With a buttery, crumbly crust and bursts of juicy blueberries, these blueberry crumb bars are the perfect treat to celebrate summer. Infused with a hint of zesty lemon, they make a delightful breakfast, a sweet afternoon snack, or a delectable dessert. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just satisfying a sweet tooth, these bars are sure to impress and please.
Budget information
Total recipe cost: $10.50
Cost per serving: $0.88 (12 servings)
Why This Recipe Works
This blueberry crumb bar recipe is a go-to because it perfectly balances sweetness and tartness, thanks to the luscious blueberries and bright lemon zest. The crumbly crust not only serves as the base but also forms a delightful topping that bakes to a golden perfection. Plus, these bars are so simple to make using just a food processor, meaning less mess and more deliciousness!
Ingredients + optional substitutions
For the crust and topping:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour ($1.20)
– 1 cup granulated sugar ($0.60)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder ($0.10)
– ½ teaspoon fine sea salt ($0.05)
– 2 teaspoons lemon zest (zest from about 2 lemons, $0.40)
– 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces ($2.50)
– 1 large egg ($0.25)
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ($0.95)
For the blueberry filling:
– 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries ($3.50)
– ½ cup granulated sugar ($0.60)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch ($0.05)
Feel free to substitute with other fruits like raspberries or blackberries if blueberries aren’t available—just remember, you may need to adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit!
Step-by-step recipe instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is where the magic begins! Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan, spray it with a bit of non-stick cooking spray, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Set it aside while you prepare the crumb mixture.
Step 2: In your trusty food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Give it a few quick pulses to mix everything up. The aroma of lemon zest mingling with the sugar is just heavenly!
Step 3: Now, toss in those cold, cubed butter pieces. Pulse the mixture 10-12 times until it resembles coarse meal, with some pea-sized bits of butter still intact. This will create that dreamy crumb texture that we’re after!
Step 4: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract. With the food processor running, slowly stream this egg mixture into the flour mix. Keep the processor running for just a few more seconds until everything is combined. Don’t worry if the dough seems crumbly—it’s supposed to be! It should hold together when squeezed.
Step 5: Take about two-thirds of the crumb mixture and press it gently into the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the bottom of a glass to create an even layer. We’re creating a sturdy base for our blueberry goodness! Pop this crust in the oven and let it bake for about 10 minutes until it’s just set and lightly golden around the edges.
Step 6: While the crust is baking, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the fresh or frozen blueberries with the remaining sugar and cornstarch. This mixture will become the juicy center of our bars. Stir gently to coat the blueberries in the sugar-cornstarch blend.
Step 7: Once the crust is out of the oven, spread your blueberry mixture evenly over the top of it. Then, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the blueberries. For added texture, squeeze some of the crumb mixture together in your hands to create larger crumbs on top. Trust me, it adds a lovely crunch!
Step 8: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and you see the blueberries bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen will smell divine at this point, so take a moment to appreciate it!
Step 9: Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. This cooling time helps everything set and makes for cleaner cuts. Then, get ready to enjoy your delightful creation with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 383
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 57g
Total fats: 16g
Saturated fat: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 141mg
Storage and reheating tips
Store your leftover blueberry crumb bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When you want to enjoy them again, simply take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm them up in the microwave for about 30 seconds. If you want to freeze them, place each square in a single layer with parchment paper in between before putting them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to a month.
Serving suggestions
Serve these blueberry crumb bars warm, fresh out of the oven, as a fabulous breakfast paired with coffee or tea. For dessert, top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They’re also perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any gatherings—just slice, serve, and watch them disappear!
Reader tips or helpful notes
When measuring flour, avoid packing it down. Instead, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for perfect results. If you’d like to add a twist, consider folding in a handful of nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the crumb mixture for extra flavor. And don’t skip the lemon zest; it really brightens up the bars! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of fruit? Yes! Feel free to swap the blueberries for raspberries, cherries, or even mixed berries based on your preference or seasonal availability.
What if my berries are frozen? Frozen berries work beautifully in this recipe—there’s no need to thaw them! Just use them straight from the freezer to ensure they maintain their shape during baking.
Can I make these vegan? You can substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use a flax egg or unsweetened applesauce in place of the egg for a plant-based version.
How do I prevent the bars from falling apart? Allow them to cool completely before cutting them. This ensures that the filling sets properly and helps hold everything together.
How should I serve these bars? These crumb bars are delightful when served warm, but they also taste amazing cold. You might want to add a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a beautiful presentation!
