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To make delicious Lemon Blueberry Crumble Bars, you need these key ingredients: - 1 ½ cups rolled oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup brown sugar - ½ cup granulated sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed and drained - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 tablespoon cornstarch Each ingredient plays a big role. The oats and flour form a sturdy base. The sugars add sweetness and help with texture. Butter gives richness, while baking powder helps the bars rise slightly. Salt balances the sweetness. Vanilla extract adds warmth. Blueberries bring vibrant color and flavor. Lemon zest and juice add a bright, fresh taste. Cornstarch helps to thicken the blueberry filling. These simple ingredients come together to create a tasty treat. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for even baking. Next, take an 8x8 inch baking pan. Grease it well or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. In a large mixing bowl, gather your dry ingredients. Combine 1 ½ cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir these dry ingredients well until they are mixed together. Now, add ½ cup of softened butter and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Use your hands or a fork to mix everything. Keep mixing until the texture looks like coarse crumbs or wet sand. Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for later. Press the remaining crumble mixture into the bottom of your baking pan. Make sure it is even and firm. Bake this base in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for a light golden color on the top. While the base bakes, take another bowl. Gently fold together 2 cups of fresh blueberries, the zest of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Make sure every blueberry gets coated well. After the base is done baking, remove it from the oven. Evenly spread the blueberry mixture over the hot base. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumble on top of the blueberries. Place the pan back in the oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes. The topping should turn golden brown, and the blueberries should bubble at the edges. Once baked, take the pan out and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. This helps the bars set up well. For the best flavor and texture, let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Blueberry Crumble Bars! When you mix the dry ingredients, make sure to break up any clumps. This helps the baking powder spread well. I like to use a whisk for this. When adding the butter and vanilla, use your hands or a fork. This gives better control and makes mixing easier. Rinse the blueberries gently to avoid bruising. After rinsing, let them drain well. You want them dry to avoid soggy bars. When mixing in the lemon juice and zest, fold carefully. This keeps the blueberries intact and adds great flavor. The crumble topping needs to resemble coarse crumbs. If it is too dry, the bars will not hold together well. If it is too wet, they may become mushy. Press the base firmly into the pan. This helps create a strong bottom layer. After baking, let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This helps them set properly. For best results, cool them completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife for clean edges. Dust with powdered sugar to make them look nice. Pro Tips Use Fresh Blueberries: Opt for fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the filling. Butter Consistency: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. Cold butter can make it difficult to achieve the desired crumb texture. Let it Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This will help them set properly and prevent them from crumbling when cut. Experiment with Citrus: For a twist, try adding a bit of orange or lime zest along with the lemon for a more complex flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can change some ingredients for a healthier twist. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This swap adds fiber and nutrients. If you want less sugar, use coconut sugar or maple syrup. For dairy-free options, replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. You might also try applesauce for a moist texture. To boost flavor, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. A pinch can turn these bars into a cozy treat. You can also mix in a splash of almond extract for a nutty taste. For an extra zing, add more lemon zest or a drop of lemon oil. These small changes pack a big punch. While blueberries shine in this recipe, feel free to experiment. Raspberries, blackberries, or diced peaches can work well. Just ensure that you adjust the sugar based on the fruit's sweetness. Try using a mix of fruits for a colorful and tasty version. This keeps your baking fresh and exciting! You can store Lemon Blueberry Crumble Bars in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about one week in the fridge. Just make sure you wrap them well to avoid drying out. To freeze these bars, first, let them cool completely. Slice them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, just take out the bars and thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you want to warm up your bars, you can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. In the microwave, heat each bar for about 15-20 seconds. This brings back their soft texture and makes them taste fresh again. Lemon Blueberry Crumble Bars last about 4 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for the best taste. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge. This helps maintain their freshness and flavor. Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing. This keeps the bars from getting too watery. Frozen blueberries work great and still give you that delicious flavor. These bars pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee. For a fun twist, serve them with a side of yogurt for breakfast. To make these bars gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure the oats are certified gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty bars without worry. Absolutely! You can make these bars a day in advance. Just store them as directed. This allows the flavors to meld together, making them even tastier when you serve them. You now know how to make delicious Lemon Blueberry Crumble Bars. We covered every step, from gathering the key ingredients to baking and cooling. You learned tips for mixing and handling blueberries, plus options for variations and storage. These bars are not just tasty; they can fit any diet. Remember, making them is simple, and you can enjoy them fresh or stored for later. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your baking skills!

Lemon Blueberry Crumble Bars

Delicious and tangy lemon blueberry crumble bars with a buttery oat topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cups brown sugar
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed and drained
  • 1 zest of lemon
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper, allowing for easy removal of the bars once baked.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Incorporate the softened butter and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Use your hands or a fork to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, similar to wet sand. Set aside 1 cup of this crumble mixture to use later as a topping.
  • Evenly press the remaining crumble mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, creating a firm and even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until it turns a light golden color.
  • While the base is baking, take a separate bowl and gently fold the fresh blueberries with the lemon zest, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Ensure that all the blueberries are nicely coated with the mixture.
  • Once the oat base has finished baking, remove it from the oven and evenly distribute the blueberry mixture over the hot base. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the top of the blueberries.
  • Place the pan back in the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and you notice the blueberries bubbling around the edges.
  • After baking, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the bars set properly for cutting.
  • For optimal flavor and texture, let the bars cool completely before slicing them into squares for serving.

Notes

Slice the bars into neat squares and arrange them on a decorative platter. Dust with powdered sugar for a delightful touch, and consider garnishing with fresh blueberries and a few sprigs of mint leaves to elevate the presentation.
Keyword bars, blueberry, crumble, dessert, lemon