Summer Delight: Gluten-Free Dessert Bars

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Indulge in the Flavors of Summer with Triple Berry Crumb Bars

Although school is still in session, my boys and I have wholeheartedly embraced the summer season. We’ve been relishing outdoor activities like blowing bubbles, taking leisurely walks, and even playing in the sand (despite not having a beach nearby – oh, the #midwestproblems!). Our dinners have become impromptu affairs, whipped up swiftly when hunger pangs strike and we can no longer resist the lure of the outdoors. And let’s not forget our evening baths, which often consist of running through the sprinkler. Ah, the joys of summer!

With these carefree summer vibes in mind, I’m excited to share with you the recipe for Triple Berry Crumb Bars, the epitome of summer in dessert form! Originally conceived as a delightful Mother’s Day treat, these bars will undoubtedly grace our table throughout the entire season. Bursting with the juiciest blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, they effortlessly encapsulate the essence of summer. Nestled between layers of a simple crumb mixture that serves as both the crust and crumb topping, the individual flavors of each berry shine through beautifully. Trust me, you can truly taste the distinct sweetness of every single berry in this delectable recipe.

A Nostalgic Treat Reinvented

In my formative years, I developed a soft spot for Triple Berry Pie from either Perkins or Village Inn (the memory is slightly hazy, but the flavors remain vivid). It was precisely this pie that served as the inspiration for these bars. After all, who could resist the allure of pie in bar form? And the best part? They are so much easier to make! No more tedious rolling, crimping, and desperate prayers (an integral part of making gluten-free pie, as I can attest to through personal experience).

Bring on the Berries!

Let’s dive into the recipe, shall we? Start by gathering a generous batch of fresh berries. You’ll need 1 pint of blueberries, along with 6 ounces each of blackberries and raspberries.

How to Make Triple Berry Crumb Bars

Place the berries in a bowl and gently combine them with 1/2 cup of white sugar and 1 heaping tablespoon of gluten-free flour. To maintain the gluten-free integrity of this recipe, I recommend using King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour – my go-to for all my baking adventures. Set this delightful berry mixture aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup each of white and brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 3 cups of gluten-free flour. Once again, I highly recommend King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure flour, though any blend that includes a binder will do the trick. Avoid using a plain gluten-free flour like almond flour or coconut flour.

Next, add 1 cup (2 sticks) of cold butter or vegan butter, cut into cubes, as well as 1 large whisked egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until the egg is fully incorporated. Then, using either a pastry cutter or your fingertips, crumble the mixture until only small butter pieces remain. You may also opt to pulse the mixture in a food processor if you prefer.

Transfer a little over half of the crumb mixture into a nonstick-sprayed 9×13″ baking dish. Firmly press it down using either your hands or the back of a measuring cup to form the crust.

Pour the berry mixture evenly on top of the crust, followed by squeezing handfuls of the remaining crumb mixture to create large clumps. Sprinkle these clumps generously over the berries. And now, it’s time for the oven! Bake the bars at 375 degrees for 38-40 minutes, or until the topping turns a delightful shade of light golden brown. Be sure to rotate the pan 180 degrees halfway through baking for even cooking.

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares and giving in to temptation. While it’s tempting to devour them warm, I must admit that they actually improve in flavor and texture as they cool and slightly soften. Trust me, the anticipation is worth it! In fact, I might just go grab a square for myself right now. 😉 I hope you thoroughly enjoy this sweet and easy recipe bursting with berry goodness.