Decadent mixed berry crumble bars for a hot day

 Aisha Hamad AlMidfa

The mixed berry crumble bars are an easy yet satisfying dessert with a contemporary take on the classic apple crumble. It fulfils all your taste buds with the various textures and layers that hug the rich mixed berry filling.

The crumble encompasses of two layers of the same floury mixture and a smooth yet warm filling of berries. Most of the ingredients can be found in anyone’s kitchen. For the fruity filling, it is best if it is homemade rather than using a jam because the flavours become more elevated and enhanced when cooked. Also, for the berry mixture, frozen mixed berries can do the trick or some fresh berries can be used, both are fine.

Mixed berry crumble bar served with ice cream.

Ingredients

Crumb mixture

1 cup flour

¾ rolled oats

1 pinch salt

½ sugar

¼ brown sugar

1/3 flaked almonds

2 tsp peanut butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ unsalted butter

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees C and grease an 8-inch by an 8-inch baking pan. You can also use parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the wet and dry ingredients or combine them in a food processor. The consistency of the mixture should be able to be held together. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, making it as flat as possible. Set aside about 1 cup of the mixture for later usage. 

Ingredients

Mixed berry filling

1 cup raspberry

1 cup blackberry

1 cup blueberry

1 cup strawberry

Zest of a lemon

2 tsp sugar

1 tsp cornstarch 

The mixed berry crumble bar.

Method

1. Chop up the strawberries into smaller pieces. Combine all the berries together with the rest of the ingredients.
2. Spread the mixed berry layer over the preexisting crust in the pan.
3. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the berries.
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes at 180 degrees C until lightly browned.
5. Let it cool down for a bit before cutting them into square bar pieces. It can be enjoyed on its own or with some vanilla ice cream.

Aisha is an intern with Gulf Today. She covers the Emirati community, culture, and food.