5-Ingredient Raspberry Crumb Bars made gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan. These easy raspberry oatmeal bars are a phenomenal summer treat that the whole family will love! Youโ€™ll want to put them on repeat with different fruit over and over!

Wooden plate with a slice of raspberry crumb bar and a gold fork. More crumb bars in the background.

If youโ€™ve tuned into my site for a while, youโ€™ve likely come across my Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, 5-Ingredient Blackberry Pie Bars, and my Paleo Blueberry Crumb Bars.ย 

These fruity desserts are so well-loved by readers, friends, and family, and my own household that I return to them over and over using different kinds of fruit.

Is it just me, or are raspberries one of the most underrated fruit? I love the sweet tang and fun texture from the seeds.

For me, raspberries are amazing in everything from baked goods to green salads, and even make an amazing salad dressing, marinade or reduction sauce. 

And that brings us to these magical fresh raspberry oat bars.

They feature a thick oatmeal shortbread crust with a jammy tangy raspberry filling, and a delightful crumb topping.

The flavors and textures come together magically for a fruit loverโ€™s paradise.

I make the bars gluten-free and dairy-free but I have included an option for those who use butter in their baking. 

I will say, I personally prefer the flavor of the butter version, so if you donโ€™t need to make the bars dairy-free, I recommend using butter.

The best part is this simple recipe only requires 5 basic ingredients. Not too shabby for a decadent treat!

While the glaze is entirely optional, I recommend it for an amazing raspberry danish vibe.ย 

Raspberry crumb bars cut into squares on a sheet of parchment paper with fresh raspberries around.

Letโ€™s discuss those 5 ingredients for raspberry crumb bars! They can be found at just about any grocery store!

Ingredients For Raspberry Crumb Bars:

Fresh Raspberries: The star of the show here, ripe, juicy raspberries create a fruit-forward, tangy experience! Imagine spreading delicious raspberry jam on the best shortbread cookie, or raspberry Linzer cookies. Thatโ€™s what weโ€™re getting into here!

The raspberries get lightly cooked on the stove top for a few minutes just until they reach a gentle boil so that the filling is thick and chewy.

Sweetener: Pick your favorite sweetener to sweeten the bars. Cane sugar, brown sugar, coconut sugar, maple sugar, pure maple syrup, or sugar-free sweetener are all great options.ย 

This sweetener gets used for both the crust and the fresh raspberry filling to make the bars taste nice and sweet without being overly sugary.

For pure maple syrup you will add a few extra tablespoons of flour to the crumble mixture, but aside from that, everything stays the same.

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: The base of the shortbread crust and crumble topping is gluten-free all-purpose flour. Pick your favorite gluten-free blend for this recipe.

I like using Bobโ€™s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour or Pamelaโ€™s Artisan Blend Gluten-Free Flour.

Whatever brand you choose, just be sure it is designed to be a 1:1 replacement for regular all-purpose flour.

The gluten-free flour is also used to thicken the raspberry mixture.

Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats or quick oats get mixed into the crumble topping for some fun flavor and texture.

Be sure to use certified gluten free oats if need be. I use sprouted gluten-free oats in all of my oatmeal treats.

If you aren’t gluten free, use any type of oats you like except for steel cut oats.ย 

Melted Coconut Oil, Butter, or Avocado Oil: We need some form of fat to make the shortbread crust nice and rich.

Choose your favorite: coconut oil, butter, or avocado oil. The coconut oil or butter options will both need to be melted, whereas the avocado oil is liquid at room temperature and can go right in.

My personal favorite flavor-wise is butter, but all three options end up with a great tasting result.

Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt goes into the cookie dough mixture and the raspberry mixture to level up the flavors. This makes the bars taste out of this world flavorful! Without salt, baked recipes taste a little flat.

Optional Glaze: For a decadent treat with a glazed donut vibe, whip up a basic powdered sugar glaze.

We need one cup of powdered sugar and a little water or lemon juice. Go with the lemon juice if you love the combination of lemon and berries.

Slice of raspberry crumb bar on a wooden plate.

There are many ways you can customize these bars for the absolute best results. Here are some options.

Recipe Adaptations:

  • You can use any granulated sweetener you like for these bars, including white sugar, brown sugar, coconut sugar, maple sugar, or sugar-free sweetener. For pure maple syrup, follow the instructions in the recipe card.
  • Replace the raspberry mixture in this recipe with sweet raspberry jam or well-stirred fruit preserves of choice. You will need about 1.5 to 2 cups of jam. Seedless raspberry jam is my recommendation for this route!
  • For a lower sugar option, use sugar-free powdered sweetener for the glaze and any granulated sugar-free sweetener for the crust and raspberry filling.
  • Chocolate lovers, top the bars with chocolate chips if you love chocolate in fruity bars.
  • For a low-carb option, make my Low-Carb Blueberry Crumb Bars. You can make this recipe using fresh raspberries too if youโ€™d like.
  • Make raspberry lemon bars by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the crust mixture.
  • If you have vanilla extract on hand, add 1.5 teaspoons to the buttery shortbread mixture for warm flavor.
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the crumbly crust mixture if you love almond flavored treats.

Now that weโ€™re experts on the five simple ingredients, letโ€™s bake some delicious raspberry bars!

How to Make Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8โ€ x 8โ€ square pan with parchment paper.

If you don’t have parchment paper on hand, you can spray the square baking pan with cooking oil, but the parchment paper makes for very easy removal of the bars from the pan post-baking.

In a large bowl, stir together the dry ingredients for the shortbread crust and topping (gluten-free all-purpose flour, oats, granulated cane sugar, and sea salt) until combined.

Crust mixture mixed up in a mixing bowl.

Pour in the melted coconut oil (or avocado oil or melted butter) and stir the crumb mixture until a thick dough forms. Note: if you prefer using your food processor or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment instead of a mixing bowl, feel free to do so!

Reserve ยฝ cup of this crumble mixture to use as topping. Transfer the rest of the dough to the prepared baking dish and press it into an even layer using your hands or the back of a wooden spoon.

Crust pressed into a baking pan with some reserved crumble topping to the side

You want the crust to be firmly pressed into the bottom of the pan so that it holds together nicely when sliced into bars. Poke the crust several times with a fork.

Bake the crust on the center rack of the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until it is just slightly golden brown.

Shortbread crust in a baking pan.

While the crust is baking, prepare the raspberry filling mixture. 

Transfer the raspberries and sugar to a saucepan and cover it with a lid. Heat over medium heat on the stovetop until the raspberry juices begin boiling.

Raspberries and sugar in a pot.

Use a fork to mash the raspberries, then stir in the gluten-free all-purpose flour until it is completely dissolved.

Raspberry mixture in a pot.

Remove the raspberry filling from the heat. Set it aside until ready to use. The raspberry filling should resemble a thick fruit filling, similar to the consistency of stirred raspberry jam, yet not as thick as raspberry preserves.

Once the crust has finished pre-baking, remove it from the oven and pour all of the raspberry filling mixture over it, spreading it into an even layer.

Raspberry filling on top of a shortbread crust to make raspberry crumb bars
Raspberry mixture on top of crust in a square dish.

Crumble the remaining dough over the raspberry layer. Bake the raspberry bars for 22 to 30 minutes, or until the crumble topping begins to show a little color.

Sprinkle the remaining crumble topping on top of the raspberry layer

Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature. Store the bars covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator until youโ€™re ready to serve them.

This refrigeration helps the bars to set up so that they slice nicely.

Square baking pan with raspberry crumb bars inside. A bowl of fresh raspberries and a gold napkin to the side of the baking dish.

Transfer the raspberry oatmeal bars to a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice them into squares. You can enjoy the bars at this point or whip up the optional glaze to drizzle on top.

To prepare the glaze, stir 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of water or lemon juice in a small bowl until the sweetener is dissolved and a creamy glaze results.

Drizzle the glaze over the bars, and enjoy!

Spoon drizzling glaze over the cut crumb bars.

Store leftover crumb bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. These bars freeze very well! Simply transfer them to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

And there you have it! The only difficult part about this recipe is having the self control to not eat more than one bar at a time.

Take advantage of berry season with these delicious fresh berry bars.

Parchment paper with slices of raspberry crumb bars and a wooden plate with a crumb bar. Fresh raspberries around the sides and a golden napkin.

Whip up this tasty raspberry dessert the next time you’re craving a fruity treat. A warmed slice of raspberry crumb bar paired with a cup of coffee or mug of hot tea is my idea of the perfect snack!

If you love fruit desserts or fruit crumb bars, also try out these favorites!

More Fruit Crumble Bars:

Raspberry crumb bars with a simple glaze, cut into individual squares and ready to serve.

Raspberry crumble bars for breakfast!

Wooden plate with a slice of raspberry crumb bar and a gold fork. More crumb bars in the background.

Raspberry Crumb Bars

4.45 from 27 votes
A fruit lover's paradise, these simple gluten-free Raspberry Crumb Bars are rich and taste buttery in spite of being dairy-free. Plus they have such a beautiful berry tang for the ultimate sweet treat!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 9 Bars

Ingredients

For the Raspberry Filling:

  • 4 cups fresh raspberries about 18 ounces
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar or pure maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour*
  • Pinch sea salt

Shortbread Crust and Topping:

Optional Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 Tbsp water or lemon juice

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8โ€ x 8โ€ square pan with parchment paper. If you don’t have parchment paper on hand, you can spray the square baking pan with cooking oil, but the parchment paper makes for very easy removal of the bars from the pan post-baking.
  • In a large bowl, stir together the dry ingredients for the shortbread crust and topping (gluten-free all-purpose flour, oats, granulated cane sugar, and sea salt) until combined. Pour in the melted coconut oil (or avocado oil or melted butter) and stir the crumb mixture until a thick dough forms. Note: if you prefer using your food processor or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment instead of a mixing bowl, feel free to do so!
  • Reserve ยฝ cup of this crumble mixture to use as topping. Transfer the rest of the dough to the prepared baking dish and press it into an even layer using your hands or the back of a wooden spoon. You want the crust to be firmly pressed into the bottom of the pan so that it holds together nicely when sliced into bars. Poke the crust several times with a fork.
  • Bake the crust on the center rack of the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until it is just slightly golden brown.
  • While the crust is baking, prepare the raspberry filling mixture.ย Transfer the raspberries and sugar to a saucepan and cover it with a lid. Heat over medium heat on the stovetop until the raspberry juices begin boiling. Use a fork to mash the raspberries, then stir in the gluten-free all-purpose flour until it is completely dissolved. Remove the raspberry filling from the heat. Set it aside until ready to use. The raspberry filling should resemble a thick fruit filling, similar to the consistency of stirred raspberry jam, yet not as thick as raspberry preserves.
  • Once the crust has finished pre-baking, remove it from the oven and pour all of the raspberry filling mixture over it, spreading it into an even layer.
  • Crumble the remaining dough over the raspberry layer. Bake the raspberry bars for 22 to 30 minutes, or until the crumble topping begins to show a little color.
  • Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature. Store the bars covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator until youโ€™re ready to serve them. This refrigeration helps the bars to set up so that they slice nicely.
  • Transfer the raspberry oatmeal bars to a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice them into squares. You can enjoy the bars at this point or whip up the optional glaze to drizzle on top.
  • To prepare the glaze, stir 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of water or lemon juice in a small bowl until the sweetener is dissolved and a creamy glaze results.
  • Drizzle the glaze over the bars, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

*You can replace the GF all-purpose flour in the raspberry filling with tapioca flour or cornstarch.
**If using pure maple syrup to sweeten the crust, add an additional 3 tablespoons of gluten-free all-purpose flour.
***If youโ€™re using butter instead of coconut oil, use 2 sticks (1 cup) of butter (melted).
Store leftover crumb bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. These bars freeze very well! Simply transfer them to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 9) ยท Calories: 389kcal ยท Carbohydrates: 52g ยท Protein: 4g ยท Fat: 20g ยท Saturated Fat: 15g ยท Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g ยท Sodium: 156mg ยท Fiber: 5g ยท Sugar: 14g
Author: Julia
Course: Desserts & Treats
Cuisine: American
Keyword: breakfast bars, dessert recipes, gluten free raspberry desserts, healthy raspberry crumb bars, healthy raspberry desserts, raspberry oat bars, raspberry oatmeal bars, vegan desserts, vegan raspberry recipes
Did You Make This Recipe?I want to see it! Tag @the.roasted.root on social media!

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Julia Mueller
Meet the Author

Julia Mueller

Julia Mueller is a recipe developer, cookbook author, and founder of The Roasted Root. She has authored three bestselling cookbooks, – Paleo Power Powers, Delicious Probiotic Drinks, and The Quintessential Kale Cookbook. Her recipes have been featured in several national publications such as BuzzFeed, Self, Tasty, Country Living, Brit.co, etc.

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Questions and Reviews

  1. I made this recipe using my homemade plum compote, or even just store-bought strawberry jam. If I use the store-bought jam, I reduce the sugar slightly and I never use the drizzle because I donโ€™t think I need it. I replace half of the oil with mashed banana just because it adds sweetness and a little bit of softness. This is the best and easiest recipe I have found, and every time, hands-down, I have to bump up the recipe to the max amount that you can make because, my kids, my husband, and anyone who happens to pass by just devours it. One of the most delicious vegan and gluten-free recipes I have ever found.

    1. Thanks so much for sharing all of that, Christina! It makes my day hearing how much you and your family enjoy the recipe! I appreciate you swinging back around to share all of your creations and I thank you for your sweet words! xo

    1. Hi Kim! This is a great question and to be totally honest, I’m not sure if anything would need to change. My assumption is that you would lose some volume, so it might be worth adding a little more (say 1/2 cup to 1 cup) but I don’t think it would make a detrimental difference. Let me know if you have any more questions! I hope you enjoy the bars! xo

  2. I made this Sunday; what an awesome dessert! Your recipes are always so easy to follow and I love the suggestions. I made this per the original recipe. My husband cannot stop picking at the bars, grazing all day (hard not to when you work from home!). It’s great with coffee in the morning, great after lunch and dinner. Love it with some vanilla ice cream too. thank you!

    1. Ahh I love hearing that, Dawn! I find it challenging to stop at one too! My family is obsessed with these bars and we make them often with various types of berries and fruit. We can’t get enough! xo

    1. Hi Joel! Yes, absolutely ๐Ÿ™‚ I’ve made the bars with blueberries too and they turn out great! Hope you enjoy

    1. Hi there! I haven’t tested the recipe myself using frozen raspberries, but it should work great. You can go about it in one of two ways – thaw the raspberries first, then follow the recipe as written. Or, if you want to prepare the recipe directly from frozen, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the raspberry mixture and heat it up slowly on the stove top to allow the raspberries to release water. Hope you enjoy! xo