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- For the Crust and Crumble: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - ¾ cup rolled oats - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - For the Filling: - 2 cups fresh blueberries (can substitute with frozen if necessary) - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 medium lemon - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon You can swap fresh blueberries for frozen ones. They work well too. If you lack fresh lemon, use bottled lemon juice. Just use a little less, about 1 tablespoon. For the butter, coconut oil is a nice choice. It adds a tropical flavor. If you want a sweeter crust, try using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. You will need a few simple tools to make these bars: - A large mixing bowl - An 8x8-inch baking dish - Parchment paper for easy removal - A fork or your hands for mixing the crust - A cutting board for slicing the bars - A measuring cup and spoons for accuracy These tools help you create the best blueberry lemon crumble bars. They make the process smooth and fun! First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grab an 8x8-inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the sides. This helps you lift the bars out later. In a big bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir it well until everything blends nicely. Now, pour in the melted butter and add the vanilla extract. Use a fork or your hands to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Take about two-thirds of this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your baking dish. This creates a nice crust. Set aside the rest of the crumble for later. In another bowl, toss together the fresh blueberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Be gentle as you mix. You want the blueberries to stay whole and not get squished. Now, pour the blueberry filling over the crust you made. Spread it out evenly. Next, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top. Cover the blueberries well. Carefully place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Look for a golden brown topping and bubbling blueberries around the edges. When the bars are done, take the dish out of the oven. Let it cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the whole block of bars out. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into squares. You can serve these bars chilled or at room temperature. They make a tasty treat for any occasion! To get the best texture for your blueberry lemon crumble bars, use cold butter. Cold butter helps create a flaky crust. Mix until the dough looks like crumbs. Don’t overmix; you want some larger bits. This gives a nice crunch to the topping. Bake your bars at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes. Watch for golden brown topping. The blueberries should bubble a bit around the edges. If you see this, they are done. Letting them cool for at least 30 minutes is key. This helps them set properly. For a great look, serve the bars on a colorful plate. Add fresh blueberries on top. A sprinkle of powdered sugar makes them pop. You can also slice them into fun shapes. This makes them fun for kids and guests alike. {{image_4}} You can switch up the blueberries for other fruits. Try using strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Each fruit brings its own taste. For a twist, mix different berries together. The filling will be colorful and tasty! To make these bars gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free oat flour. Replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. For a vegan option, use flax eggs or applesauce instead of regular eggs. This way, everyone can enjoy these yummy bars! You can add more flavors to the filling. Try a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for warmth. A splash of vanilla or almond extract can enhance the taste. If you love citrus, add more lemon zest or orange zest. These small changes can make your bars extra special! To keep your blueberry lemon crumble bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their taste and texture. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them. This helps prevent spoilage. When you want to enjoy these bars again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This warms them without making them soggy. You can also use a microwave for a quick fix. Heat for 15-20 seconds for each bar. In the fridge, your bars will stay fresh for about 4-5 days. If you freeze them, they can last for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Label the date, so you know when to enjoy them! Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. They work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first. This step helps avoid extra moisture in your bars. You want them juicy but not soggy. You can use coconut oil or applesauce. Both options give a nice flavor. If you choose coconut oil, melt it first. Applesauce will make the bars moist and sweet. Adjust the sugar if you use applesauce, as it adds natural sweetness. The bars are done when the top turns golden brown. You will also see the blueberries bubbling at the edges. A toothpick should come out clean when you test the center. Let them cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting. In this article, we covered the key steps to make delicious blueberry bars. You learned about the important ingredients, substitutions, and tools. I shared detailed instructions for making the crust, filling, and baking the bars. We talked about tips for texture and presentation, as well as tasty variations. Finally, we discussed storage and answered common questions. I hope these insights help you create your own tasty treats. Enjoy baking your blueberry bars!

Blueberry Lemon Crumble Bars

Treat yourself to a deliciously sweet and tangy snack with these mouthwatering Blueberry Lemon Crumble Bars! Made with fresh blueberries and a buttery crumb topping, they are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Follow our simple recipe to create these delightful bars that will impress your family and friends. Click to explore the full recipe and indulge your cravings today!
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Ingredients
  

For the Crust and Crumble:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup rolled oats

½ cup brown sugar, packed

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

2 cups fresh blueberries (can substitute with frozen if necessary)

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1 medium lemon

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring you leave an overhang on two sides to allow for easy removal after baking.

    Prepare the Crust Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, packed brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well mixed. Pour in the melted butter and add the vanilla extract. Using a fork or your hands, mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

      Form the Crust Base: Take approximately two-thirds of the crumb mixture and evenly press it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a uniform crust layer. Set aside the remaining crumble mixture for later use as the topping.

        Create the Blueberry Filling: In another mixing bowl, gently combine the fresh blueberries with lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Toss the ingredients softly to ensure the blueberries are coated without crushing them.

          Assemble the Bars: Carefully pour the blueberry filling over the pressed crust in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture generously over the top, covering the blueberry layer.

            Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbling around the edges.

              Cool and Slice: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. After cooling, use the parchment overhang to lift the entire block of bars out of the dish. Place on a cutting board and slice into squares.

                Serve and Enjoy: These delightful bars can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making them a versatile treat.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the bars on a decorative plate, embellishing with fresh blueberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch that enhances their appeal.