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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup fresh blueberries - Zest of 2 lemons - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch To make Lemon Blueberry Crumble Bars, gather these fresh and simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in crafting a treat that is both tangy and sweet. Start with the base. The all-purpose flour and rolled oats form a sturdy and tasty crust. Brown sugar adds a rich flavor. The baking powder and baking soda help it rise. A hint of salt balances the sweetness. Next, melted butter brings everything together. It gives a rich texture. For the filling, fresh blueberries shine. Their natural sweetness pairs with lemon zest and juice. This adds a bright, zesty flavor. Granulated sugar sweetens the mix, while cornstarch thickens the filling. With this ingredient list, you're ready to create a delightful dessert full of flavor. Each bite will be a burst of blueberry and lemon goodness. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly. Next, take a 9x9 inch baking pan. You can grease it lightly with butter or line it with parchment paper. Lining helps with easy removal later. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, and 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until no lumps remain. Pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix with your hands or a spatula. Aim for coarse crumbs, leaving some larger pieces. Set aside about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping. Firmly press the rest into the bottom of your baking pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden. While the crust bakes, it's time for the filling. In a separate bowl, gently mix 1 cup of fresh blueberries with the zest of 2 lemons and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss the blueberries lightly, so they stay intact. Set this mixture aside. Once the crust is done, take it out of the oven. Evenly spread the blueberry filling over the hot crust. Make sure to cover the entire base. Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping over the blueberries. Bake for another 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the blueberries bubble. After baking, let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack. This should take at least 30 minutes. Once cool, slice them into squares. For a nice touch, you can dust the bars with powdered sugar and add a lemon slice on the side. To make the crust just right, mix dry ingredients well. This will help avoid lumps. Use your hands or a spatula to combine the melted butter with the dry mix. Aim for coarse crumbs; this adds great texture. Press the crumble mixture firmly into the pan. A good press ensures a sturdy base. Bake the crust until it is lightly golden. This step is key for a crunchy bottom. When making the filling, use fresh blueberries for the best flavor. Toss them gently with lemon zest, juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Be careful not to crush the berries; you want them whole. The cornstarch helps thicken the filling as it bakes. This keeps the bars from getting soggy. Evenly spread the filling on the baked crust. This ensures every bite bursts with berry goodness. For a beautiful finish, dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar. This adds a sweet touch and looks lovely. Serve with a slice of lemon on the side. The bright color enhances the dish. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat. Enjoying these bars warm adds to their charm. They are great for gatherings or a cozy night in! Pro Tips Use Frozen Blueberries: If fresh blueberries are not available, you can use frozen ones. Just toss them in a bit of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bars. Chill the Butter: For a crumbly texture, try chilling the melted butter slightly before mixing it with the dry ingredients, ensuring a better crumb structure. Experiment with Citrus: Feel free to mix the lemon zest with other citrus fruits like lime or orange for a unique flavor twist in your bars. Cut with a Sharp Knife: For clean edges, use a sharp knife to cut the bars after they have cooled completely, wiping the knife between cuts for a neat presentation. {{image_4}} You can easily change ingredients to meet dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it works cup-for-cup. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute instead of unsalted butter. You can switch up the fruit in these bars. Try raspberries, strawberries, or even blackberries. Each fruit adds its own unique taste. For a fun twist, mix two kinds of berries together. Keep the lemon zest and juice for that bright flavor. To make these bars vegan, use flax eggs or applesauce instead of regular eggs. You can also replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar. This gives the bars a deeper flavor. If you need gluten-free options, check the baking powder and oats to ensure they are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats! To keep your Lemon Blueberry Crumble Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers. This will prevent them from sticking together. Keep them at room temperature for short-term storage. If you need to store them for longer, the fridge is a good option. When stored correctly, these bars last about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. In the fridge, they can stay fresh for up to a week. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or change in texture. To freeze your Lemon Blueberry Crumble Bars, first let them cool completely. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay good for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw them first. Drain any extra juice. This step helps keep the bars from getting soggy. If your topping is too crumbly, add a bit of melted butter. Mix it in slowly until it holds together better. You want it to stay on top without falling apart. You can make these bars a day before serving. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps the flavors blend together nicely. Yes! You can use other fruits like limes or raspberries. Just adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness. This change can give a fun twist to your bars. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This keeps the bars warm and helps the topping stay crisp. If you're in a hurry, microwave for 15-20 seconds. This blog post covered a delicious recipe for lemon blueberry crumble bars. I broke down the ingredients, steps, and tips to help you succeed. You can play with ingredients for diet needs or flavors. Storing and reheating tips ensure your bars taste great for days. Remember, baking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy making these bars for friends and family. You’ll impress them with your skills and delicious treats!

Lemon Blueberry Crumble Bars

Delicious bars with a zesty lemon and blueberry filling topped with a crumbly oat mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 3.75 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 2 pieces zest of lemons
  • 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
  • Pour the melted butter into the bowl and mix using your hands or a spatula until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with larger crumbs forming. Set aside about 1 cup of this crumble mixture to use as a topping.
  • Firmly press the remaining crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even crust layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  • While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In another bowl, gently combine the fresh blueberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cornstarch, making sure to toss the blueberries lightly to coat them without crushing them. Set the mixture aside.
  • Once the crust is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven and evenly spread the blueberry filling over the hot crust, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.
  • Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping evenly over the blueberries, creating a delicious layer. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbling.
  • Once finished baking, allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing them into squares.

Notes

For an elegant touch, dust the cooled bars lightly with powdered sugar and serve them with a slice of lemon on the side for a vibrant pop of color!
Keyword bars, blueberry, crumbles, dessert, lemon