Every now and then, the people I love let me go to a farmer’s market on Sunday morning. You see, kids are really impatient. They don’t find stalls full of jewelry and baked goods and produce appealing. They think it’s kind of dull unless they happen to be eating the baked goods. The whole time.
During one happy farmer’s market outing many moons ago, I sampled the best raspberry crumb bars in the universe. No, I’m not being hyperbolic. They were incredible. I would actually pick one over a Reese’s. That should give you an idea of how amazing they were.
Since that one time, I’ve been obsessed with recreating the bars. It’s a tough standard to meet, but I keep testing recipes. And this one is great!
I judge any crumb bar by, well, the crumbs. This recipe has tons of them. Everywhere! Of all sizes from big to small. And the best part of this process is that you only make one dough. No need to dirty more than your mixer’s bowl and paddle!
Some people make their own raspberry jam. I do not. I’m sure I’m missing out. On the other hand, I did have time to watch Mad Men last night. So you figure out if it’s worth it!
These are thick and can’t help but leave a trail of crumb and raspberry everywhere they go. Don’t let little hands near them unless you’re outside and armed with a paper towel roll, a bucket, and some water balloons. Otherwise, the stickiness will take over your world!
Enjoy this attempt of mine to recreate a perfect moment in my past. But I’m not done yet! More raspberry crumb bars to come! Another day. For now, we’re done!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 egg
- 2 and 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup raspberry jelly
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350. Coat an 8 x 8 pan with cooking spray.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix the dry ingredients by hand briefly. Then put the bowl on the mixer base and put the butter and egg in the bowl. Beat for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Press half of the mixture into the pan. Spread the jelly over the base. Crumble the remaining dough over the top.
Bake until golden, from 35-40 minutes. Cool and cut into squares. Store in an airtight container.
These bars look awesome! I love crumb bars, and raspberries are so delicious right now.
Thank you! I love the fruit desserts right now!
I always love fruit desserts and raspberries are totally in with me now since I have a big patch of my own and the raspberries are quite busy producing and I do make my own jam and I do miss Mad Men to do it and have no problem with that. It’s great we can all choose our priorities and have these bars no matter if we make our own or buy it at the store. The bars look amazing and I will have to make them NOW while the local berries and jam are so amazing. Thanks for the work you did to get this recipe as crummy as possible to make it as perfect as possible. Enjoy Mad Men for me!!
Wow, you have your own raspberries? I’m so jealous! I think I’d make fresh jam in that case!
Thanks for the kind words. And yes, I will definitely enjoy Mad Men! 🙂
I added some frozen raspberries I had on hand in with the jam. Just added goodness!! A delicious recipe! (If you use glass bakeware, 35 min. is the perfect bake time!)
Ooh, thanks for the tip, Jody! I used a metal pan. Love the idea to add frozen raspberries!
Hope your summer is super relaxing so far!
AND, next time I make these, I’m going to use blackberry jam that my mom made for me. I totally forgot about it – then remembered after my first bite of the raspberry treat (which was awesome!!) – and realized that the possibilities are MANY. Always good to have delicious options!
Your mom makes jam? That is awesome! And you could put chocolate chips in here, too!
These sound fabulous!! I love lots and lots of crumb in my crumb bars, and these totally look like they meet that standard! 😉
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Thanks! That’s my standard, too. When are they going to invent a crumbs-only dessert?!
I just tried the blackberry version – layer of blackberry jam (mine was homemade by my mom) and then a few fresh blackberries on top before pouring over the crumble. Consider it a tie for first! (and I LOVE raspberries, so a tie is a big deal!) Again, baked up on my glass 8×8 in exactly 35 minutes. Looks and tastes great!!
Thanks for letting me know, Jody! That sounds really good. Maybe I can try it with apple in the fall?
Enjoy your last week of freedom!