Delightful Red Currant Streusel Bars: Easy Recipe
45
min
278
Calories
17g
Fats
34g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Treat yourself to these mouth-watering Red Currant Streusel Bars. Perfectly sweet, tangy, and crumbly, they’re a delightful snack or dessert that's ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Mixture
To kick-start your delicious creation, preheat your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C) and line a 28cm square baking pan with parchment paper, setting the stage for your masterpiece. Dive into the heart of the recipe by combining all-purpose flour, rolled oats, coconut shreds, and butter in a large bowl. Using your fingers, blend these ingredients together until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs, a tactile journey that reminds you of playing in the sand as a child.
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of salt to your crumbly mixture to enhance the flavors.
Step 2: Sweeten and Season
Now, let's sweeten things up! Sprinkle your sugar and lemon zest into your oats and flour mixture, throwing in those chopped almonds for a delightful crunch. The zesty aroma fills the air, marrying the sweet with the tangy, hinting at the scrumptious treat that's to come.
Pro Tip: Rub the lemon zest into the sugar before adding to release natural oils for an enhanced citrus aroma.
Step 3: Layer and Press
It's time to layer! Pour two-thirds of your crumbly mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out to a uniform thickness. This will form the base of your bars. Next, scatter a generous cup of vibrant red currants over the base, their juicy tartness promising a delightful contrast to the sweet crumble. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the currants, followed by a scattering of sliced almonds. Gently press everything down, marrying the flavors into what will soon be a delicious, golden treat.
Pro Tip: Press the mixture gently to avoid compacting it too much, keeping the texture of the bars light.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for a golden 40 minutes. As it bakes, your kitchen is filled with a warm, buttery aroma, mingled with the sweet and tart scent of red currants. The wait is almost meditative, a perfect pause in a busy day to anticipate the joy of tasting the fruit of your labor.
Pro Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for an even golden crust.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once golden and lovely, remove your creation from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack. The slight cooling makes all the difference, allowing the bars to set and making them easier to cut into neat, shareable pieces. Cut into 12-16 bars, depending on your preference. Each bar, a little slice of home-baked heaven, is ready to be enjoyed with a cup of your favorite tea or as a cheerful snack to brighten any moment.
Pro Tip: Cut the bars while they are still slightly warm for cleaner cuts.
