These Blueberry Crumb Bars are super easy to make and are a must-bake Summer dessert! The fresh blueberry filling in the middle is surrounded by a buttery shortbread-like crust, which is also the crumbly topping. You'll want to make these bars again and again.
This recipe was originally published in August of 2020, but was updated on August 6, 2021 with newer content and fresh pictures.
Blueberry crumble bars are the ultimate Summer dessert! Not only does the sweet blueberry filling in the middle remind you of a blueberry pie, but the buttery crumble and crust is just so good. Plus, these bars only need simple pantry ingredients in order to make.
So, if you still have some freshly picked blueberries, I HIGHLY recommend you make these blueberry bars today!
If you're craving a different type of fruit bar, then definitely check out my strawberry oatmeal bars, cranberry shortbread bars, or these lemon bars.
Why You'll Love These Blueberry Bars:
- They're easy to eat on the go.
- The filling is packed full with mouthwatering blueberries.
- Both the crust and the crumble topping is the same.
- They're best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
These bars truly are so easy to make. Just 10 minutes of prep time is all you need before you can pop them into the oven to bake. The hardest part? Waiting for them to cool before you can cut them into bars!
Baking Tips:
- Baking Pan: I used my 8x8 inch baking pan, but you could also use a 9x9 inch. Line the bottom of your pan with parchment paper and then use non-stick spray. This will make removing the blueberry bars very easy.
- Cold Butter: Make sure you use cold butter directly from your refrigerator when you add it to the crumb mixture. If you have a pastry blender, use that to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles crumbs. You could also use a food processor.
- Crust: Use your fingers to firmly press the crust down into the prepared pan. Remember, only half of the crumb mixture is used for the crust. The other half is for the topping.
- Cooling Time: The bars need to completely cool at room temperature before serving. If you don't, you risk the bars falling apart.
Ingredients Needed:
Here are some of the pantry staple ingredients needed to make this recipe.
- All-Purpose Flour: Unless otherwise noted, I use all-purpose flour for all of my recipes.
- Sugars: A combination of both brown and granulated sugar is used to add sweetness to the dessert.
- Baking Powder: The main leavening agent for the crust.
- Butter: Make sure that your butter is COLD before cutting it into the flour mixture. I also used unsalted butter.
- Egg: One large egg helps to bind everything together.
- Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are best, but I'm sure you could use frozen.
- Corn Starch: Thickens the blueberry juices as it bakes.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a bit of tartness to the filling.
How To Make Blueberry Crumble Bars:
I love how simple this blueberry crumb bar recipe is, and it only takes about 10 minutes to prep all of the items before you start baking!
- Crumble/Crust: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter and then mix in the beaten egg and vanilla extract.
- Crust: Press half of the shortbread crumb mixture into the prepared pan, using your fingers to firmly press it down.
- Blueberry Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the blueberries, sugar, corn starch, lemon, and salt. Pour over the crust and then add the rest of the crumb mixture over the blueberry filling.
- Bake: Place the baking pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Completely cool before slicing them into bars.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Although I have never made this recipe using frozen blueberries, I don't see why not. If you make these blueberry bars using frozen blueberries, let me know!
When the crumble topping is a golden brown color and the blueberry filling is bubbling.
Once the bars are completely cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Feel free to reheat the bars in the microwave for about 30 seconds or eat them cold.
If you made this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below. I love hearing from you!
Also, please share a photo with me of your creation on either Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. It brings me so much joy to see you make my recipes. 🙂
Happy baking, home bakers!
More Blueberry Recipes To Try:
Blueberry Crumb Bars
Equipment
- 8x8 inch baking pan
- Pastry Blender
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients:
Crust/Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Blueberry Filling:
- 2 cups blueberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and non-stick spray.
Crust/Topping:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or food processor until the mixture resembles crumbs. Then mix in the beaten egg and vanilla extract.
- Use half of the crumb mixture to press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to firmly press the crust into place so that it covers the entire pan.
Blueberry Filling:
- Combine the blueberries, sugar, corn starch, lemon juice, and salt in a medium-sized bowl, mixing thoroughly. Pour over the top of the crust. Then add the rest of the crumb topping.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crumb topping begins to turn golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbling. Completely cool before slicing into bars. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes:
These look so so good! I'd love to try to find a few healthy substitutions for the flour, sugar and cornstarch. Perhaps nut flour, maple syrup, and arrowroot powder would work.
Nathalia | NathaliaFit - Fitness & Wellness Blog
http://www.nathaliafit.com
I am not sure about the substitutions, but if you try it out, definitely let me know how it turned out for you!
Made these, using exact recipe. Loved them and will definitely be making again!
YAY! I'm so glad you enjoyed them, Linda. 🙂