Blueberry Crumb Bars
This simple dessert is saturated with intense blueberry flavor and hints of bright, fresh lemon on a buttery crust
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time50 minutes mins
chilling1 hour hr
Total Time2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: blueberry, dessert
Servings: 16
Calories: 307kcal
for the crust:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (222g)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (378g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter cut into cubes (226g or 16 tablespoons)
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
for the blueberry layer:
- ½ cup granulated sugar (110g)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 5 cups blueberries (about 1 1/2 pounds)
for the icing: (optional)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- juice of ½ lemon +/- for desired consistency
To prepare the crust:
In a medium bowl whisk together sugar, flour, baking powder, salt and lemon zest. Using a pasty cutter or food processor cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Add the beaten egg and mix until the dough starts to hold together but is till crumbly. Press a little more than half the dough into the prepared pan. Set aside.
To prepare the blueberry mixture:
In a large mixing bowl combine the sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice. Add the blueberries and toss gently with a rubber spatula to combine. Pour the blueberry mixture over the crust and spread evenly. Crumble the remaining dough (with some larger clumps) over the blueberry layer leaving some blueberries exposed and peaking through the crust.
Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the top is lightly browned. Cool completely then chill for cleaner cuts. Cut into small squares, bars or wedges. Whisk together the icing ingredients and lightly drizzle each bar as desired.
If using a metal baking pan preheat oven to 375 degrees and bake bars for 45-50 minutes or until set in the middle.
Bars are best cut after being refrigerated. You can also serve them slightly warm but they do not hold together as well.
Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 68mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 394IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg