Easy Plum Crumble Bars: A Taste of Home

This easy plum crumble bars recipe has been a lifesaver on countless occasions. School bake sales, last-minute potlucks, or just a cozy Sunday afternoon treat, these easy plum crumble bars never fail to please. And honestly, the best part is how easy they are to make. With my busy schedule, I need recipes that are quick, delicious, and don’t require a culinary degree.

Trust me, once you try this easy plum crumble bars, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking! I’m excited to share my family’s favorite fruit crumble bars recipe!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful easy plum crumble bars. Don’t worry; the ingredient list looks longer than it is. Most of it is pantry staples!

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• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – I always use unbleached, but regular all-purpose works just as well.
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar – This adds a lovely caramel-y depth to the crumble.
• ¾ cup rolled oats – Use the old-fashioned kind, not the instant oats. They give the crumble a nice, chewy texture.
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Feel free to add a pinch more if you love cinnamon as much as I do!
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes – Make sure it’s really cold! This is key for a flaky crumble.
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – I always use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• 2 pounds ripe plums, pitted and sliced – I prefer using a mix of different plum varieties for a more complex flavor. You can find these at your local farmer’s market, or your grocery store.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – To sweeten the plums a bit.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – This helps thicken the plum filling.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens up the plum flavor.

Sourcing and Storing Your Ingredients

When making easy plum crumble bars, I always try to buy my plums from the farmer’s market if possible. They just taste so much better! Plus, you’re supporting local farmers, which is always a good thing. Also, when plums are in season you can find them at very reasonable prices!

Here’s a easy plum crumble bars trick I learned from my mom: if your butter isn’t quite cold enough, pop it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before you start. It makes a huge difference in the texture of the crumble.

For a shortcut, you can buy pre-sliced plums at some grocery stores, but honestly, it’s so easy to slice them yourself, and it saves you a few bucks!

As for storage, I keep my flour and oats in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. Brown sugar tends to get hard, so I always throw a marshmallow in the container to keep it soft. Works like a charm!

Once you have your ingredients, its time to get baking our fantastic easy plum crumble bars!

How to Make – Step-by-Step

Alright, friend, let’s get down to business. Here’s how to make these mouthwatering easy plum crumble bars, step-by-step. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use a glass pan for this recipe, but a metal one works just as well.
2. Make the crumble topping: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is where that really cold butter comes in handy! If the butter starts to get too soft, pop the bowl in the freezer for a few minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the crumble mixture and stir until just combined. The mixture will be crumbly and slightly clumpy – that’s exactly what you want!
4. Press half of the crumble mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press it firmly to form a solid base. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even; rustic is beautiful!
5. Prepare the plum filling: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced plums, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the plums evenly.
6. Pour the plum mixture over the crust. Spread it out in an even layer.
7. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the plums. Try to distribute it evenly, but don’t worry about covering every single plum slice.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the plum filling is bubbly. In my kitchen, easy plum crumble bars usually takes about 38 minutes, but every oven is different.
9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This is crucial! If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they’ll fall apart. Trust me, I learned that the hard way! It’s easier said than done, especially with the heavenly aroma filling the kitchen, but resist the temptation.

Tips for Baking Success

I learned the hard way with easy plum crumble bars that if you don’t let them cool completely, they’ll be a gooey mess.

While the easy plum crumble bars are cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or catch up on a good book. It’s my little “me time” while something delicious is baking. Your easy plum crumble bars should smell like warm plums, cinnamon, and buttery goodness. If you smell burning, take them out immediately!

Don’t worry if your easy plum crumble bars topping isn’t perfectly uniform. A little variation in color and texture just adds to the charm.

Serving

Okay, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – serving these incredible easy plum crumble bars!

The kids love our easy plum crumble bars when I cut them into squares and serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect combination of warm, fruity, and creamy. And honestly, I’m not complaining either! I love them warm, straight from the pan, with a dollop of whipped cream.

This easy plum crumble bars is perfect for bake sales, potlucks, picnics, or even just a simple weeknight dessert. They’re always a hit! I even made them for Thanksgiving one year instead of pie, and everyone raved about them.

For presentation, I like to dust the cooled bars with a little powdered sugar before cutting them. It adds a touch of elegance, even though these are meant to be rustic and simple. You can also garnish them with a few fresh plum slices or a sprig of mint.

If you have extra easy plum crumble bars (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re also delicious cold, straight from the fridge!

Creative Serving Ideas

For a seasonal variation, you could try adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping in the fall. Or, in the summer, you could serve them with a side of fresh berries. Serving them warm elevates this easy dessert idea!

My friends always ask for this easy plum crumble bars recipe whenever I bring them to gatherings. They love how easy they are to make and how delicious they taste. One friend even calls them “plum perfection”!

We also like to enjoy our easy plum crumble bars with a warm cup of coffee or tea. It’s the perfect way to end a cozy evening. Speaking of other fruit ideas, have you ever considered a Peach pie recipe? It is another fantastic dessert recipe!

FAQs

I always get so many questions about this easy plum crumble bars recipe, so I thought I’d answer some of the most common ones here.

1. Can I use frozen plums? Yes, you can, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them. Otherwise, your easy plum crumble bars might be a bit soggy. I’ve used frozen plums when I have a craving for plum dessert bars out of season, and they worked well.
2. Can I substitute the brown sugar? Absolutely! You can use granulated sugar or even maple syrup. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
3. Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
4. My crumble topping is too dry. What did I do wrong? You probably didn’t use enough butter or egg. Add a tablespoon or two of melted butter or a splash of milk until the mixture comes together.
5. My crumble topping is too wet. Help! You probably used too much butter or egg. Add a tablespoon or two of flour until the mixture is crumbly again.
6. Can I use a different kind of fruit? Of course! This recipe works well with apples, peaches, berries, or any other fruit you like. That being said, then it won’t be easy plum crumble bars, will it? But you should try it! These are very good as easy crumble bars.
7. How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy? Make sure you press the crumble mixture firmly into the pan and bake the bars until the crust is golden brown. You can also try blind-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the plum filling.
8. Can I add nuts to the crumble topping? Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would be delicious. My family loves it when I add chopped pecans for fruit crumble bars.

Troubleshooting Tips

You know what I do when my easy plum crumble bars are browning too quickly on top? I loosely tent a piece of foil over the pan for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. It prevents the topping from burning while allowing the plums to cook through.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Some of my favorite recipes have come about from accidental experiments in the kitchen. It is all about the process, and learning!

My Final Thoughts

These easy plum crumble bars hold a special place in my heart because they’re a reminder of simple joys and happy family moments. They’re the kind of dessert that makes everyone feel warm and cozy inside. I am so excited to share these wonderful homemade plum bars!

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Crumble Bars

Here are a few of my easy plum crumble bars Pro Tips:

• Use ripe but firm plums for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overmix the crumble topping. You want it to be crumbly, not doughy.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting and serving. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Variations to Try

As for variations, I’ve tried adding a layer of almond paste to the bottom crust, which was absolutely divine. You can also experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or ginger. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of bourbon to the plum filling for an extra kick!

My son, Timmy, loves the version with chopped pecans, while my daughter, Lily, prefers it with a dollop of whipped cream. I personally love them all!

I hope you’ll give this easy plum crumble bars recipe a try. I truly believe that anyone can make them, no matter their cooking skills. And I promise, the results will be worth it.

Remember to have fun in the kitchen, and don’t be afraid to experiment! Baking should be a joyful experience, so relax, put on some music, and enjoy the process. And if things don’t turn out perfectly, well, that’s okay too. As long as it tastes good, that’s all that matters! In fact, maybe you need an easy fruit desserts recipe? That is a great place to start!

Happy baking, friend! I hope your easy plum crumble bars are a huge hit with your family and friends. They are the best plum dessert bars recipe!

Easy Plum Crumble Bars: A Taste of Home

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These plum crumble bars are easy to make and perfect for a quick dessert or snack! This recipe includes 3 different variations.

• Author: Zoubida
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 pound ripe plums, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan to form the base.
4. In a separate bowl, combine sliced plums, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Toss to coat.
5. Spread the plum mixture evenly over the crumb base.
6. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the plum filling.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the plum filling is bubbly.
8. Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

For variation, add a handful of chopped nuts to the crumble topping. You can also use other fruits like apples or peaches.