Blueberry Crumb Bars

INTRODUCTION

Blueberry Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of blueberries with a buttery, crumbly topping. These bars are great for breakfast, dessert, or any snack time. They are simple to make, and the ingredients are easy to find. With their sweet blueberry filling and crumbly crust, they are always a hit with friends and family. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make these delicious bars.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are several reasons to love Blueberry Crumb Bars. First, they are packed with tasty blueberries, which are not only delicious but also healthy. Blueberries are full of vitamins and antioxidants, making them a great fruit choice. Second, the crumbly topping gives a wonderful texture that pairs perfectly with the soft berry filling. Lastly, these bars are flexible. You can enjoy them warm from the oven or chilled from the fridge. They are easy to cut and share, making them perfect for parties or gatherings. Once you taste them, you will want to make them again and again!

HOW TO MAKE Blueberry Crumb Bars

Making Blueberry Crumb Bars is easy and straightforward. You do not need fancy baking skills to create this tasty dessert. The process involves mixing the dough, preparing the blueberry filling, and baking everything together. Let’s explore the recipe step-by-step.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Blueberry Crumb Bars, you will need the following equipment:

• A 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls (one large and one small)
• A whisk or fork
• A spatula
• A knife or cutting board for cutting the butter
• An oven

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (spoon and level)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 4 cups fresh blueberries

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. This will be your dry mixture.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla until combined.
4. Add the egg mixture and the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix everything until it looks like coarse crumbs.
5. Press half of this crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will be your crust.
6. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and cornstarch. Then, stir in the lemon juice.
7. Add the blueberries to this mixture and gently toss them to coat. After that, pour and spread the blueberry mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the berry layer to create the topping.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 38 to 42 minutes. Look for a golden brown color on top.
10. When done, allow the dish to cool for 20 to 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
11. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can rewarm them in the microwave if you like.

HOW TO SERVE Blueberry Crumb Bars

Blueberry Crumb Bars can be served in many ways. You can enjoy them plain or dust them with a little powdered sugar for a nice touch. They can also be accompanied by whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making them even more enjoyable for dessert. If you are feeling adventurous, try adding a dollop of yogurt on top for breakfast!

STORAGE & FREEZING : Blueberry Crumb Bars

To keep your Blueberry Crumb Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 5 to 7 days. If you want to freeze them, cut the bars into squares before wrapping them securely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or warm them in the microwave.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

For special occasions, why not serve Blueberry Crumb Bars on a dessert platter alongside other sweet treats? You can pair them with coffee or tea for a wonderful afternoon snack. They are also perfect for picnics. Just pack them in a container, and you are ready to go!

VARIATIONS

Feel free to experiment with Blueberry Crumb Bars! If you want, you can substitute the blueberries with other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries. Each fruit will give the bars a different flavor. You could also try adding nuts like walnuts or almonds to the crumb topping for an extra crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the mixture.

2. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a golden brown top and bubbling filling. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake them in a larger baking dish. Just adjust the baking time if necessary.

4. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Blueberry Crumb Bars

Making Blueberry Crumb Bars ahead of time is very easy. You can prepare the crumb mixture and the blueberry filling the night before. Store them separately in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, just layer everything in the baking dish and pop it in the oven. This will save you time if you are hosting guests or want a quick dessert solution!

With their sweet flavor and delightful texture, Blueberry Crumb Bars are a simple yet impressive treat. Enjoy sharing them with your loved ones or savoring them for yourself!

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