These Blackberry Crumb Bars are about to become your new favorite dessert! The lemon-kissed crust is topped with a juicy blackberry filling and finished with a golden, crumbly topping. They’re simple to make but still feel special – perfect for taking to all of those summer BBQs or picnics! Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a real crowd-pleaser!
Want more sweet berry treats? Try my Berry Cobbler, Blueberry Muffin Recipe, and this Lemon Blueberry Bread!
Blackberry Bars
If there’s one dessert I find myself making on repeat every summer, it’s these Blackberry Crumb Bars! They’re packed with fresh, juicy blackberries which are sandwiched between a buttery, lemony crust. I honestly can never get enough of these bars, and neither can my family!
I love how easy these bars are to whip up, especially when I need to make last-minute dessert for a summer party. Whether I’m headed off to a picnic, a backyard barbecue, or just want a little sweet treat to enjoy with my family after dinner, these bars never disappoint. I’m always surprised by how fast they disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Blackberry Crumb Bars are everything you could want in a summer dessert – and more! They are easy to make, filled with fresh ingredients like blackberries and lemon, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking them for a picnic, pool party, or your kids’ playdate at home, these bars are sure to be a hit. Here’s why I love them:
- Buttery and Crumbly: The crust and topping are made from the same dough, giving you double the buttery goodness in every bite!
- Fresh Blackberry Filling: Juicy blackberries are mixed with sugar and lemon juice to create the perfect sweet-tart filling. I can guarantee your taste buds won’t be able to resist that sweet combination!
- Hint of Lemon: Lemon zest and juice add a bright, fresh flavor that perfectly compliments the blackberries.
- Perfect for Summer: These bars are easy to pack, serve, and enjoy outdoors. Make them for your next summer party and watch how fast they are devoured! I can guarantee they will be a hit!
How to Make Blackberry Crumb Bars
Sweet and full of fresh blackberry flavor, these Blackberry Crumb Bars are the perfect way to celebrate berry season! The combination of buttery crust and juicy blackberry filling is impossible to resist, and you’ll love how easy they are to make too.
Let’s take a quick look at how to make these bars and as always, you can find the full, printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Combine all crust ingredients except for the eggs in a large bowl. Use a pastry blender to combine butter pieces are no larger than a pea. Stir in the beaten eggs.
- Transfer half of the mixture into the bottom of a prepared pan and press into a solid crust.
- Combine all filling ingredients into a bowl and stir to coat berries. Pour berries over crust in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the berries, distributing evenly.
- Bake at 375°F for 35-45 minutes, or until bubbly and light golden brown. Cool before cutting into bars.
Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them. Once cut, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the cut bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Yes! No need to thaw, just use as you would fresh berries.
Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
Absolutely! You can easily swap the blackberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of your favorite berries. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and tartness of the fruit may change the flavor slightly, so you’ll want to adjust the amount of sugar added accordingly.
Trish’s Tips
Fresh blackberries, a buttery crust & crumble, and hints of lemon combine to create these delicious Blackberry Crumb Bars. Here are a few tips for you to get the best results:
- For the best flaky, buttery crust, make sure the butter is cold and cut into small pieces before mixing it with the dry ingredients. This helps to create that nice crumbly topping.
- For a solid crust, make sure to press the mixture into the pan firmly. This helps create a firm, even layer that won’t fall apart once the bars are cut.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting them. This allows the filling to set and makes the bars easier and cleaner to slice.
More Berry Treats To Try
- Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake
- Blueberry Coffee Cake
- Mini Berry Galettes
- Strawberry Shortcake Cake
- Blueberry Cookies
Blackberry Crumb Bars
These Blackberry Crumb Bars are about to become your new favorite summer dessert! The lemon-kissed crust is topped with juicy blackberries and finished with a golden, crumbly topping. They’re simple to make but still feel special – perfect for taking to all of those summer BBQs or picnics! Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a real crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 3 cups all purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs room temperature, whisked
Blackberry Filling
- 4 cups blackberries fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9″x 13″ baking pan, or line with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, add all crust ingredients except eggs. (Be sure the butter has been cut into small chunks ahead of time.)
3 cups all purpose flour, 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder
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Use a pastry blender to combine the ingredients until all of the butter is well incorporated, and no pieces are larger than a pea. (This could also be done using a food processor, using short pulses.) Stir in the beaten eggs.
2 large eggs
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Pour half of the crust (crumb) mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use a spatula to press into a solid crust, set aside remaining bowl of crumble.
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Prepare the filling by combining all filling ingredients into a bowl and stirring just until the berries are fully coated. Pour berries over the prepared crust, spreading into a single layer.
4 cups blackberries, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ¾ cup granulated sugar
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Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the berries, distributing evenly.
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Bake at 375°F for 35-45 minutes, or until bubbly and light golden brown. Cool before cutting into bars. Store bars in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them. Once cut, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the cut bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.
Equipment Needed (affiliate links): 9×13 Baking Dish | Glass Mixing Bowls | Offset Spatula | Whisk | Pastry Blender
Please see post above for more information, process photos, recipe tips and frequently asked questions.
Nutrition
Calories: 137kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 83mgPotassium: 74mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 88IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg
Originally published April 7, 2020.
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