Summer Berry Crumble Bars: The Easiest Delicious Dessert

These delightful bars are bursting with the sweet and tart flavours of summer berries, making them the ideal dessert to enjoy on a warm evening with a scoop of ice cream. This recipe is easy to make and sure to be a hit with friends and family at any summer gathering.

Berry Crumble Bars encapsulate the essence of summer in every bite, marrying the rich, buttery flavour of shortbread with the vibrant, juicy essence of mixed summer berries, all topped with a delightfully crumbly texture. This dessert is a symphony of contrasts – the sweet, tart punch of the berries plays against the mellow, comforting base, creating a treat that's both refreshing and satisfying. The joy of this recipe lies in its versatility; it serves as a splendid centrepiece for afternoon garden parties, a charming addition to a family picnic, or a simple, yet luxurious, everyday snack to be savoured with a cup of tea. The process of making Berry Crumble Bars is as enjoyable as eating them. It involves layering a simple, yet rich, shortbread crust with a luscious berry filling, then finishing it with a crumbly, golden topping.

This dessert is not just about the harmonious blend of flavours and textures but also about the experience of bringing together these elements in the kitchen. Crafting these bars offers a wonderful opportunity to involve family and friends in the baking process, making the enjoyment of the final product even more meaningful. As we delve into the details of how to create this delightful dessert, let us embrace the simplicity and beauty of summer baking with Berry Crumble Bars – a treat that promises to bring a touch of sweetness to your summer days.

How To Make Make My Summer Berry Bar

Embarking on the journey to create the quintessential summer treat, Berry Crumble Bars, begins with the collection of essential components. Here’s what you’ll require:

Ingredients

• 320g of plain flour, a staple for crafting the perfect crumble and base.
• 120g granulated sugar, to sweeten both the crust and the berry concoction.
• 225g of unsalted butter, cold and cubed, ready to be worked into the crumble and crust.
• 230g of mixed summer berries, the stars of the show. This can include a vibrant medley of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, embodying the essence of summer.
• An additional 60g of granulated sugar to balance the tartness of the berries.
• 3tbsp of cornflour, to thicken the berry filling, ensuring it's lush and not too runny.
• 1/2 tbsp of lemon juice, exactly 1 teaspoon, to brighten the filling, elevating the flavours of the berries.

Assembling these ingredients beforehand streamlines the baking process, making it a seamless and enjoyable experience. Ensure each item is measured and ready to transform into the delightful layers that comprise the Berry Crumble Bars. This thoughtful preparation sets the stage for a baking endeavour that not only yields delicious results but also celebrates the joy of creating summer memories in the kitchen.

Preparing the Berry Filling

To initiate the creation of the berry filling for your Berry Crumble Bars, ensure your oven is warmed to 170°C and a baking dish has been lightly greased. In a mixing bowl, combine the chosen medley of berries with the sugar, cornflour, and a splash of lemon juice. Stir these components together until they are thoroughly mixed, ensuring the cornflour and sugar are fully incorporated with the fruit. This combination should start to slightly macerate, drawing out the natural juices of the berries, which, when baked, will form a succulent and vibrant filling. Once mixed, evenly distribute this berry mixture into the base of your prepared dish. It's essential to ensure the layer is even, as this will contribute to the consistency of the filling in every bite of the finished bars. Proceed to prepare the crumble topping and shortbread base as these layers will encapsulate the berry filling, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavours that epitomise summer indulgence. The preparation of this berry filling is a simple yet crucial step, setting the foundation for a dessert that captures the essence of summer in every slice.

Crafting the Crumble Topping

Embarking on the preparation of the crumble topping, a pivotal component that adds texture and depth to our Berry Crumble Bars, requires a measured approach.

1. Begin by sifting the plain flour into a mixing bowl, a step that ensures your crumble has a light, aerated structure. To this, integrate 120g of granulated sugar, ingredients that contribute to the sweet, crumbly texture that will perfectly complement the juicy berry filling beneath.
2. With these dry elements combined, introduce the unsalted butter, which should be cold and cubed for ease of incorporation. Employing the tips of your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture. This method, often used in traditional pastry making, requires a gentle touch to form a breadcrumb-like texture. It's crucial that the mixture remains somewhat coarse; these tiny, butter-laden crumbs are what will develop into a golden, enticing topping upon baking.

As you meld these ingredients, embrace the simplicity of the process, a reminder of the joys of summer baking. The tactile experience of crafting the crumble topping by hand not only enriches the overall preparation of Berry Crumble Bars but also imbues the final dessert with a personal touch.

3. Once the mixture reaches the desired consistency, with a uniform crumbly appearance, it is ready to be evenly sprinkled over the luscious berry filling awaiting in your baking dish. This layer, though simple in composition, is transformative, promising to add a textural contrast that is both satisfying to the palate and delightful to the senses.

