Go Back
For the fresh part of this recipe, you need: - 2 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed and drained - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest of 1 medium lemon These ingredients bring a burst of flavor. The blueberries are sweet and juicy. The lemon juice adds a nice zing. The zest gives a fragrant touch that brightens everything. Now, let’s talk about the dry ingredients. You will need: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract These dry ingredients create the crumble base. The flour and oats give it structure. Brown sugar adds sweetness and a rich taste. Baking powder helps it rise, while salt balances the flavors. If you need to swap ingredients, here are some ideas: - Instead of fresh blueberries, you can use frozen ones. Just thaw them first. - Use coconut oil in place of unsalted butter for a dairy-free option. - You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. These substitutions keep the recipe flexible. You can adjust it based on what you have at home. Enjoy making your blueberry lemon crumble bars! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8x8 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, letting some hang over the edges. This helps with lifting the bars out later. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients. You will need: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 3/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt Mix these well so everything is even. Then, take 1/2 cup of softened butter and add it to the dry mix. You can use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to blend it. Keep mixing until it looks like coarse crumbs with small butter bits. Now, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. This adds a lovely flavor to your crust. In a medium bowl, combine your fresh blueberries with: - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest of 1 medium lemon Toss them gently. Let the mixture sit while you prepare the crust. This helps the blueberries soak up the lemon flavor. Take half of your crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish. This creates a solid base for your bars. Next, spoon the blueberry mix over the crust. Spread the blueberries evenly so each bite has flavor. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the blueberries. Make sure to cover them well but leave some bits exposed. This adds texture and looks nice. Place your baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Once done, let it cool completely on a wire rack before lifting it out. Cut into squares and enjoy your tasty Blueberry Lemon Crumble Bars! To get that ideal crumble texture, use cold butter. Cut it into small pieces before mixing. This helps create the perfect crumbly top. Mix until it looks like coarse sand. You want some small butter pieces to stay whole. This way, they melt during baking and create a flaky texture. Press half the mixture firmly for the base. This adds strength and keeps the bars from falling apart. These bars shine when served warm. Set them on a rustic wooden board. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Add fresh blueberries and lemon slices on top. This makes for a beautiful presentation. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat. You can also serve them with a cup of tea or coffee. They are perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack. For even more flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the crumble mix. It pairs well with blueberries and lemon. You can also swap in other fruits like raspberries or peaches. Try adding nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch. A bit of coconut can add a fun twist, too. Drizzle some honey over the top once baked for extra sweetness. These small changes can make your bars stand out. {{image_4}} You can switch up the blueberries for other fruits. Raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries work well too. You can mix two or more fruits for fun flavors. Just make sure to adjust the lemon juice to keep the balance. Using different fruits adds a twist and keeps things fresh. To make these bars gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Almond flour or oat flour are great choices. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same tasty crumble without the gluten. For a vegan version, swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter. You can also use a flaxseed egg or applesauce as a binder. This keeps the texture right and gives a slight sweetness. These changes let everyone enjoy the bars, no matter their diet. To keep your blueberry lemon crumble bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They can last up to five days in the fridge. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing. This helps keep the texture just right. If you want to save some bars for later, freezing works well. First, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To enjoy your bars warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave a single square for about 20-30 seconds. This makes the crumble soft and the blueberries warm, just like fresh! Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just remember to thaw them first. Drain any extra liquid to avoid a soggy filling. Frozen blueberries work well and still taste great in this recipe. They may not hold their shape as well, but they will provide that yummy blueberry flavor. The crumble bars can last up to five days when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing. These bars are great on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of lemon glaze adds a nice touch too. Fresh mint leaves can also brighten the plate. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings! You learned how to make delicious Blueberry Lemon Crumble Bars. We covered fresh and dry ingredients, along with useful substitutions. I guided you through each step, from preparing the crust to assembling and baking. You also discovered tips for the perfect crumble and fun serving ideas. Try different fruits or go gluten-free to make it your own. Lastly, follow the best storage and reheating tips to enjoy your bars later. This treat is easy and rewarding. Have fun baking!

Blueberry Lemon Crumble Bars

Indulge in the delightful taste of Blueberry Lemon Crumble Bars with this easy recipe! Packed with fresh blueberries and zesty lemon, these bars are perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that everyone will love. Follow the step-by-step instructions to bake your own batch today. Click through to explore the recipe and make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed and drained

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Zest of 1 medium lemon

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhanging at the edges for easy removal later.

    In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the rinsed blueberries, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss them lightly and set aside to allow the flavors to infuse.

      In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, packed brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of dry ingredients.

        Incorporate the softened butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers. Mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs with small bits of butter throughout. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

          Take half of the crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a sturdy base layer.

            Spoon and evenly distribute the blueberry mixture over the base layer, ensuring the blueberries are spread uniformly for consistent flavor in every bite.

              Take the remaining crumble mixture and sprinkle it generously over the blueberries, ensuring the fruit is well-covered while leaving some bits exposed for added texture and visual appeal.

                Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is a lovely golden brown and the blueberries are bubbling enticingly.

                  Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack while still in the pan. This will help the layers set properly. After cooling, use the parchment overhang to lift the crumble bars out of the dish and cut them into squares.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 squares

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve these delightful bars on a rustic wooden board, dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and garnished with some fresh blueberries and lemon slices for a pop of color. Enjoy!