Why make this recipe
Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that combines the bright, zesty flavor of lemons with the sweetness of blueberries. They are perfect for a sunny day, a picnic, or as a delicious dessert after dinner. These bars are easy to make and offer a lovely contrast between the tart lemon filling and the crumbly topping. Each bite brings a burst of flavor that is refreshing and satisfying. Plus, they can be enjoyed by people of all ages!
How to make Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup crumb topping (store-bought or homemade)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine flour, butter, sugar, and salt to form a crust. Press this mixture into the bottom of the greased dish.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together lemon juice, sugar, eggs, cornstarch, lemon zest, and baking powder until smooth.
- Gently fold in the blueberries.
- After the crust has baked, pour the blueberry lemon mixture over it.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the filling.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool before slicing them into squares and serving.
How to serve Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars
Serve your Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars chilled or at room temperature. They make a great snack or dessert on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top can add a nice finishing touch too!
How to store Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars
To store your Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to make Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars
- Make sure to use fresh blueberries for the best flavor. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them completely before mixing.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the lemon filling according to your taste, especially if you prefer a tart flavor.
- For a richer taste, you can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the crust or crumb topping.
Variation
You can change up this recipe by adding different fruits! Try raspberries or blackberries instead of blueberries, or mix in both for a berry medley. You could also add some chopped nuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemon juice will give your bars a brighter flavor.
2. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the filling is set and the top is golden. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, they are ready.
3. Can I make the crumb topping in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the crumb topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for longer. Just sprinkle it on before baking.
