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- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - ¾ cup rolled oats - ½ cup brown sugar - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups fresh blueberries - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - ½ teaspoon cinnamon The ingredients for these Blueberry Lemon Crumble Bars create a perfect balance of sweet and tart. First, the dry ingredients form a hearty base. Flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt blend together. They create a crumbly texture that holds well. Next, we add the wet ingredients. Vanilla extract helps enhance the flavor, while melted butter binds everything together. This mixture will be the foundation for our tasty bars. Now, let’s move on to the filling. Fresh blueberries are the star of the show. They burst with flavor and pair nicely with lemon juice and zest. The granulated sugar adds sweetness, while cornstarch thickens the filling. A hint of cinnamon adds warmth to the mix. These ingredients come together to create a treat that is both comforting and refreshing. You won’t want to miss out on this delicious balance of flavors! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. First, I set my oven to 350°F. This is the perfect temperature to bake the bars. While the oven heats, I line my baking dish with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. - Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. - Add melted butter and vanilla extract, mix until coarse crumbs form. In a big bowl, I mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. I combine these dry ingredients well. Next, I pour in melted butter and vanilla. I stir until the mix looks like coarse crumbs. This will be the base and crumble topping. - Press two-thirds of the crust mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. - Prepare blueberry filling and layer on top of the crust. - Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture over blueberry filling. I take about two-thirds of the crust mix and press it into the dish. It should cover the bottom evenly. For the filling, I combine fresh blueberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. I gently toss the berries to coat them. Then, I pour this mixture over the crust. Lastly, I sprinkle the remaining crumble mix on top. - Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly. I place the dish in the preheated oven and set the timer for 35 minutes. I check the bars at 35 minutes. They should be golden on top and bubbly around the edges. If they need more time, I let them bake for a few more minutes. - Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares. Once the bars are done, I remove them from the oven. I let them cool in the dish for at least 30 minutes. This helps them set. When cool, I lift them out using the parchment paper. I use a sharp knife to slice them into squares. To make the best blueberry lemon crumble bars, start with room temperature ingredients. This helps them mix better. Use softened butter for a smooth crust. After baking, let the bars cool completely. This makes slicing easier and keeps the layers intact. These bars shine when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fluffy whipped cream. The cold cream pairs nicely with the warm bars. For a lovely touch, garnish with fresh blueberries on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet finish. Want a brighter taste? Add more lemon zest to your filling. This will brighten the whole dish. You can also try different berries. Raspberries or blackberries can mix well with blueberries. Experimenting can lead to fun, new flavors in your crumble bars. {{image_2}} You can make these blueberry lemon crumble bars gluten-free. Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This swap keeps the texture and flavor intact while catering to those with gluten sensitivities. Be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for the best results. To create a vegan version, replace the butter with coconut oil. It adds a nice hint of flavor and keeps the bars moist. If the recipe calls for an egg, use a flax egg instead. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. To add more flavor, you can mix in other fruits. Raspberries or blackberries work beautifully with blueberries. This adds a burst of color and taste to the bars. Simply fold the additional fruits into the blueberry filling. They will create a lovely mixed berry crumble that everyone will enjoy. You can store your blueberry lemon crumble bars in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. This way, they stay fresh and tasty. For longer storage, refrigerate the bars. They will last for up to 1 week in the fridge. If you want to keep them even longer, freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn. To enjoy the bars warm, reheat them before serving. You can warm them in the oven or microwave. This simple step will bring back their delicious taste and make the crumble topping crisp again. Look for a golden topping and bubbly blueberry filling as indicators of doneness. This usually takes about 35 to 40 minutes in the oven. The edges should look firm, while the center may still jiggle slightly. Trust your eyes here; the color and bubbles tell you they are ready. Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the mix. Frozen berries can release more water, which may make the filling too runny. Thawing and draining helps keep your bars from getting soggy. If you don’t have lemon juice, try lime juice or a splash of vinegar. Both options can give a similar acidity to your filling. Lime juice adds a nice twist, while vinegar can enhance the flavor without being too sour. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife to slice through the layers evenly. This will help you get nice, clean edges. If you want, you can dip the knife in hot water before cutting for an even smoother slice. Yes, you can prep these bars ahead of time. Store them in the fridge or freezer. They taste great chilled, and making them in advance gives you more time to enjoy your guests. Just remember to let them cool before storing! The blueberry crumble bars are easy and tasty. We combined simple ingredients like oats, butter, and fresh blueberries. The step-by-step guide makes baking fun and straightforward. Tips on serving and storing help you enjoy them fresh. You can even try variations like gluten-free or vegan options. Baking these bars is a great way to delight friends and family. With this recipe, you’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time. Enjoy the process and the tasty results!

Blueberry Lemon Crumble Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of blueberry lemon crumble bars! Perfectly sweet and tangy, these easy-to-make bars are the ultimate treat for any occasion. With a buttery crust, vibrant blueberry filling, and a crunchy topping, they’re sure to please. Ready to bake something delightful?
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Ingredients
  

For the crust and crumble:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup rolled oats

½ cup brown sugar

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

2 cups fresh blueberries

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

      Press the Crust: Take about two-thirds of the crust mixture and evenly press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a base. Keep the remaining crumble for the topping.

        Make the Filling: In another bowl, combine the blueberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Toss gently to coat the blueberries in the mixture.

          Assemble the Bars: Pour the blueberry mixture over the pressed crust. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.

            Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the blueberries are bubbling.

              Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the dish. Cut into squares.

                Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins, 1 hr 10 mins, 9 servings.

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the bars on a decorative plate, garnished with fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.