Blackberry Crumb Bars – Buttery, Juicy, and Irresistible!
There’s something timeless and comforting about a classic fruit crumble, and when you pack it into a bar form, you get the best of both worlds: a handheld treat with the same sweet, juicy core and buttery, crumbly topping.
Blackberry Crumb Bars are the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and buttery goodness — with golden edges, tender blackberry filling, and a crunchy topping that will make your kitchen smell like a bakery. They’re easy to make, easy to serve, and even easier to devour.
Whether it’s blackberry season or you’re working from frozen fruit, this recipe turns a few basic pantry staples into the ultimate dessert or snack bar. Let’s bake up some love, one juicy square at a time! 💜🍰
Ingredients
🫐 Fruits et légumes:
- 2 cups blackberries fresh or frozen
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
🧁 Aides culinaires et épices:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening the filling
🧈 Produits laitiers:
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1 egg large
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar.
- Add cold butter cubes and cut in with a pastry blender or fingers until the mixture is crumbly.
- Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture forms coarse crumbs that hold when pressed.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
- Press 2/3 of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust.
- Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes, just until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Blackberry Filling
- In a medium bowl, gently toss blackberries with lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Spread the blackberry mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
Step 5: Add the Crumb Topping
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb dough over the berry filling.
- Lightly press down for even coverage without flattening.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the fruit is bubbly.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Dust with powdered sugar for a delicate finish Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert Enjoy warm with whipped cream or cold straight from the fridge Cut into smaller squares for a sweet party tray addition 🔄 Variations
Mix Berries: Combine blackberries with raspberries or blueberries Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds into the crumble Spice It Up: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the crumb mixture Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend Lemon-Lover’s Twist: Add more zest and a lemon glaze 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days Or refrigerate for up to 5 days Freezing:
Freeze sliced bars for up to 2 months Thaw at room temperature before serving Reheating:
Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds Or place in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to refresh the crust ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them before using to avoid a soggy filling. 2. What if I don’t have lemon?
Try orange juice or omit it altogether — the bars will still taste great. 3. How do I know when they’re done?
The crumble topping should be golden and the filling should bubble at the edges. 4. Can I make them ahead of time?
Definitely — they’re even better the next day after the flavors set. 5. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish (11x15 or sheet pan). 6. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar in both the crumble and the filling by ¼ cup each. 7. What’s the texture like?
Crispy on top, soft and jammy in the middle, with a shortbread-like base. 8. Should I refrigerate them?
Only if you want them to last longer — otherwise room temp is fine for a couple of days. 9. How do I cut them cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts; chill for cleanest slices. 10. Can I make this with other fruits?
Absolutely! Peaches, plums, or cherries all work wonderfully. 💡 Pro Tips
Use cold butter for the perfect crumb texture Do not over-mix the crumble — chunks are good! Let bars cool fully before slicing for clean edges Don’t skip the lemon juice — it balances the sweetness Add a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking for crunch 🏁 Conclusion
Blackberry Crumb Bars are a dreamy combo of fruity filling and buttery crumble — easy to make, slice, and share. Whether you're using fresh berries at their peak or a stash from the freezer, this recipe delivers on every level: sweet, tart, golden, and so satisfying. From bake sales to brunches, or just a cozy night in, these bars are the kind of treat that brings comfort and joy with every bite. 🍇🧈
Dust with powdered sugar for a delicate finish Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert Enjoy warm with whipped cream or cold straight from the fridge Cut into smaller squares for a sweet party tray addition 🔄 Variations
Mix Berries: Combine blackberries with raspberries or blueberries Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds into the crumble Spice It Up: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the crumb mixture Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend Lemon-Lover’s Twist: Add more zest and a lemon glaze 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days Or refrigerate for up to 5 days Freezing:
Freeze sliced bars for up to 2 months Thaw at room temperature before serving Reheating:
Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds Or place in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to refresh the crust ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them before using to avoid a soggy filling. 2. What if I don’t have lemon?
Try orange juice or omit it altogether — the bars will still taste great. 3. How do I know when they’re done?
The crumble topping should be golden and the filling should bubble at the edges. 4. Can I make them ahead of time?
Definitely — they’re even better the next day after the flavors set. 5. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish (11x15 or sheet pan). 6. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar in both the crumble and the filling by ¼ cup each. 7. What’s the texture like?
Crispy on top, soft and jammy in the middle, with a shortbread-like base. 8. Should I refrigerate them?
Only if you want them to last longer — otherwise room temp is fine for a couple of days. 9. How do I cut them cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts; chill for cleanest slices. 10. Can I make this with other fruits?
Absolutely! Peaches, plums, or cherries all work wonderfully. 💡 Pro Tips
Use cold butter for the perfect crumb texture Do not over-mix the crumble — chunks are good! Let bars cool fully before slicing for clean edges Don’t skip the lemon juice — it balances the sweetness Add a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking for crunch 🏁 Conclusion
Blackberry Crumb Bars are a dreamy combo of fruity filling and buttery crumble — easy to make, slice, and share. Whether you're using fresh berries at their peak or a stash from the freezer, this recipe delivers on every level: sweet, tart, golden, and so satisfying. From bake sales to brunches, or just a cozy night in, these bars are the kind of treat that brings comfort and joy with every bite. 🍇🧈