Rustic Blueberry Pie Bars

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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If you love the taste of homemade desserts with minimal fuss, these Rustic Blueberry Pie Bars are for you. They capture the essence of a classic blueberry pie but in a simple, handheld format. Perfect for any occasion, these bars bring a touch of rustic charm to your table.

Ingredients for Rustic Blueberry Pie Bars

Butter is the backbone of our crust and topping, lending richness and a tender crumb. Use unsalted to control the saltiness of your bars.

Granulated sugar sweetens both the dough and the blueberry filling, while brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor and moisture to the crust.

Vanilla extract brings out the natural sweetness in both the dough and filling.

All-purpose flour is the structural base of our bars, providing the necessary body to hold everything together.

Salt enhances the flavors, making everything pop without being overpowering.

Fresh blueberries are the star, bursting with juiciness and natural sweetness.

Lemon juice and zest add brightness and a subtle tang that complements the blueberries perfectly.

Cornstarch thickens the blueberry filling, ensuring it’s not too runny when you slice the bars.

Tips & Tricks

  • Chill the bars in the fridge after baking for cleaner slices.
  • Use parchment paper with overhang to lift the bars out easily.
  • If your dough feels too sticky, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before pressing it into the pan.

Serving Suggestions

These blueberry pie bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a touch of elegance, try drizzling them with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.
Can I substitute the blueberries with another fruit?
Absolutely! Try raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of your favorites.
How should I store these bars?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Rustic Blueberry Pie Bars Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This makes removing the bars a breeze later on.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Gradually add the flour and salt to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined. You’re looking for a dough that holds together but isn’t sticky.

Take two-thirds of the dough and press it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, forming an even crust. Make sure it’s packed down well for stability.

In a separate bowl, combine the blueberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Toss until the blueberries are well-coated and the mixture looks glossy.

Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over the crust in your baking dish. Then crumble the remaining dough over the top, allowing some blueberries to peek through for a rustic look.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbling. Let them cool completely before slicing into bars.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with everyday ingredients.
  • No need for a rolling pin or pie weights.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
  • Great for picnics, potlucks, or a simple family dessert.
  • Adaptable to other fruits if blueberries aren’t in season.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined to form a dough.
4. Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking dish to form an even crust.
5. In a separate bowl, toss together the blueberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and cornstarch until well-coated.
6. Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over the crust.
7. Crumble the remaining dough over the blueberry layer.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbly.
9. Allow to cool before slicing into bars and serving.

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