Blueberry Crumble Bars

Blueberry Crumble Bars are the perfect combination of a buttery crumb crust, juicy blueberry filling, and golden, crispy topping. Each bite bursts with the sweetness of blueberries balanced by the comforting richness of the crumble.

These bars are ideal for any occasion — from afternoon tea to summer picnics or as a sweet breakfast treat. The best part? They’re easy to make, require simple pantry ingredients, and fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma while baking.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it delivers the perfect mix of textures and flavors — crumbly, fruity, and buttery all at once. It’s a dessert that feels both homey and elegant. I also love how versatile it is; you can serve it warm with ice cream, cold with coffee, or even pack it for picnics.

The simple ingredients make it approachable, and the vibrant blueberry layer always looks stunning. It’s a recipe that never fails to impress family and friends.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Blueberry Crumble Bars recipe is a must-try because it’s both effortless and crowd-pleasing. The bars are portable, easy to store, and can be made ahead of time — perfect for parties, bake sales, or busy mornings. The balance of tart blueberries and sweet buttery crust makes it universally loved.

Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use fresh or frozen blueberries year-round. Once you taste these crumbly, fruit-filled bars, you’ll find yourself baking them again and again.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 12 bars
• Calories: Approximately 210 kcal per bar
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert / Snack

Ingredients

For the Crust and Crumble:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Blueberry Filling:

• 3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare your baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix all crust ingredients until crumbly; reserve one cup for topping.
3. Press the rest into the pan to form the base and bake briefly.
4. Toss blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
5. Spread the blueberry mixture over the crust and top with reserved crumble.
6. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust and Crumble

In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until crumbly. Set aside about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.

Step 3: Form the Crust

Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes to set it slightly before adding the filling.

Step 4: Make the Blueberry Filling

In another bowl, mix blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest until evenly coated. This mixture will thicken during baking and form a jam-like filling.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Pour the blueberry mixture evenly over the partially baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly on top, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving.

How to Serve

Serve Blueberry Crumble Bars slightly warm or chilled. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of cream, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. They also taste amazing with a hot cup of coffee or iced tea. For gatherings, cut them into small squares and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh blueberries for the best texture, but frozen ones work just as well — just don’t thaw them first.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble for a warm flavor twist.
• To prevent a soggy crust, bake the base for a few minutes before adding the filling.
• Chill before slicing to get neat, bakery-style bars.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain the crumble’s crisp texture.

Variations

• Mixed Berry Crumble Bars: Combine blueberries with raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries.
• Lemon Blueberry Bars: Add extra lemon zest and a drizzle of lemon glaze on top.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
• Nutty Crumble Bars: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the crumble for extra crunch.
• Coconut Blueberry Bars: Mix shredded coconut into the topping for a tropical twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled bars in a single layer, separated by parchment paper, for up to 2 months.
• Thawing: Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for 1–2 hours before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! You can use frozen blueberries straight from the freezer. Do not thaw, as this may make the filling too watery.

2. How do I prevent the crumble topping from becoming soggy?
Bake the crust briefly before adding the filling, and allow the bars to cool completely before covering.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars taste even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

4. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture much, though the bars will be slightly less sweet.

5. What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Chill the bars in the fridge for about 1 hour before slicing. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Conclusion

These Blueberry Crumble Bars are the perfect mix of comfort and elegance — golden, buttery, and bursting with fruity goodness. They’re easy to make, easy to love, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, sharing at a picnic, or enjoying a quiet moment with coffee, these bars never disappoint. With their sweet crumble, juicy filling, and rich aroma, they embody everything we love about homemade desserts. A true classic that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.