There’s something magical about digging into an old cookbook and finding a gem of a recipe, one that brings a rush of nostalgia and comfort. That’s exactly how I felt when I came across this recipe for Plum Crumble Bars, inspired by my grandmother’s cookbook from England. The warm, sweet aroma of plums combined with a buttery crumble makes for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Plus, when paired with a cup of tea, it can make even the gloomiest day feel glorious!
A Little Tip for Perfect Bars
*Before we dive into the recipe, here’s a quick tip: Cut the plums into large chunks for that rustic feel. And don’t bother peeling them! The skin adds a wonderful texture and flavour that really enhances the whole experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
6-8 plums (depending on their size)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cinnamon
2 Tblsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
For the Crumble:
1 & 1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup large flake oats
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 pinch of salt
3/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Making the Filling:
Start by preparing the plum filling. Simply chop the plums into large chunks (no need to peel!). In a medium saucepan, combine the plums with the vanilla extract, cinnamon, fresh lemon juice, and sugar. Simmer the mixture on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes until the plums break down and the syrup thickens to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Set it aside to cool.
- Making the Crumble:
While the filling cools, it’s time to prepare the crumble topping. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, chopped walnuts, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix everything together until it forms a crumbly dough. - Assembling the Bars:
Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Take about 3/4 of the crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake this base in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown.
- Adding the Plum Filling:
Once the base is done, remove it from the oven and spread the plum filling evenly over the baked crumble. Sprinkle the remaining crumble on top, spreading it out to cover the filling. - Baking the Bars:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes at 360°F (180°C), or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Cut:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 squares. This gives the filling a chance to set, making the bars easier to cut.
Enjoy!
These Plum Crumble Bars are the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re serving them at an afternoon tea or as a comforting treat after a long day, they’re sure to become a new favorite.
YouTube Video How to https://youtu.be/kBE0HFWE_z0?si=SP7y9DHyw3btalPE
Now, grab a plate, pour yourself a cup of tea, and enjoy these delicious, homemade Plum Crumble Bars. Happy baking!
