Welcome back to my kitchen, friends! I’m excited to share with you a recipe that’s perfect for summer, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home: Blueberry Crumb Bars. These bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make.
With a buttery, crumbly topping and a juicy blueberry filling, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Plus, I’ll share some tips on using frozen berries, alternative fruit fillings, and storage ideas. So, let’s get baking!
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There’s something special about the combination of buttery crumbs and juicy blueberries that makes blueberry crumb bars absolutely irresistible. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert or a delightful treat for yourself, this recipe is just what you need. Not only are these bars easy to make, but they also make the perfect sweet snack for any occasion.
How to Make Blueberry Crumb Bars
Ingredients Needed for the Crumb
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 egg
Ingredients Needed for the Filling
- 4 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 4 teaspoons corn starch
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Crumb: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, white sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat the egg and stir it into the crumb mixture. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Make the Filling: In another bowl, combine the fresh blueberries, white sugar, corn starch, and lemon juice. Gently toss until the blueberries are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over the pressed crumb layer in the pan. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the blueberries.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips for Using Frozen Blueberries
If fresh blueberries are not in season or you have a stash of frozen blueberries, you can easily use them in this recipe. Here are a few tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly:
- Do Not Thaw: Use the blueberries directly from the freezer. Thawing them can make them too soft and mushy, which can affect the texture of the bars.
- Increase Corn Starch: Add an extra teaspoon of corn starch to the filling mixture. Frozen berries tend to release more juice when baking, and the additional corn starch will help thicken the filling.
- Check for Sweetness: Frozen blueberries might be less sweet than fresh ones. Taste your filling mixture and adjust the sugar if needed.
Alternative Fruit Fillings
One of the best things about this crumb bar recipe is its versatility. You can easily substitute blueberries with other fruits to create different flavors:
- Raspberries: Use fresh or frozen raspberries for a tart and tangy variation.
- Strawberries: Chop fresh strawberries and mix with a bit more corn starch, as strawberries are quite juicy.
- Peaches: Fresh or canned peaches (drained) can be used. Peel and slice them before mixing with the sugar and lemon juice.
- Mixed Berries: A combination of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries can make a delightful mixed berry bar.
Storage Ideas
To keep your blueberry crumb bars fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the bars within a day or two, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the bars in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Blueberry crumb bars freeze well. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Blueberry crumb bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your serving game:
- A la Mode: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream can add a light and airy touch.
- Yogurt Parfait: Crumble a bar over vanilla yogurt and add a drizzle of honey for a delightful breakfast or snack.
- Brunch Spread: Include these bars in your brunch spread along with other pastries, fresh fruit, and coffee for a delightful morning treat.
I hope you enjoy making and eating these blueberry crumb bars as much as I do. They’re a perfect treat for any occasion, and with these tips, you’ll have endless variations to try. Happy baking!
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Blueberry Crumb Bars
Equipment
- 1 9×13 baking pan
Ingredients
For The Crumb
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold butter cubed
- 1 egg
For The Filling
- 4 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 4 tsp corn starch
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, white sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat the egg and stir it into the crumb mixture. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In another bowl, combine the fresh blueberries, white sugar, corn starch, and lemon juice. Gently toss until the blueberries are evenly coated.
- Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over the pressed crumb layer in the pan. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the blueberries.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Turned out perfect! Will definitely make again!