Monday, June 17, 2013

Raspberry Crumb Bars



It's another month, and time again for Secret Recipe Club Reveal Day. This month, I was assigned to Chris' blog, Mele Cotte and I had fun looking through all the recipes on her site. There are a lot to choose from. Ultimately, I chose these raspberry crumb bars cause they seemed like the perfect treat for midsummer. Also, in case you hadn't noticed, I have been on a bit of a "crumble" kick lately with strawberry rhubarb crumble cake and blackberry pie bars.

So, it seemed only natural to continue the trend with these yummy raspberry crumb bars...

I modified the recipe from Chris just slightly - the original called for 1 cup of butter and I reduced it to 1/2 cup and added some vanilla yogurt to make up the difference. I also subbed in cinnamon instead of the cardamom in the original recipe. It turned out great, and I think I'll be making these again and again once my raspberry bushes start producing!!

The base and the topping for these bars is made by cutting butter into a flour/sugar mixture - I like to use my food processor for this. If you don't have one, just use a bowl for the ingredients and cut in the butter with two knives, a pastry cutter or your fingers...

Combine the flour, 1 cup of the sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in the bowl of a food processor, then pulse a few times so the ingredients mix together. Then add in the cut up butter



and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Transfer this to a large bowl, then add the eggs, almond extract and vanilla.



Stir this well to combine, then stir in the yogurt.



The mixture will be really sticky, but just be persistent. It will turn out fine. Now press 2/3 of this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch baking dish.

Now place the raspberries in another bowl, and add the remaining sugar and cornstarch.



Stir well to coat all the berries, then spoon them over the crust mixture.



Dollop the remaining batter over the top of the raspberries.



Bake for 35-45 minutes until the top is golden and the raspberry filling is bubbly.



Isn't that gorgeous?? Let cool on a wire rack and then refrigerate for a couple hours to help the bars set up before you slice them.



One year ago: Baby Bella Fries
Two years ago: Shaved Asparagus and Boursin Pizza
Three years ago: Cherry Chicken Salad
Four years ago: Frosty Coffee Pie

Raspberry Crumb Bars

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, cold, cut into pieces
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
4 cups fresh or frozen raspberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Pulse briefly to combine. Add the cut up butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Tranfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in eggs, yogurt, vanilla and almond extracts. Press two-thirds of the mixture into a greased 9-in. x 9-in. baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine cornstarch and remaining sugar; add berries and gently toss. Spoon over crust. Top with remaining crumb mixture.

Bake at 375° for 35-45 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate the bars for a couple hours to help firm up before cutting. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 16 bars.





11 comments:

  1. Lovely! These were a great choice. Thanks for making them! I love the changes that you made. The use of yogurt is fabulous and a step I will definitely try next time. Great being in SRC with you!

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  2. Top that with a big ole scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream and you just may have the perfect dessert. Looks heavenly!

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  3. WOW, totally gorgeous! This looks incredible. :) I'm visiting from Group A! :)

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  4. Awesome recipe that I know my family will love. So glad you shared

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  5. I am a crumb topping lover too. Great idea to sub in some vanilla yogurt.

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  6. crumble makes me feel good! not crumby! and your bars are a great way to use up the surplus of raspberries i bought at the farmer's market this week. bookmarking :)

    Happy SRC reveal from a fellow group C member!

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  7. Love this especially for cutting back the butter a bit and adding in some yogurt - brilliant :) I have some raspberries that are just about on their last leg so think I'll be making these today!

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  8. Oh my, these look good! I bet they would be good with all kinds of summer fruits!

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  9. I would have a hard time not finishing this whole pan by myself! YUM!

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