I remember the first time I made these lemon blueberry crumb bars I was in such a hurry and almost forgot to zest the lemon but somehow they turned out soft and sweet and full of juicy blueberries and ever since then I’ve been making this recipe whenever I need a quick treat for my family or when I feel like I need a little pick me up at home.
There was this one afternoon when I tried to make the lemon blueberry crumb bars while the kids were running around the kitchen and one of them spilled the brown sugar all over the floor but I laughed instead of panicking and just kept going and you know what the bars still came out perfectly with that crunchy sweet topping and tangy blueberries that made everyone smile.
Sometimes when I make the lemon blueberry crumb bars I forget to add a little extra lemon zest and I notice it right when I taste the first bite but then I realize even with a tiny mistake the bars still taste amazing and it reminds me that baking doesn’t have to be perfect to be delicious and fun.
I have this habit of tasting the lemon blueberry crumb bars right out of the oven and the blueberries are super juicy and the topping is warm and crumbly and I can’t help but get a little messy with sticky fingers while sneaking bites and I tell myself it’s totally fine because the recipe is meant to be enjoyed and shared with people I love.
One time I made these lemon blueberry crumb bars for a small gathering and I accidentally used frozen blueberries that weren’t fully thawed but it worked out anyway because the filling was a little juicier than usual and everyone still asked for the recipe and I felt proud because even with small imperfections the bars were a hit.
When I serve the lemon blueberry crumb bars I love pairing them with other simple treats and I’ve tried having them with a slice of apple cinnamon coffee cake some fresh fruit a scoop of vanilla ice cream a drizzle of honey on yogurt a warm cup of tea or coffee a dollop of whipped cream or even just on their own and every combination tastes delicious and brings a little joy to snack time or dessert time.
Making these lemon blueberry crumb bars has become one of those comforting little rituals in my kitchen where mistakes turn into happy accidents and every bite is a reminder that simple ingredients and a little love can create something that’s both sweet and bright and perfect for sharing with family or friends.
ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
ingredients notes
- All-purpose flour makes the bars soft and holds everything together
- Granulated sugar adds sweetness so the bars taste yummy
- Unsalted butter makes the bars soft and crumbly while adding flavor
- Salt balances the sweetness and makes the flavors pop
- Vanilla extract gives a warm and rich flavor to the bars
- Lemon zest gives a fresh and tangy taste while brightening the flavor
- Lemon juice adds a little sour taste that mixes well with the sweet blueberries
- Blueberries give juicy bursts and a fruity flavor in every bite
- Brown sugar adds a little stickiness and deep sweetness for the topping
- Rolled oats make the crumb topping crunchy and chewy
- Baking powder helps the bars rise slightly and keeps them soft
How to make Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars ?
step 1: preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
step 2: prepare the base
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract then mix until it looks like coarse crumbs and press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
step 3: make the blueberry filling
In another bowl gently toss 1 cup blueberries with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 2 teaspoons lemon zest so every berry is coated and spread the blueberries evenly over the base layer.
step 4: prepare the crumb topping
In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and a little extra butter until it forms crumbly bits and sprinkle this mixture over the blueberries to cover them evenly.
step 5: bake the bars
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbling around the edges.
step 6: cool before slicing
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before lifting them out and cutting them into squares so they hold together nicely.
step 7: serve and enjoy
Serve the lemon blueberry crumb bars on a plate and enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat with a glass of milk or tea.
kitchen equipment needed
- 9-inch square baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Grater for lemon zest
- Oven
- Cooling rack
storage options
These lemon blueberry crumb bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days to keep them fresh and tasty You can also freeze them for up to two months by wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer safe container or bag. When you want to eat them simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.
some variations for the lemon blueberry crumb bars
You can try swapping blueberries with raspberries or blackberries or even chopped strawberries so you can enjoy a different fruity flavor and each of them will taste delicious in the crumb bars while adding a handful of chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans to the crumb topping will give a crunchy twist and bring extra flavor at the same time. If you want a chocolatey version then you can sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the blueberries before adding the crumb topping so it will create a yummy mix of fruit and chocolate that tastes amazing.
faq
what is this recipe lemon blueberry crumb bars made of?
This recipe is made of simple ingredients like flour and sugar for the base fresh blueberries for fruity flavor, lemon zest and juice for a tangy taste and a crumbly topping made from oats, butter and brown sugar to make it crunchy and soft.
what does lemon blueberry crumb bars taste like?
The lemon blueberry crumb bars taste sweet, tangy, and fruity with juicy blueberries and a soft buttery base with a crunchy topping that melts in your mouth and leaves a bright citrus flavor.
can i use frozen blueberries?
Yes you can use frozen blueberries but make sure to thaw them slightly and drain extra juice to avoid making the bars too wet and keep the topping crumbly.
can i make the crumb topping ahead of time?
Yes you can mix the crumbs ahead of time and store them in a small container in the fridge for a few hours before baking which makes the process faster when you are ready.
how long do lemon blueberry crumb bars last?
At room temperature in an airtight container they last for about two days but if stored in the fridge they can last up to five days and freezing can extend their life to two months.
can i add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes adding nuts like almonds or pecans or mini chocolate chips can make the bars even more delicious and add extra flavor and texture without changing the main recipe.
can i make smaller or larger bars?
Yes you can cut the bars into any size you like smaller for kids or larger for snacks and sharing and it will not change the baking process.
can i make lemon blueberry crumb bars gluten-free?
Yes you can replace all purpose flour with a gluten free flour blend and it will work well but the texture may be slightly different and you should follow the same measurements.
Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy9
servings15
minutes40
minutes210
kcal55
minutesSoft buttery base with sweet juicy blueberries and a crunchy lemony topping that tastes fresh and delicious.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract then mix until it looks like coarse crumbs and press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
- In another bowl, gently toss 1 cup blueberries with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 2 teaspoons lemon zest so every berry is coated and spread the blueberries evenly over the base layer.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and a little extra butter until it forms crumbly bits and sprinkle this mixture over the blueberries to cover them evenly.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbling around the edges.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before lifting them out and cutting them into squares so they hold together nicely.
- Serve the lemon blueberry crumb bars on a plate and enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat with a glass of milk or tea.
