Blackberry Crumb Bars Recipe (Bakery Quality!) – Dinner, then Dessert
A buttery shortbread crust topped with juicy blackberries and a golden crumb topping—these bars taste like they came straight from a bakery (because they did!).
🎉 Introduction
Indulge in the perfect combination of crisp, buttery crumbs and tart-sweet blackberry filling with these Blackberry Crumb Bars. With a tender shortbread base and a crunchy, sugary topping, they’re like a slice of summer on your plate. Best part? You can enjoy them as an after-dinner treat or at brunch. 🍂
Equipment
- 8×8‑inch or 9×9‑inch square baking pan
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk & rubber spatula
- Fork or pastry cutter
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy slicing)
Ingredients
🍪 Crust & Crumb Mix
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup 1 stick cold unsalted butter, diced
🍇 Blackberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries if frozen, thaw and drain
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
🍯 Optional Finishing Touch
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
Step 2: Make Crust & Crumb
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cold butter and cut in with a fork or pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Step 3: Prepare Blackberry Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla.
- Gently toss to coat the berries.
Step 4: Layer & Top
- Spread the blackberry mixture evenly over the pressed crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top. Optionally, dust with coarse sugar.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool completely in the pan (about 1–2 hours) before slicing into bars.
Notes
🥄 Variations
Mixed Berry: Swap or add raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 GF flour blend Oat Crumble: Substitute ¼ cup flour with oats for added texture Sweetened with Honey: Replace sugar in filling with honey or maple syrup Add Zest: Stir in lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days Refrigerator: Keeps up to 7 days Freezer: Freeze bars (cut or whole) for up to 2 months—thaw at room temp Reheating: Warm individual bars in a toaster oven or microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes—thaw, drain excess liquid, then use as directed. Do I need cornstarch?
Yes—it thickens the filling to prevent runny bars. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use vegan butter or coconut oil in the crumb mix. How do I get clean slices?
Chill the bars thoroughly and use a sharp, warmed knife. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use a 9×13 pan and increase bake time slightly. Are these gluten-free?
Use a GF flour blend to make them so. Can I reduce sugar?
Slightly, but texture and sweetness may be affected. Can I use another fruit?
Absolutely—peach, apple, or plum all work great. Can I make crumble topping ahead?
Yes—keep refrigerated then sprinkle on before baking. Can I serve warm?
Yes, though they firm up best when fully cooled. 🏁 Conclusion
These Blackberry Crumb Bars are perfect for when you want something comforting, elegant, and bursting with fruit flavor. With their buttery crust, juicy filling, and crispy top, they taste like bakery treats but are totally achievable at home. Slice them up next time you need a little dessert magic—or a sweet finish to any meal! 🍽️💕
Mixed Berry: Swap or add raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 GF flour blend Oat Crumble: Substitute ¼ cup flour with oats for added texture Sweetened with Honey: Replace sugar in filling with honey or maple syrup Add Zest: Stir in lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days Refrigerator: Keeps up to 7 days Freezer: Freeze bars (cut or whole) for up to 2 months—thaw at room temp Reheating: Warm individual bars in a toaster oven or microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes—thaw, drain excess liquid, then use as directed. Do I need cornstarch?
Yes—it thickens the filling to prevent runny bars. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use vegan butter or coconut oil in the crumb mix. How do I get clean slices?
Chill the bars thoroughly and use a sharp, warmed knife. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use a 9×13 pan and increase bake time slightly. Are these gluten-free?
Use a GF flour blend to make them so. Can I reduce sugar?
Slightly, but texture and sweetness may be affected. Can I use another fruit?
Absolutely—peach, apple, or plum all work great. Can I make crumble topping ahead?
Yes—keep refrigerated then sprinkle on before baking. Can I serve warm?
Yes, though they firm up best when fully cooled. 🏁 Conclusion
These Blackberry Crumb Bars are perfect for when you want something comforting, elegant, and bursting with fruit flavor. With their buttery crust, juicy filling, and crispy top, they taste like bakery treats but are totally achievable at home. Slice them up next time you need a little dessert magic—or a sweet finish to any meal! 🍽️💕