These Mixed Berry Bars are delicious and gorgeous, and more importantly, they are perfect for the summer season. This recipe uses a ton of berries, including sweet ones like blueberries and sour ones like raspberries.
The bottom crust is made with straightforward ingredients. This crust recipe is used in the lemon bar recipe Luscious Lemon Bars. The combination of soft and slightly sour topping (from mixed berries) makes a good balance with the crunchy and sweet crust.
WHY THIS RECIPE IS GREAT
- This recipe has straightforward ingredients, and it comes together very easily.
- This recipe uses a lot of frozen or fresh fruits, which makes it very fresh and delicious. If using frozen berries, do not thaw them.
- The crust or biscuit in these berry bars can be topped with fruit or nuts.
HOW TO MAKE THESE MIXED BERRY BARS
- We must process the ingredients in a food processor for a smooth crust texture. This will help to ensure a lump-free mixture.
- Butter must be cold; right out of the fridge, it must be cold.
- The goal is to keep the dough as cold as possible. Butter must not warm up in our hands.
- Add a few ice cubes to a glass of water to keep it icy cold, or use cold Vodka. I used Smirnoff.
INGREDIENTS SUBSTITUTION
- This recipe uses a mix of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. You can use only one kind of these berries.
- The recipe contains lemon zest and lemon juice. You can add orange peel and juice.
FAQ About The Mixed Berry Bars
- Can we make these berry bars in a glass dish? Yes, you can. Grease the pan well and line it with parchment paper.
- Can I use fresh berries? Yes, Fresh berries will work fine. If using large strawberries, hull and slice them into four slices.
- Should we thaw the frozen berries? Frozen berries should not thaw, as this will add too much moisture to the bars.
See more related recipes here:
Storing: These bars stay fresh in an air-tight container for one week in the fridge.
Disclaimer: I highly recommend using the measurements in grams & ml (instead of cups & spoons) for more accuracy and better results.
If you tried this recipe, and your thumbs were high up, make sure to leave me a STAR REVIEW, and tag me on Instagram @dreamcaketrue
📖 Recipe
Mixed Berry Bars
Ingredients
CRUST
- 2½ cups All-purpose flour, Spooned leveled
- 1 cup Sugar
- ¾ cup Butter, Cold, straight from the fridge and Diced
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1-2 tablespoon Ice water
Berry Filling
- 3 cups Mixed berries, If using frozen, do not thaw
- 2 tablespoon Sugar
- 2 tablespoon Lemon Juice, Freshly squeezed
- 1½ tablespoon Corn starch
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
For The Topping
- ¼ cup Quick oats, Optional
Instructions
How To Make The Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9X9 square pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Massage the sugar and lemon zest to release the lemon aroma.1 cup Sugar, 1 tablespoon Lemon zest2½ cups All-purpose flour, 1 cup Sugar, 1 tablespoon Lemon zest, ½ teaspoon Salt
- Place the sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and salt in a food processor and pulse a few times until smooth. 2½ cups All-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Add the cold butter and pulse until the dough resembles wet sand. ¾ cup Butter¾ cup Butter
- Add one tablespoon of ice water and pulse again. If the dough seems too dry, add one more tablespoon of cold water. Add the vanilla extract and pulse one more time. The dough should stick together when pressing it in your hand, but not too soft or sticky. 1-2 tablespoon Ice water
- Reserve ⅓ cup of the dough.
- Pour the remaining ⅔ of the mixture into the prepared pan and press down. Use a flat-bottom glass to smooth out the dough about ½ inch. Set aside.
How To Make The Topping
- In a large bowl mix together the mixed berries, cornstarch, sugar, Vanilla extract, and lemon juice. 3 cups Mixed berries, 2 tablespoon Sugar, 2 tablespoon Lemon Juice, 1½ tablespoon Corn starch, 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon Lemon zest1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract, 3 cups Mixed berries, 2 tablespoon Sugar, 2 tablespoon Lemon Juice, 1½ tablespoon Corn starch
- Distribute the above mixture on top of the crust, and spread evenly. with your fingertips make clusters of the remaining crust mixture (⅓) and spread it on top of the berry mixture.
- Sprinkle the top with the quick oat. ¼ cup Quick oats
- Bake for one hour, Let cool completely, then transfer into the fridge for 15 minutes before cutting.
Notes
- Make sure butter comes out of the fridge right before it is added to the flour mixture.
- Do not thaw the berries. This will discolor the crust.
- To have icy cold water, put a few ice cubes in a glass, and pour cold water over the ice.
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