Delicious Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars Recipe

Indulge in the delightful combination of juicy blackberries and buttery crumble with these irresistible Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars. A perfect balance of sweet and tart, these bars are a delicious treat for any occasion. Whether you’re using freshly picked wild blackberries or store-bought ones, the burst of flavor in every bite is sure to impress.

These Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars are a true delight for your taste buds. The zing of lemon zest and juice elevates the blackberries to a whole new level, creating a symphony of flavors in each mouthful. With a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, these bars are a must-try for any baking enthusiast. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake up some Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Benefits

• Enhances natural flavor of blackberries with lemon zest and juice
• Achieves perfect crumbly texture with cold butter
• Prevents a soggy bottom with the right amount of cornstarch

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars Recipe Recipe

• The burst of fresh blackberries combined with the zing of lemon zest and juice creates a vibrant and refreshing flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
• The crumbly texture achieved by using cold butter gives these bars a satisfying crunch with every bite, making them irresistible.
• The addition of cornstarch ensures that the blackberry filling is perfectly thickened, allowing you to enjoy a juicy and luscious fruit center without worrying about a soggy crust.
• The balance of sweetness from the sugar with the natural tartness of the blackberries creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will make these bars a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
• Whether using fresh wild berries or store-bought blackberries, this recipe is a versatile and easy way to showcase the delicious flavors of summer in a delightful handheld treat.

Ingredients for Delicious Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars Recipe

• Sugar – Balances the natural tartness of the berries and helps create that jammy texture in the filling.
• Cold butter – Being cold is crucial for achieving that perfect crumbly texture. I actually pop mine in the freezer for about 10 minutes before cubing it.
• Fresh blackberries – The star of the show! Wild berries work beautifully if you can find them, but store-bought are just as good. Make sure they’re ripe but still firm.
• Lemon zest and juice – These brighten the entire dessert and enhance the natural flavor of the blackberries. Don’t skip the zest—it adds an incredible aromatic quality.
• Cornstarch – This thickens the blackberry filling just enough without making it gummy. You want some juice but not a soggy bottom!

How to Make Delicious Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare oven and baking dish

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper (or a 9×9 for thicker bars).

Step 2: Make crust mixture – dry ingredients

Combine flour, sugar, and lemon zest in a standing mixer until mixed.

Step 3: Add butter to crust mixture

Incorporate cold cubed butter into mixture, breaking it up with fingers or fork until combined.

Step 4: Finish crust dough

Combine eggs with dry ingredients until a crumbly dough forms.

Step 5: Form bottom crust

Press half of the dough into the bottom of the baking dish to create the crust layer. Set aside.

Step 6: Prepare blackberry filling

Combine halved blackberries, lemon juice, cornstarch, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Mix until berries are evenly coated.

Step 7: Add filling to crust

Spread the blackberry mixture over the crust using a rubber spatula.

Step 8: Add crumble topping

Sprinkle the remaining dough over the blackberry filling to form the top layer.

Step 9: Bake

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumble is lightly golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and serve

Take the baking dish out of the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve baked a delicious batch of Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before storing them. Once cooled, you can either store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you choose to refrigerate them, make sure to let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven before serving to enhance their taste and texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars. Wrap individual bars or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, allow the bars to thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours. You can also reheat them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to restore their crispness. Proper storage will help preserve the quality of the bars so you can continue to enjoy them whenever you crave a sweet and fruity treat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have fresh blackberries, you can substitute them with frozen blackberries. Just make sure to thaw them slightly and pat them dry before using to prevent excess liquid in the filling. You can also try using other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.

If you don’t have lemon zest, you can substitute it with orange zest for a slightly different citrusy aroma. Alternatively, you can use lemon extract or a splash of lemon juice if you don’t have fresh lemons on hand. Just adjust the amount based on your taste preference.

For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the cold butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Make sure the substitute is solid when cold to achieve the desired crumbly texture. Additionally, you can try using arrowroot powder or tapioca flour instead of cornstarch as a thickening agent for the blackberry filling. These alternatives work similarly to cornstarch in creating a nice, thick filling without compromising the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, try turning these Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars into a build-your-own dessert bar! Cut the bars into smaller bite-sized pieces and set up a station with various toppings like vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, toasted almonds, and extra fresh blackberries. Let your guests assemble their own mini desserts, mixing and matching flavors and textures for a personalized treat.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more elegant presentation, serve these Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars on individual dessert plates dusted with powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh mint. Pair each serving with a dollop of lemon-infused whipped cream or a scoop of homemade blackberry sorbet for a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors. This sophisticated plating will elevate the humble pie bars into a restaurant-worthy dessert that is sure to impress your guests.

FAQs for Delicious Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars Recipe

Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh ones?

Absolutely! Frozen blackberries can be a great substitute for fresh ones in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess liquid in the filling.

Can I replace lemon with lime in this recipe?

While lemon zest and juice are recommended for their bright and tangy flavor, you can definitely use lime as a substitute if that’s what you have on hand. It will give the bars a slightly different but still delicious citrusy kick.

How should I store the Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars?

To store these bars, allow them to cool completely, then cut them into squares or bars. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze the Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars for longer storage. Once they have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

As you take your first bite of these delightful Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars, you’ll be transported to a world of sweet, tangy bliss. The juicy blackberry filling nestled between buttery crumbs is a match made in dessert heaven. Don’t be intimidated by the process – these bars are a labor of love that will surely impress your family and friends.

So, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of these Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars and savor every delicious bite. Whether you’re enjoying them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Embrace the joy of baking and indulge in the delightful flavors of these Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars. Your taste buds will thank you!