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blueberry crumble bars

Blueberry Crumble Bars

These Blueberry Crumble Bars are made with a buttery crumb crust, a sweet blueberry filling, and a golden crumble topping. Use fresh or frozen blueberries for an easy 9x13 dessert that is perfect for summer, potlucks, cookouts, or make-ahead baking.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Crust and Crumble Topping
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional
Blueberry Filling with Cornstarch
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Parchment paper, optional
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Sharp knife or bench scraper

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
  3. Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture forms soft crumbs.
  4. Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  5. In a separate bowl, gently stir together the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest if using, vanilla extract, and salt.
  6. Spread the blueberry filling evenly over the crust.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top.
  8. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes if using fresh blueberries, or 50 to 55 minutes if using frozen blueberries. The topping should be lightly golden and the blueberry filling should be bubbling around the edges.
  9. Cool completely before slicing. For cleaner slices, chill the bars for about an hour before cutting.

Notes

  • Use frozen blueberries straight from the freezer. Do not thaw them first.
  • If you do not have cornstarch, use all-purpose flour instead. Use 1/4 cup flour for fresh blueberries or 1/3 cup flour for frozen blueberries.
  • The bars need to cool completely before slicing so the filling can set.
  • Chilling the bars before cutting will give you cleaner slices.
  • If your blueberries are very tart, increase the filling sugar to 2/3 cup.
  • If adding 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats to the crumble mixture, reduce the flour by about 1/4 cup.
  • Blackberries, raspberries, or mixed berries can also be used.