Crumble is not necessarily the first dessert that comes to mind in late spring. Although I adore it, when it is warm(er) outside it is normally a refreshing cold dessert or fresh fruit that your taste buds are craving. These bars solve that problem and make crumble, not only a warm weather friendly dessert, but also portable! Sounds pretty good to me.
These strawberry and blackberry crumble bars have everything that is good about a crumble – crunchy topping, hearty oats, tart fruit – and shove it all atop a chewy, butter shortbread base. The biscuit base is earning its keep, it bring a lot to the table, so to speak. Firstly it holds everything together making these perfectly portable and a certain hit at picnics. Secondly, and to be honest this part was a bit of a surprise to me, the biscuit is texture perfection. The edges are crisp, as you would expect, but the centre absorbs some of the fruit juices meaning it bakes up slightly chewy. Wonderful!
This recipe could be adapted all throughout the year too, to reflect whatever fruit is on hand. Even in the summer there are a multitude of different fruits that would work really well. Peaches, nectarines or apricots would turn soft and sweet, even if they are a little under-ripe the heat will sort them right out. You would also substitute any other berries, or add some rhubarb. Apple in the autumn? Mincemeat at Christmas? This is a hardworking recipe, definitely a keeper! (more…)
