Blackberry Crumb Bars

When craving a sweet yet tangy dessert, these Blackberry Crumb Bars hit all the right notes. With their buttery, crumbly topping and luscious blackberry filling, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion. Perfect for summer picnics or cozy family gatherings, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 9-12 bars
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 200
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 100mg

Why Make This Blackberry Crumb Bars

Blackberry Crumb Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a texture that’s both soft and crumbly. The natural sweetness of the blackberries, combined with a hint of lemon juice and vanilla, creates a delightful burst of flavor in each bite. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip these bars up in no time. They also cut beautifully, making them ideal for sharing at gatherings or storing for a treat throughout the week.

How to Make Blackberry Crumb Bars

Making these delicious bars is a straightforward process. Follow these steps closely to ensure your bars are bursting with flavor and have the perfect crumbly topping.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh blackberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup rolled oats

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to lift the bars out once they are baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Blackberry Filling

In a bowl, gently combine the blackberries, lemon juice, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Set this mixture aside, allowing the flavors to meld while you prepare the crumb base.

Step 3: Make the Crumb Mixture

In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, brown sugar, oats, and softened butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. You can use a fork or your fingers to achieve a nice, crumbly texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Spread the blackberry mixture evenly over the crust. Then, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the blackberries. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and fragrant. Once baked, allow them to cool completely before slicing into squares.

How to Serve Blackberry Crumb Bars

These bars can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the sweet-tart flavors. They make a lovely addition to brunch spreads, picnic baskets, or a cozy afternoon tea.

How to Store Blackberry Crumb Bars

Store your Blackberry Crumb Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you plan to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For best results, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap them individually, or place them in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.

Expert Tips for Perfect Blackberry Crumb Bars

• Use fresh, ripe blackberries for the best flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen blackberries can work too; just make sure to thaw and drain them before use.
• Adjust the sweetness of the filling based on your taste preference; you can reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
• For added crunch, consider mixing chopped nuts into the crumb topping.
• The bars are easier to cut if you let them cool completely before slicing.

Delicious Variations

• Berry Medley: Substitute blackberries with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a fruity twist.
• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the crumb topping for extra citrus flavor.
• Spiced Variation: Introduce a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the crumb mixture for a warming spice kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen blackberries?
  Yes, if fresh blackberries are unavailable, frozen ones work well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them.

• How can I make these bars gluten-free?
  Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, keeping an eye on the consistency.

• Can I bake these in a different pan size?
  You can use a larger pan; just note that bake times may vary. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake.

• What if I want them extra sweet?
  You can increase the amount of sugar slightly in both the blackberry mixture and the crumb topping.

• How can I prevent the crumble from being too dry?
  Make sure the butter is softened properly and incorporate it thoroughly into the dry ingredients to create that perfect crumb texture.

Conclusion

Blackberry Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that balances sweetness with a hint of tartness, making them perfect for any occasion. They are simple to prepare and provide a satisfying dessert option everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the delightful experience of baking these scrumptious bars. Happy baking!

Blackberry Crumb Bars

---

• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 50
• Yield: 9-12 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Blackberry Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that combines sweet and tangy flavors with a buttery, crumbly topping.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh blackberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup rolled oats

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, gently combine the blackberries, lemon juice, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, brown sugar, oats, and softened butter until crumbly.
4. Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Spread the blackberry mixture over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and fragrant. Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Notes

For best results, let the bars cool completely before slicing. Store in an airtight container for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 30
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg