Blackberry, Sage, and Apple Oat Crumble Bars
These Blackberry, Sage, and Apple Oat Crumble Bars are a delightful blend of tart blackberries, sweet apples, and aromatic sage, encased in a buttery oat crumble, perfect for any occasion.
Servings: 16 bars
Calories: 160kcal
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups old-fashioned oats The heart of your crumble; these oats will give the bars a hearty texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Provides structure to your bars and gives them a satisfying chew.
- 0.5 cup brown sugar Adds rich sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder Helps the bars rise slightly, giving them a lovely crumb.
- 0.25 teaspoon salt Enhances the sweetness of the bars.
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted Brings richness and moisture to the mixture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For that warm, inviting flavor.
For the filling
- 2 cups blackberries Tart and juicy, they add a beautiful color and flavor.
- 2 pieces apples, peeled, cored, and diced Sweet and crisp, complements the blackberries perfectly.
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar To sweeten the filling.
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped Provides a unique and aromatic flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Balances the sweetness and adds brightness.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch Thickens the fruit filling for that perfect gooey texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes crumble-like in texture.
- Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a firm crust.
Filling Preparation
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the blackberries, diced apples, granulated sugar, chopped sage, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Cook until the fruit softens and the mixture thickens, around 5 to 7 minutes.
- Spread the prepared blackberry, sage, and apple filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish.
Baking
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top of the fruit filling, covering it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns a golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the dish before cutting them into squares.
Notes
Let the butter cool slightly before adding it to the oat mixture. Use seasonal fruits for the best flavor. Add nutmeg or cinnamon for extra spice. For crunch, bake a few extra minutes, watching carefully.