Why Make This Recipe
Blueberry crumb bars are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of fresh blueberries with a buttery crumb topping. They are perfect for dessert, a snack, or even breakfast! These bars are easy to make and are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you have fresh blueberries or frozen ones, this recipe works like a charm, making it a versatile option for any season.
How to Make Blueberry Crumb Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup blueberry jam
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the flour and salt until combined.
- Reserve about 1 cup of the crumb mixture for topping and press the rest into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, combine the blueberries, blueberry jam, and lemon juice. Pour this over the crust in the pan.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture and oats over the blueberry filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and the blueberries are bubbly.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top if desired.
How to Serve Blueberry Crumb Bars
Blueberry crumb bars are delicious on their own but can be made even better by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. They are great when served warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack or dessert.
How to Store Blueberry Crumb Bars
To store the bars, let them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last several months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Blueberry Crumb Bars
- Use fresh blueberries when they are in season for the best flavor.
- If you like a bit more tang, add a little more lemon juice to the blueberry mixture.
- Experiment with different types of jam if blueberry jam is not available.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens may vary, and you want them golden brown but not burnt.
Variation
You can easily change up this recipe by adding different fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, or even peaches. You could also add nuts or seeds in the crumb topping for some extra crunch!
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen blueberries work great in this recipe! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture if needed.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and the blueberries are bubbling. You can also insert a toothpick to check if it comes out clean.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix to make the bars gluten-free.
Blueberry Crumb Bars
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Filling
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries If using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture
- 1/2 cup blueberry jam
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the flour and salt until combined.
- Reserve about 1 cup of the crumb mixture for topping and press the rest into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, combine the blueberries, blueberry jam, and lemon juice. Pour this over the crust in the pan.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture and oats over the blueberry filling.
Baking
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and the blueberries are bubbly.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top if desired.