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Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars

Lemon blueberry crumb bars with golden topping and vibrant purple filling.

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These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of juicy blueberries brightened with fresh lemon, and a generous crumb topping. They are a simple, doable dessert that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, oats, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the cold, cubed butter and the egg. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers to work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs that hold together when pinched.
  4. Set aside about 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  5. In a separate bowl, gently toss blueberries with 1/2 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
  6. Spread the blueberry filling evenly over the pressed crust.
  7. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top of the blueberries.
  8. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is deep golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
  9. Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack. Use the parchment paper to lift out the slab and cut into squares.

Notes

Use cold butter for the best crumb texture. Do not skip the parchment paper for easy removal. Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices. Frozen blueberries work well; no need to thaw. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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