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For these blueberry crumble bars, you need the best fresh ingredients. Use: - 2 cups fresh blueberries - 1 tablespoon lemon juice These berries give a sweet and tart flavor. The lemon juice brightens the taste. You will need a few pantry staples for the base and topping. Gather: - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon cornstarch - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon These ingredients make a tasty and crunchy topping. Accurate measuring is key to great results. Use measuring cups and spoons. Level off dry ingredients for precision. For sticky items like brown sugar, pack it into the cup. When measuring butter, melt it first for easier use. This ensures your crumble bars turn out just right! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bars bake evenly. Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or use parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. In a medium bowl, mix together the fresh blueberries, lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Toss gently to ensure all the blueberries get coated. Let this sit for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to blend perfectly. Take a large bowl and whisk the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together. Pour in the melted butter. Mix everything until it looks like coarse crumbs. This will be both the base and topping for your bars. Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan. Make sure it's spread evenly. Next, pour the blueberry filling over this layer. Sprinkle the remaining crumble on top of the blueberries. Now, place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. You want the topping to turn golden brown and see the blueberries bubbling. This means they are done! Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, use the parchment paper to lift them out onto a cutting board. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them. This helps them hold their shape better. To get the best blueberry crumble bars, follow these tips: - Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor. - Make sure to measure your ingredients carefully. - When mixing the crumble, avoid overmixing. - Press the crumble base firmly in the pan. - Bake until the top is golden brown. These steps help create a nice texture. They also make sure the blueberries stay juicy and sweet. Here are mistakes to watch out for: - Don’t skip the lemon juice; it brightens the flavor. - Avoid using frozen blueberries as they can make the bars soggy. - Don’t rush the cooling process; let them cool completely before slicing. - Skip the salt at your own risk; it enhances all the flavors. By avoiding these pitfalls, your crumble bars will shine. Serve these bars in fun ways: - Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. - Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream for a treat. - Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a nice touch. - Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy snack. These bars make a great dessert or snack anytime! Pro Tips Use Fresh Blueberries: Always opt for fresh blueberries when possible, as they provide the best flavor and texture for your crumble bars. Let it Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure they hold their shape and texture. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the crumble mixture for a unique twist on flavor. Serve with Ice Cream: These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat. {{image_2}} If you have dietary needs, you can easily adapt this recipe. For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Use certified gluten-free oats to keep the bars safe. If you're dairy-free, replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. For vegans, you can use a flax egg instead of butter, which binds the mix well. To make your blueberry crumble bars even better, think about adding some flavor. A dash of almond extract can boost the taste. You can also fold in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a crunch. If you want a spice kick, add a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. Blueberries taste great, but you can switch things up. Try raspberries or diced strawberries for a fruity twist. For a tropical vibe, mango chunks work well too. Mixing berries, like strawberries and blueberries, can create a colorful and tasty treat. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the fruit's sweetness. To keep your blueberry crumble bars fresh, place them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper for easy removal. Store the bars at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. You can freeze blueberry crumble bars for up to three months. First, let the bars cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to label the bag with the date. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat your crumble bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This method keeps the topping crisp and delicious. You can also microwave them for about 20-30 seconds. However, this may make the topping soft. Enjoy your tasty treat warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream! You can use frozen blueberries if fresh ones aren't available. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can also try other berries like raspberries or blackberries. These fruits work well and still taste great in the bars. Yes, you can use rolled oats instead of quick oats. Rolled oats will give the bars a chewier texture. They may take a bit longer to soak up moisture but will still be delicious. Just make sure to mix them well with the other dry ingredients. Blueberry crumble bars last about 3 to 5 days when stored at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free oats and swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour mix. This will keep the bars tasty while meeting gluten-free needs. Just ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. If your crumble bars are too crumbly, it may be due to too much flour or oats. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. You can also try adding a bit more melted butter to help bind the mixture together. You learned how to make delicious blueberry crumble bars. We covered fresh ingredients, pantry staples, and measuring tips. I gave you step-by-step instructions from preheating the oven to slicing bars. You now have tips for perfect results and variations for dietary needs. Remember, storing and reheating correctly keeps your bars fresh. Enjoy creating and sharing these tasty treats with friends and family. With practice, you’ll master this recipe and impress everyone. Happy baking!

Blueberry Crumble Bars

Delicious and easy-to-make blueberry crumble bars with a buttery oat topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 quarter cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • Prepare the Blueberry Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the fresh blueberries, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Gently toss the mixture to coat the blueberries evenly. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  • Make the Crumble Base and Topping: In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Assemble the Bars: Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a thick crust. Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over this base. Finally, crumble the remaining one-third of the oat mixture over the blueberry filling.
  • Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbly.
  • Cool and Slice: Allow the crumble bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift it out onto a cutting board. Let it cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

Allow to cool completely before slicing for best results.
Keyword bars, blueberry, crumble, dessert