Delicious Blueberry Crumble Bars Recipe (Easy & Buttery)

There’s something about a warm blueberry dessert that instantly takes me back to summer afternoons baking in my mum’s kitchen.

These Blueberry Crumble Bars are one of my all-time favorites—they’ve got a buttery shortbread base, a jammy blueberry center, and a golden crumble topping that’s just the right amount of sweet and crisp.

Whether you serve them at room temperature or warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they never disappoint.

With a hint of lemon zest and juice, these bars are bright and flavorful, making them a perfect dessert or snack for any occasion.

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Recipe Highlights

These bars are simple to make but packed with texture and flavor. The crust and topping are made from the same dough, which means less fuss, fewer dishes, and more time enjoying the results.

The filling is loaded with fresh or frozen blueberries and just enough sugar to bring out their natural sweetness.

Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as an afternoon treat, these bars slice beautifully and travel well—plus, they make your kitchen smell incredible while baking.

Highlights:

• Buttery, crumbly, and bursting with blueberries
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• One dough for both base and topping—easy cleanup
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• Great for make-ahead or storing
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• Perfect for summer gatherings
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• Beginner-friendly and ready in under an hour

Visual Appeal of Blueberry Crumble Bars

The freshly baked blueberry crumble bars are a sight to behold. Their golden, crumbly topping contrasts beautifully with the vibrant blueberry filling, creating an inviting treat that is hard to resist.

Arranged neatly in squares on a rustic wooden board, these bars are not just delicious but also visually appealing.

Scattered blueberries around the bars add a touch of freshness, enhancing the overall presentation.

The soft-focus kitchen setting in the background evokes a warm, homemade feel, making these bars perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in.

Ingredients That Shine

These bars are crafted using a delightful combination of ingredients. Fresh or frozen blueberries provide the juicy filling, while all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar create the buttery crust and crumble topping.

Adding a pinch of salt enhances the flavors, while melted unsalted butter and vanilla extract contribute to the rich texture.

For a touch of brightness, lemon zest and lemon juice are incorporated, elevating the taste profile and making each bite a burst of flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the crust and crumble.
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• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the crust and blueberry filling.
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• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture to the crumble topping.
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• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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• Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, both work—just be sure to coat in cornstarch if using frozen.
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• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the juicy filling so it doesn’t run.
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• Lemon Juice + Zest: Brightens the blueberries and balances sweetness.
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• Salt + Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.

Preparation Made Simple

Preparing these blueberry crumble bars is straightforward and requires minimal time. The process begins with preheating the oven and lining a baking pan with parchment paper.

The blueberry filling is made by combining the blueberries with cornstarch, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice, ensuring the berries are well-coated.

The crust is created by mixing flour, sugars, and salt, then binding it with melted butter and vanilla. This mixture is pressed into the pan, forming a solid base for the juicy filling.

Creating the Crumble Topping

The crumble topping is where the magic happens. A separate mixture of flour, sugars, and salt is combined with melted butter until it reaches a crumbly consistency.

This topping is then generously sprinkled over the blueberry layer, adding texture and a delightful crunch to the bars.

Baking transforms the mixture into a golden, bubbling delight that fills the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.

How to Make My Blueberry Crumble Bars

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
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   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
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2. Make Crust & Crumble
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   In a bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter and vanilla until crumbly. Reserve ¾ cup of the mixture for the topping. Press the rest firmly into the bottom of the pan.
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3. Prepare the Filling
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   Toss blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and zest until evenly coated. Spread evenly over the crust.
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4. Top & Bake
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   Crumble the reserved dough over the berries. Bake for 38–42 minutes, until the top is golden and berries are bubbling.
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5. Cool & Slice
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   Let bars cool completely in the pan before lifting and slicing. Chill for cleaner cuts, or serve warm with ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

Once baked, the bars should cool slightly before being cut into squares. This allows the filling to set, making it easier to handle.

They can be served warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion.

For an extra touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar or serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

• With Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm bars à la mode for a summer dessert.
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• Coffee or Tea Pairing: Delicious for brunch or afternoon tea.
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• On a Dessert Board: Pair with lemon bars, brownies, or cookies for a party spread.

Nutritional Information

These blueberry crumble bars are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a relatively guilt-free indulgence. Each bar contains approximately 180 calories, with 8 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein.

With 26 grams of carbohydrates, they can satisfy a sweet craving without overindulging.

Perfect for sharing, these bars yield about 12 servings, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings or a sweet snack throughout the week.

Tips for the Best Blueberry Crumble Bars

Make sure to press the crust layer firmly into the pan so it holds together. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them first—just add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to avoid a runny filling.

Let the bars cool fully before cutting for neat squares. Want extra crunch? Add a handful of oats or chopped nuts to the topping mix.

Storage & Reheating

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container up to 2 days.
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• Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days in the fridge.
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• Freezer: Freeze bars for up to 2 months, wrapped individually.
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• Reheat: Warm slightly in the microwave or oven before serving.