Blackberry Crumb Bars

Introduction

History

The concept of crumb bars, also known as streusel bars, has its roots in German and Eastern European baking traditions. These regions are known for their streusel cakes, which feature a crumbly topping made from butter, flour, and sugar. The adaptation of using fruit jams, such as blackberry, in these bars is a more modern twist, combining traditional baking techniques with the flavors of local or available fruits. Over time, this dessert has become popular worldwide, with many variations in fruit and crumb flavors.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Blackberry Crumb Bars turn out perfectly, here are a few tips:

- Use cold butter when mixing the crumbly base and topping. This helps create a more textured and crumbly finish.

- When spreading the blackberry jam, leave a small margin around the edges to prevent it from bubbling over and burning.

- For a more intense blackberry flavor, consider adding fresh or frozen blackberries to the jam layer.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into them, as this helps them set and makes for cleaner slices.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect on their own but can be elevated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a healthier option, serve with a side of fresh berries.

Cooking Techniques

For a more textured crumb, try pulsing the oatmeal in a food processor a few times before adding it to the mixture. This creates varying sizes of crumbs, adding to the overall mouthfeel of the bars.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend. Plant-based butter can be used for a dairy-free option. Chia seeds mixed with water can replace the eggs if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

These bars can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the bars into neat squares and dust with powdered sugar for a classic look. For a more rustic presentation, break the bars into pieces and serve in a bowl with a serving spoon.

Pairing Recommendations

Blackberry Crumb Bars pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a dessert wine pairing, consider a sweet Riesling or a Port.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They can be enjoyed cold or brought to room temperature before serving. For a warm treat, gently reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Blackberry Crumb Bars contains approximately 300 calories. The majority of these calories come from the carbohydrates and fats in the recipe.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Blackberry Crumb Bars contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the brown sugar and blackberry jam, providing a quick source of energy. The flour and oatmeal also contribute to the carbohydrate content, adding a bit of dietary fiber to the mix.

Fats

The fat content in these bars primarily comes from the butter, contributing to the rich, crumbly texture of the dessert. Each serving contains about 10 grams of fat, most of which is saturated due to the butter. Using a plant-based butter can alter the fat composition if desired.

Proteins

Blackberry Crumb Bars are not a significant source of protein, containing approximately 2 grams per serving. The small amount of protein comes from the flour and oatmeal used in the recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

While not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, these bars do provide small amounts of iron and calcium from the ingredients used. Additionally, if fresh blackberries are added, there will be a slight increase in vitamin C and dietary fiber.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe are gluten (from the flour) and dairy (from the butter). Individuals with sensitivities to these ingredients should consider suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Blackberry Crumb Bars are a delicious treat best enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and fat content. They offer a quick energy boost and a small amount of dietary fiber, making them a satisfying dessert option.

Summary

Blackberry Crumb Bars are a versatile and delicious dessert that combines the sweet and tangy flavor of blackberries with a rich, buttery crumb. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, they're a great treat for any baker to add to their repertoire. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with ice cream or coffee, these bars are sure to delight.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Blackberry Crumb Bars. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning the ins and outs of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a talented cook, with a wealth of knowledge passed down through generations of our family.

One summer afternoon, as we sat on the porch shelling peas from the garden, my grandmother suddenly stopped and reached into the pocket of her apron. She pulled out a weathered old recipe card, yellowed with age and covered in splatters of who-knows-what.

"This," she said with a smile, "is a recipe for Blackberry Crumb Bars. I learned it from a dear friend of mine many years ago. Would you like to give it a try?"

I eagerly nodded, my curiosity piqued. I had never heard of Blackberry Crumb Bars before, but the thought of combining sweet blackberries with a buttery crumb topping sounded simply divine.

My grandmother handed me the recipe card, her handwriting neat and precise. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost smell the sweet-tart aroma of blackberries wafting through the kitchen.

The recipe called for fresh blackberries, sugar, flour, oats, butter, and a few other simple ingredients. It seemed straightforward enough, but I knew that the true magic would come from the love and care put into each step.

I gathered all the ingredients and set to work, following the recipe to the letter. The kitchen soon filled with the sound of mixing, the scent of baking, and the warmth of anticipation.

As the Blackberry Crumb Bars baked in the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement. I knew that I was creating something special, something that would bring joy to those I shared it with.

When the timer finally beeped, I carefully pulled the pan of Blackberry Crumb Bars from the oven. The scent that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, a perfect blend of buttery crumb topping and juicy blackberries.

I let the bars cool for a few minutes before cutting them into squares. The crumbly topping gave way to a burst of sweet-tart blackberry filling, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family. As we sat around the kitchen table, savoring each bite of Blackberry Crumb Bars, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother and all the generations of cooks who had come before me.

From that day on, Blackberry Crumb Bars became a staple in our family's recipe collection. I made them for every special occasion, from birthdays to holidays, always remembering the sense of wonder I felt the first time I saw that weathered old recipe card.

Now, as I pass the recipe down to my own grandchildren, I hope that they too will feel that same sense of wonder and joy in creating something delicious and memorable in the kitchen. And who knows, maybe one day they'll be sharing their own stories of learning to make Blackberry Crumb Bars from their grandmother.

Categories

| Bar Cookie Recipes | Cathy's Recipes |

Recipes with the same ingredients