Sour Cream Berry Crumble Bars

Name: Sour Cream Berry Crumble Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup rolled oats; ¾ cup brown sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 cups mixed berries (e.g., blueberries, raspberries, strawberries); 1 cup sour cream; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: SugarAlchemy Kitchen

I absolutely love making Sour Cream Berry Crumble Bars because they perfectly combine the tanginess of sour cream with the sweetness of mixed berries. The layers of crumbles add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. This recipe has become a favorite in my household, especially during berry season when fresh fruit is abundant. I love that I can prep them in just a few minutes and enjoy them as a dessert or a sweet snack throughout the day.

Created by

Rafael

Last updated on 2026-02-04T18:54:27.864Z

When I first baked these Sour Cream Berry Crumble Bars, I was looking for a way to use up leftover sour cream and some fresh berries. The combination turned out to be a delightful surprise! The tang from the sour cream balances the sweetness of the berries perfectly, creating a rich flavor profile that is both refreshing and indulgent. I discovered that letting the bars cool completely before cutting them results in cleaner, more beautiful slices.

After experimenting with various fillings, I realized that mixing different types of berries adds depth to the flavor and keeps each bite interesting. It’s best to use whatever berries are in season or available in your fridge, making this recipe versatile and fun. These bars have become a go-to treat that I love to whip up for gatherings!

Reasons to Love These Bars
Tangy sour cream enhances the sweet berry flavors
Buttery crumble creates a perfect contrast to the creamy filling
Versatile recipe that works with any seasonal berries

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of sour cream and mixed berries creates a beautifully balanced flavor profile in these bars. The sour cream adds a tanginess that complements the sweetness of the berries, ensuring each bite is both refreshing and indulgent. When selecting your mixed berries, opt for what's in season for the best flavor and natural sweetness; fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries all work beautifully here. If you can’t find fresh berries, you can use frozen ones, but be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.

The crumble topping is another essential component of this recipe. The rolled oats in the mixture provide heartiness and a chewy texture, while the brown sugar contributes not only sweetness but also moisture. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble mixture. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend, which will maintain the intended texture of the bars.

Mastering the Baking Technique

Pressing the crumble base firmly into the baking pan is key for achieving the right texture. This step ensures that when baked, the base holds together comfortably and doesn’t crumble apart when you cut the bars. It should feel compact; if you notice any dry flour peeking through, continue pressing until it feels cohesive. You'll want to bake it just until it is lightly golden around the edges—this usually takes around 15 minutes, depending on your oven's calibration.

When it comes to assembling your bars, spreading the sour cream filling evenly is crucial. This layer is what binds the juicy berries and the crumble topping together, so use a spatula to ensure an even spread, reaching the corners of the pan. After adding the crumble topping, gently press it down to prevent it from puffing up during the bake. This technique will ensure that the bars slice neatly into squares once cooled, maintaining their beautiful layers.

Ingredients for Sour Cream Berry Crumble Bars

For the Crumble Base and Topping

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Sour Cream Filling

2 cups mixed berries (e.g., blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
1 cup sour cream
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Make sure to wash and dry your berries thoroughly before using them in the filling.

Instructions to Make Sour Cream Berry Crumble Bars

Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Make the Crumble Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract, mixing until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture to use as the topping.

Press and Bake the Base

Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

While the base is baking, whisk together the sour cream, granulated sugar, egg, and lemon juice in a medium bowl until smooth.

Add the Berries and Assemble

After baking, remove the base from the oven and carefully spread the berries evenly over the top. Pour the sour cream mixture over the berries, spreading it uniformly. Finally, sprinkle the reserved crumble topping over everything.

Final Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set.

Cool and Serve

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out. Cut into squares and enjoy!

These bars taste even better the next day after the flavors have had some time to meld!

Pro Tips

For a fun variation, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the crumble mixture for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These Sour Cream Berry Crumble Bars can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. Once they have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or dessert option. For longer storage, consider freezing the bars. Cut them into squares, place parchment paper between layers if stacking, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.

To enjoy frozen bars, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can set them out at room temperature for a quick thaw. If you’d like to refresh their flavor after freezing, pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes once thawed to revive the crumble’s crispness.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them even further with a few thoughtful presentation ideas. Consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Fresh mint leaves sprinkled on top can add a vibrant pop of color and a hint of freshness that pairs beautifully with the tangy filling.

For an added touch, dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar right before serving for an appealing finish. You can also consider a light drizzle of homemade lemon glaze or a simple berry coulis for a more sophisticated dessert experience. These simple additions can truly transform your crumble bars into a stunning dish for gatherings or brunches!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, frozen berries work well, but ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the filling.

→ How should I store the leftover bars?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make these bars vegan?

You can substitute the sour cream with a non-dairy alternative and use a flax egg in place of the egg for a vegan version.

→ What other fruits can I use?

You can substitute the berries with diced peaches, apples, or even cherries based on your preference.