Blueberry Pie Bars Recipe: A Sweet Slice of Nostalgia
Every bite of these Blueberry Pie Bars transports you to sun-dappled summer days spent picking blueberries with loved ones. From the moment you pull these beauties from the oven, your kitchen will be filled with the comforting aroma of baked fruit and buttery crust—a sensory invitation that beckons you to indulge. Perfect as a quick weeknight dessert or a delightful treat for gatherings, these bars are effortlessly made, kid-friendly, and incredibly satisfying.
With a mouthwatering blend of juicy blueberries enveloped in a crumbly, golden crust, these bars are not just a dessert; they’re a warm blanket of nostalgia, making them well worth your time in the kitchen.
What’s Your Favorite Summer Dessert Memory?
Think back to those blissful summer days when dessert was a cherished ritual. Whether it was a slice of pie at Grandma’s house or sweet, sticky fingers after devouring fruit bars outside, our sweetest moments in life often intertwine with delectable treats.
Can you feel that nostalgia creeping in? What treat would bring back those joyful memories, and how does this delicious Blueberry Pie Bars recipe fit into your cherished moments?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Blueberry Pie Bars are more than just a delightful dessert; they offer numerous benefits:
- Easy Preparation: Even the most novice bakers can whip these up in no time.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a sweet treat, and these bars are sure to please family and friends alike.
- Minimal Ingredients: Simple pantry staples come together effortlessly to create a fantastic dessert.
- Nostalgic Flavor: The combination of blueberries and lemon zest is reminiscent of childhood summers, encapsulating the essence of warm memories.
Ingredients
To create these irresistible Blueberry Pie Bars, you’ll need:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds all the delightful toppings.
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons oats: For that chewy texture and heartiness.
- 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: To give our bars that nice lift.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The warm spice that complements the blueberries beautifully.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: You need that luscious richness for the crust.
- 4 and 1/2 cups blueberries: The star of the show, bursting with juicy goodness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: To sweeten the vibrant berries perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling, ensuring it’s gooey but not runny.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: For a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest: A final bold reminder of that citrus love.
These simple yet tantalizing ingredients work together to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Timing
When it comes to making Blueberry Pie Bars, you can expect a fast and indulgent experience that won’t leave you tied to the kitchen all day. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and baking time of around 45-55 minutes, you’re looking at about an hour before these bars are ready to devour.
However, if you want a more luxurious experience, consider allowing your bars to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours after baking. The flavors meld together beautifully this way, creating a more refined dessert that’s worth the wait.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
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Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there’s an overhang for easy removal later.
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For the crust, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup oats, brown sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, cinnamon, and salt.
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Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly. Press about 2/3 of the mixture into the prepared baking pan and bake for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly.
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While the crust is cooling, prepare the filling: In a saucepan, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until the berries release some juices.
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Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the remaining lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus vibrancy.
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Pour the berry filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
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Stir 2 tablespoons of oats into the remaining crumb mixture, and then sprinkle it over the blueberry filling.
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Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is browned and the filling is bubbling enticingly.
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Allow your Blueberry Pie Bars to cool completely before slicing into squares. They can be served cold, at room temperature, or warm—ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Prepare for ooey-gooey goodness that’s sure to leave everyone craving more!
Nutritional Information
Each of these delicious Blueberry Pie Bars is a moderate indulgence, with per-serving calories ranging from 180-210, depending on size and ingredients. But remember, indulging occasionally is all part of enjoying life!
While they may be sweet, the protein and fiber from oats and blueberries offer a little balance to each blissful bite.
Healthier Alternatives
Feel like making a few adjustments? Here are some healthier alternatives:
- Low-Sugar Variations: Use a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol to reduce sugar content without sacrificing flavor.
- Dairy-Free Swaps: Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a delicious vegan-friendly option.
These simple tweaks can help you meet dietary goals while still satisfying that sweet craving!
Serving Suggestions
Blueberry Pie Bars are endlessly versatile!
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Scoops of Ice Cream: Top them with creamy vanilla bean or decadent chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
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Summer Gatherings: Perfect for barbecues or picnics, these bars hold up wonderfully in warm weather.
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Holiday Cheer: Consider these a fantastic addition to your holiday dessert table. They’re bright enough to bring a burst of color amongst the holiday pies and cobblers!
Common Mistakes
To avoid any mishaps when making your Blueberry Pie Bars, keep these common pitfalls in mind:
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Overbaking: This can lead to dry bars. Keep an eye on your oven, and check for that gooey filling bubbling up!
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Texture Issues: If your crust is too crumbly, it might not hold together well. Ensure that the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
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Messy Slicing: To prevent the bars from falling apart when you cut them, allow them to cool completely first.
Storing Tips
To keep your Blueberry Pie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
For longer storage, feel free to freeze portions by wrapping them in plastic wrap and then placing them in an airtight container. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then warm them gently in the oven or microwave.
Tempted to Bake?
With their simple preparation, wonderful flavors, and nostalgic vibes, Blueberry Pie Bars are begging to be made. Why not commit to baking a batch today?
Let’s be honest: there’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a pan of these delicious bars from the oven, filling your kitchen with warmth and sweetness.
Could you resist the siren song of these gooey, golden treats? I think not!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
- Yes, frozen blueberries work well! You may want to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
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Can I make these bars in advance?
- Absolutely! They can be made a few days ahead and stored in the fridge for convenience.
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What can I substitute for oats?
- You can use ground almonds or crushed nuts for a gluten-free option.
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What’s the best way to cut these bars?
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat squares.
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Can I make a double batch and freeze some?
- Yes! Just remember to allow them to cool completely before freezing for best results.
Now it’s time to whip up some Blueberry Pie Bars—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Blueberry Pie Bars
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A nostalgic dessert featuring juicy blueberries in a crumbly, buttery crust, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons oats
- 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 and 1/2 cups blueberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour in the melted butter and stir until crumbly. Press about 2/3 of the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
- In a saucepan, combine blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until the berries release some juices.
- Remove from heat and stir in remaining lemon zest.
- Pour the berry filling over the cooled crust.
- Stir 2 tablespoons of oats into the remaining crumb mixture and sprinkle over the blueberry filling.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is browned and filling is bubbling.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, allow to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
