Name: Blueberry Crumble Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (100g) sugar; 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour; 1 Tablespoon baking powder; ⅔ cup (150g) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature; 1 large egg; 500g blueberries; 50g granulated sugar; 15g cornstarch; 1 Tablespoon lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 6 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love fruity treats, then this Blueberry Crumble Bars Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender, buttery shortbread hugging a juicy, zesty blueberry filling, all topped with a slightly crumbly, golden crust that oozes berry goodness with every bite. It’s the perfect blend of tart and sweet, with a delightful texture contrast that feels like a hug from your favorite dessert. Whether you’re baking for a casual weekend treat or making something special to share, these bars deliver comfort and freshness in one delicious package.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of several baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface: a large clear glass bowl filled with dark blue blueberries sits in the center; above it to the right is a small white bowl with pale yellow butter chunks, next to an uncracked brown egg; to the left of the blueberries is a medium white bowl with white flour; below the flour is a whole bright yellow lemon; below the lemon and to the left are two gold measuring spoons, one holding white granulated sugar and the other with a small amount of white powder; next to the sugar spoon is a small white cup with white baking powder; at the lower right corner is a small bunch of green mint leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple staples that you likely have on hand, but each plays a crucial role. The flour and butter form that irresistible shortbread base, while the blueberries bring vibrant color and fresh, tangy flavor. A hint of lemon juice and zest adds brightness to balance the sweetness perfectly.

Sugar (½ cup / 100g): Sweetens the dough and balances the tartness of the berries.
All-purpose flour (2 cups / 240g): The foundation that creates the tender shortbread texture.
Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Gives a subtle lift to the dough for lightness.
Unsalted butter (⅔ cup / 150g, softened): Adds richness and creates that crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Large egg (1): Binds the dough together perfectly for easy shaping.
Blueberries (500g): The star of the show, bursting with juicy sweetness.
Granulated sugar (50g): Sweetens the blueberry filling just right.
Cornstarch (15g): Thickens the blueberry juices so your bars aren’t too runny.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a fresh, zesty kick to brighten the fruit flavor.
Lemon zest (1 lemon): Enhances the filling with aromatic citrus notes.

How to Make Blueberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Greasing and lining your 9-inch square pan with parchment paper is key – the paper sling will make lifting the bars out a breeze later. This simple prep step sets you up for easy, mess-free baking.

Step 2: Craft the Perfect Shortbread Dough

Mix all your dry ingredients together first, so the baking powder and flour are well combined. Then, use your fingertip magic to rub in the softened butter until the mix looks like soft crumbs with no lumps. Adding the egg binds everything into a slightly sticky dough that’s ready to press into the pan. This dough is buttery, tender, and the base that makes these bars feel like a special treat.

Step 3: Press Half the Dough Into the Pan

Take half of your dough and firmly press it down onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the palm of your hand, a cup, or a glass to get an even, flat bottom layer. This forms a sturdy base that crisps up beautifully as it bakes, holding all that luscious blueberry filling.

Step 4: Mix and Spread the Blueberry Filling

In a medium bowl, gently toss your blueberries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. The cornstarch is the secret to a filling that’s thick and not runny, while the lemon elements add brightness and avoid overly sweet monotone flavor. Spoon this fragrant mixture evenly over your shortbread crust and spread it out gently for the most even berry distribution.

Step 5: Top with Remaining Dough and Bake

Scatter and gently flatten the rest of the dough over your berry layer with your hands, creating that signature crumble texture. Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is golden and the berries are bubbling with excitement. Once baked, let your bars cool thoroughly to allow the filling to set perfectly before slicing.

How to Serve Blueberry Crumble Bars Recipe

A square baking pan lined with white parchment paper is filled with two visible layers: a bottom layer of dark blue, round blueberries tightly packed together, and a top layer of small, uneven dollops of pale yellow dough spread sparsely over the berries. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a few scattered blueberries near the bottom left and a small bunch of green mint leaves at the bottom right. The upper left corner shows the edge of a clear glass bowl with leftover pale yellow dough and a white spatula inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A little goes a long way when it comes to garnishing these bars. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds just enough sweetness while highlighting the golden top. Fresh mint leaves can give a pleasant aroma and vivid color contrast. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some vanilla glaze or a dollop of whipped cream right before serving.

Side Dishes

These blueberry crumble bars shine all on their own but consider pairing them with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or some tangy Greek yogurt to add a cooling balance. A hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee also complements the sweet-tart flavors wonderfully, making for a lovely afternoon treat or dessert combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just cut your bars the traditional way—try serving them on a rustic wooden board with extra fresh blueberries scattered around. For a festive touch, place bars in mini paper cupcake liners to make portion control easy and presentation neat. Another fun idea is stacking them in layers with whipped cream between for a quick, no-bake parfait twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your blueberry crumble bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is best, where they’ll last for about 4 days without losing that tender texture or fruity goodness.

Freezing

For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-proof container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge, and they’ll almost taste like freshly baked.

Reheating

To bring back the warmth and aroma of freshly baked bars, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crumble’s crisp top; otherwise, a quick 20 seconds in the microwave works in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work well but be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess juice to prevent your filling from becoming too watery.

How do I make the crumble topping more crunchy?

Try adding a handful of rolled oats or chopped nuts to the dough before baking for an extra crunchy texture that complements the soft berries.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Not as written, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum to help hold the bars together.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

What’s the best way to cut the bars without crumbling?

Make sure the bars are completely cooled and set before cutting. Using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut helps create clean slices.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Crumble Bars Recipe is a beautiful way to celebrate fresh fruit combined with delightful textures that feel like a cozy homemade hug. Once you try these bars, you’ll want to keep the ingredients stocked and the oven warm all season long. Give it a shot—you’re just a few simple steps away from one of your new favorite desserts!