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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! 💜🍰
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 56 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Dough
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar.
  2. Add cold butter cubes and cut in with a pastry blender or fingers until the mixture is crumbly.
  3. Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture forms coarse crumbs that hold when pressed.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
  1. Press 2/3 of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust.
  2. Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes, just until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Blackberry Filling
  1. In a medium bowl, gently toss blackberries with lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and cornstarch.
  2. Spread the blackberry mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
Step 5: Add the Crumb Topping
  1. Sprinkle the remaining crumb dough over the berry filling.
  2. Lightly press down for even coverage without flattening.
Step 6: Bake
  1. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the fruit is bubbly.
  2. 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. 🍇🧈