Assembling the Bars

4. With the berry filling prepared and the crumble topping poised for sprinkling, the assembly of your Berry Crumble Bars beckons as the next step. Initially, focus on the foundation of your dessert, the shortbread base. This requires evenly pressing the dough into the bottom of your greased baking dish. Ensure a uniform layer is achieved, as this will support the lavish berry layer above, providing a sturdy yet crumbly contrast to the juicy filling. Once prepared, place in your pre heated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until there shortbread base has a light golden hue to it.

5. Following the base, the vibrant berry mixture that you've previously prepared is to be gently spooned over the shortbread. Spread this layer meticulously to cover the dough, creating a seamless transition from the crisp base to the tart and sweet berries. This not only ensures an even bake but also promises a consistent burst of summer flavours in every bite.
6. The final flourish involves liberally scattering the crumble topping over the berries. This step is where the texture truly comes to play, with the buttery crumbs set to bake into a golden, crunchy blanket that crowns the bars. It's essential that this topping is distributed evenly, as it provides a delightful contrast to the soft berry filling beneath, enhancing the overall sensory experience of the dessert.

This stage of assembly is critical, marrying all elements of the Berry Crumble Bars into a coherent and visually appealing whole. With each layer thoughtfully prepared and positioned, your dessert is now ready for the oven, where the magic of baking transforms these individual components into a cohesive, mouth-watering treat that encapsulates the essence of summer.

7. Place your carefully assembled Berry Crumble Bars into the centre of a preheated oven, set to a moderate temperature of 170°C. The baking process is where all the elements of your dessert come together, with the aim of achieving a delightful contrast in textures and the perfect marriage of flavours. Monitor the oven closely, as the bars should bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. You're looking for a transformation where the topping takes on a rich, golden hue, signalling a crunch with every bite, while beneath, the berry filling should gently bubble, indicating it has reached the pinnacle of its succulent glory.

This crucial stage of the recipe demands patience; allow the dessert to cool within the baking dish upon removal from the oven. This rest period is not merely about making the bars easier to slice, but it also gives the berry filling time to set and the flavours to meld together harmoniously. The cooling process ensures that when you do come to slice the bars, each piece is a perfect representation of what a summer treat should be - visually enticing with clearly defined layers, and a texture that offers both a crisp bite and a melt-in-your-mouth softness.

As the bars cool, resist the temptation to slice into them immediately. This patience will be rewarded with cleaner cuts and a more enjoyable eating experience. Each bar, once cool, becomes not just a dessert, but a testament to the joy of summer baking, embodying the season's brightness and freshness in every bite.

Serving and Storage Tips

Upon the completion of your Berry Crumble Bars and after they've been allowed to cool, these delightful treats are best enjoyed fresh. However, should you find yourself with leftovers or in need of preparing them in advance, they can be kept in an airtight container. It's recommended to store them at room temperature, where they will maintain their quality for up to three days. For those who have a penchant for a crisper topping, a brief stint in the oven on a low heat before serving can revitalise the crumble, bringing back a bit of its original texture.

If your plans include serving these bars beyond the immediate day of baking, rest assured, they make for an excellent dessert option for various summer events, from casual barbecues to more formal gatherings. The bars can be sliced and arranged on a platter, offering a self-serve dessert that is both convenient and appealing to guests.

For individuals seeking to extend the enjoyment of these bars beyond the three-day room temperature guideline, refrigeration is an option. When stored in the refrigerator, ensure they are tightly wrapped or kept in a sealed container to prevent them from absorbing any odours and to retain their moisture. When ready to serve, simply allow them to come to room temperature for the best flavour and texture experience. This method of storage can prolong their enjoyment for up to a week, making them a versatile treat suited to various summer occasions.

Variations of Berry Crumble Bars

The beauty of making Berry Crumble Bars lies in their adaptability, allowing one to experiment with an array of fillings to suit individual tastes or seasonal availability. Whilst the original recipe suggests a delightful combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, the scope for variation is vast. Adventurous bakers might consider incorporating blackberries for their deep flavour or cherries for a touch of sweetness and colour contrast. Frozen berries offer a practical alternative when fresh options are scarce, ensuring that the essence of summer can be captured at any time of the year. For a more autumnal take on this bar why not try incorporating apple and pear with a pinch of cinnamon, pureed pumpkin with pumpkin spice or for a more festive twist why not see my Mince Pie Crumble Bar Recipe. Loaded with delicious mince meat and butter shortbread.

For those with a penchant for tropical flavours, a daring mix of diced mango and pineapple could transport the taste buds to exotic locales, adding an unexpected twist to this classic summer dessert. Introducing aromatic spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble topping can enhance the warmth and depth of the bars, making them even more irresistible.

Moreover, a sprinkle of flaked almonds or chopped pecans into the crumble mixture introduces a delightful crunch and nuttiness, further elevating the texture and taste profile of the bars. This customisation not only personalises the dessert but also invites an element of surprise with each variation tried.

In essence, the versatility of Berry Crumble Bars is limited only by one's imagination and the seasonal fruits at hand. Each modification not only breathes new life into the recipe but also serves as a celebration of personal preference and culinary creativity, ensuring that this summer treat remains a cherished favourite in any form it takes.

If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*