Raspberry streusel dessert bars are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves the sweet-tart flavor of fresh raspberries combined with a buttery crust and crumbly streusel topping. These bars are incredibly versatile, making them an ideal dessert for casual gatherings, elegant parties, or a sweet treat to enjoy at home. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a delicious dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, these raspberry streusel bars are perfect for anyone who wants to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into what makes these bars so special, how to make them, and tips for achieving perfection every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines a buttery crust, tart raspberry filling, crumbly cinnamon streusel topping, and a simple glaze.
- Uses fresh raspberries for vibrant, bold flavor.
- Perfect for potlucks, holiday desserts, or an everyday treat at home.
These raspberry streusel dessert bars are sweet, tart, buttery, and feature that irresistible crumbly topping. They’re ideal for parties, bake sales, or an everyday treat. With just four easy steps—making the crust, preparing the raspberry filling, adding the streusel topping, and finishing with a glaze—you’ll have a dessert that’s simple yet impressive.
Key Ingredients and Notes
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the crust. Gluten-free blends can be used as an alternative, though the texture may vary.
- Butter: Adds richness to the crust. Salted butter is recommended, but unsalted with a pinch of salt works too. Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Sugar: Sweetens the crust and filling.
- Raspberries: Fresh raspberries are best, but frozen ones can be used with caution to avoid excess moisture.
- Corn Starch: Thickens the raspberry filling.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances the flavor of the streusel topping.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Adds crunch to the streusel.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth to the topping.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze or can be dusted over the bars.
- Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy option works for the glaze.
- Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract is ideal, but imitation vanilla works in a pinch.
Optional Glaze
The vanilla glaze adds a final touch of sweetness and visual appeal to the bars. If you prefer a simpler finish, a dusting of powdered sugar is just as effective. Ensure the bars are fully cooled before applying the glaze or powdered sugar.
How to Achieve the Perfect Streusel
A perfect streusel topping should be crunchy, chunky, and crumbly. To achieve this, pulse the ingredients together until well combined and crumbly. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the raspberry filling before baking for a rustic, homemade finish.
These raspberry streusel bars are a true crowd-pleaser. From their vibrant raspberry filling to the buttery crust and perfect streusel topping, they hit all the right notes. Whether you serve them at a special event or enjoy them with a cup of coffee at home, these bars are sure to become a new favorite.
Raspberry Streusel Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Crust
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup salted butter softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 4 cups raspberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Streusel
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar tightly packed
- 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons salted butter cubed
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 teaspoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup softened salted butter, and 2 cups all-purpose flour. Use a pastry cutter or food processor to blend the ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the raspberry filling: In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups fresh raspberries, 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the cooled raspberry mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Make the streusel topping: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add 6 tablespoons cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Add the streusel: Evenly sprinkle the streusel mixture over the raspberry layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the raspberry filling is set. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 2 hours.
- Optional glaze: If you like, prepare a glaze by whisking together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 teaspoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before cutting them into squares and serving.
Final Thoughts
These raspberry streusel dessert bars are a perfect balance of flavors and textures, offering a delightful combination of sweet, tart, buttery, and crumbly in every bite. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering, a casual afternoon with friends, or simply to indulge your sweet tooth at home, these bars are sure to impress.
With their simple yet flavorful ingredients and straightforward preparation, they prove that sometimes the best desserts are the ones that don’t require a lot of fuss. The vibrant raspberry filling, golden-brown streusel topping, and optional glaze come together to create a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. So, the next time you need a crowd-pleasing dessert, look no further than these irresistible raspberry streusel bars—they’re bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection!