Fruity dessert bars are easily one of the best desserts out there. Why? Because they combine the fresh, vibrant flavor of fruit with a buttery crust for pure heaven in every bite. Pair them with coffee or tea, and you’ve got a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious. The best part? They’re quick and easy to whip up anytime you crave something sweet!

If you really love raspberry, you should give our fresh Raspberry Butter a try or our Mixed Berry Crumble.

Why Our Recipe

  • Buttery crust, tart raspberry filling, a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping, and a simple glaze to finish it all off.
  • Made with real raspberries for the freshest, boldest fruit flavor.
  • Great for potlucks, holiday desserts, or just a sweet raspberry treat at home.
freshly made raspberry streusel dessert bars stacked on white plate

Our raspberry streusel bars are a crowd favorite for a reason: they’re sweet, tart, buttery, and have that irresistible streusel on top! Honestly, they have it all! Perfect for parties, bake sales, or a quick treat, even picky eaters love them. With just a handful of ingredients and four simple steps—crust, raspberry filling, streusel topping, and vanilla glaze—you’ll have a dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious. Trust us: make a double batch. These bars disappear fast!

Ingredient Notes

raw ingredients needed to make raspberry streusel dessert bars on table
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the crust. Gluten-free blends work for a gluten-free version, though the texture may vary.
  • Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the crust. Use salted butter for the best taste, or unsalted with a pinch of salt. Plant-based butter works for a dairy-free option.
  • Sugar: Sweetens and enhances the texture of both the crust and filling.
  • Raspberries: Fresh raspberries are ideal; frozen ones can make the filling watery.
  • Corn Starch: Thickens the raspberry filling.
  • Brown Sugar: Sweetens and deepens the flavor of the streusel topping.
  • Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Adds crunch and texture to the streusel.
  • Cinnamon: Enhances the streusel with warm, subtle flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and helps it adhere to the bars.
  • Milk: 2% or whole milk works well, but dairy-free alternatives are fine too.
  • Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract offers the best flavor, though imitation works in a pinch.

Glaze Optional

While we love topping our raspberry streusel bars with a drizzle of vanilla glaze for that extra touch, you can skip it if you prefer. It adds a pretty finish, but a light dusting of powdered sugar works just as well. Just make sure the bars are completely cooled before adding either.

The Perfect Streusel

Achieving the perfect streusel texture is easier than you think! The topping should be crunchy, chunky, and crumbly—not something you simply spread over the top, but rather rustic and textured. To get there, pulse the ingredients together until well combined and crumbly. Then, sprinkle it evenly over the raspberry filling for a perfectly rustic finish.

pan of raspberry streusel dessert bars on table

Equipment Options

To make the shortbread crust, you can use a pastry cutter or a food processor. If you have one at home, we always prefer a food processor! It makes things so simple.

You can also use a pastry cutter, also known as a pastry blender, which is a handheld kitchen tool with several curved, metal blades attached to a sturdy handle.

While a fork can also work, it may take a bit longer and require more effort to achieve the same crumbly texture.

For the streusel topping, the same tools can be used, or you can even use your fingers to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly. Just make sure to work quickly to keep the butter cold for the best results!

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave on high in 30-second increments until warmed to desired temperature.

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