble Bars to the next level with these delicious twists!

Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with oat flour and use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative.
Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients are labeled gluten-free, especially oats, to keep the recipe totally gluten-free.
Add Spices: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor that complements the fruit beautifully.
Fruit Mix-Up: Swap out the berries for chopped apples and cinnamon for a delicious autumn-inspired version.
Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle melted dark chocolate on top for a decadent finishing touch that will delight chocolate lovers.
Granola Topping: Use a handful of homemade or store-bought granola as the topping for extra crunch and flavor variation.
Vegan Version: Replace the almond butter with coconut oil and use agave syrup instead of maple syrup for a vegan-friendly treat.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños to the berry filling for an unexpected kick that balances the sweetness!

Berry Crumble Bars Recipe FAQs

What kind of berries should I use?
Absolutely! While this recipe includes frozen raspberries and blueberries, you can mix it up with other berries like strawberries or blackberries depending on your preference. Just remember that different berries may vary in sweetness, so adjust your maple syrup based on taste.

How do I store my Berry Crumble Bars?
You can keep your Berry Crumble Bars at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. They are a delightful pick-me-up for those midweek snack attacks!

Can I freeze Berry Crumble Bars?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature, then microwave for a few seconds to revive their delicious flavor and texture.

What should I do if my berry filling is too runny?
If your filling turns out runny, don’t worry! You can cook it a bit longer on the stovetop, stirring gently until it thickens up. You might also consider adding an extra tablespoon of chia seeds, which help absorb moisture and create a thicker filling.

Can my pets enjoy these bars?
While the ingredients are safe for humans, I recommend keeping these Berry Crumble Bars away from pets. Ingredients like almond butter can sometimes be harmful if consumed in large quantities, so it’s best to stick to pet-safe treats for your furry friends!

What’s the best way to cut my Berry Crumble Bars?
To make slicing your Berry Crumble Bars easier, wait until they are completely cool. Use a sharp knife and run it under hot water before making cuts; this helps achieve clean edges. For a neat presentation, wipe the knife clean between cuts!