Introduction
Apple and Raspberry Bars are a delicious and harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors. This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy day at home. The combination of fresh apples and vibrant raspberries creates a luscious filling, while a buttery crust binds the entire treat together. These bars are easy to make and will leave you craving more.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– All-purpose flour: 2 cups
– Granulated sugar: 1 cup
– Unsalted butter, softened: 1 cup
– Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
– Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
– Egg: 1 large
– Apples, peeled and diced: 2 cups
– Fresh raspberries: 1 cup
– Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
– Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
Prep Time
The preparation time for these apple and raspberry bars is approximately 15 minutes. This quick prep phase allows you to enjoy the rest of the cooking process without feeling rushed.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time for the bars is around 30 minutes. In total, from prep to finish, you can expect to spend about 45 minutes making these delightful treats. This recipe yields around 12 bars, making it a perfect quantity for sharing with friends and family.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking powder. Mix well to ensure there are no clumps.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter
Add softened butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Form the Base
Press a portion of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure it covers the entire base evenly.
Step 5: Add Fruit Filling
In a separate bowl, mix diced apples and fresh raspberries with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon. Spread this fruit mixture over the prepared base in the baking dish.
Step 6: Crumble the Topping
Take the remaining crumb mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the fruit filling. This will create a crunchy topping for your bars.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish. After cooling, lift out the parchment paper and transfer the bars to a cutting board. Cut into squares or rectangles.
Step 9: Serve
Your apple and raspberry bars are now ready to be served. Enjoy them fresh or store them in an airtight container.
Notes
Storage
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the bars for longer storage. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Substitutions
Feel free to substitute the raspberries with other berries like blueberries or strawberries, and use different types of apples based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
These bars pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious dessert.