Blackberry Crumble Bars

Blackberry Crumble Bars are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of sweet, juicy berries and a buttery, crumbly topping. These bars are made with a rich, buttery base, layered with fresh blackberries, and topped with a golden crumble that’s both crispy and soft. Whether you’re serving them for dessert, enjoying them as an afternoon snack, or packing them in lunchboxes, these blackberry crumble bars are a delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness and tartness of blackberries.

What I love most about these bars is their simplicity and versatility. You can easily whip them up with just a handful of pantry ingredients, and you can even substitute different fruits if blackberries aren’t in season. The base and topping are made from the same dough, which simplifies the recipe and ensures that every bite is full of buttery, crumbly goodness. These bars are a fantastic way to celebrate blackberry season, but they’re also delicious year-round if you use frozen berries.

I first started making these bars during blackberry season when my family would pick fresh blackberries. The combination of sweet and tart berries with the buttery crumble quickly made them a family favorite. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love These Blackberry Crumble Bars

1. Buttery and Crumbly: The combination of a soft, buttery crust and a crispy, golden topping makes every bite of these bars irresistible.
2. Packed with Juicy Blackberries: The fresh blackberries provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, complementing the rich crumble.
3. Easy to Make: With a simple, one-dough base and topping, these bars come together quickly with minimal fuss.
4. Customizable: You can swap the blackberries for other berries or fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches, making these bars versatile and perfect for any season.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them as a dessert, snack, or even as a breakfast treat with your morning coffee, these bars are always a hit.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35-40 minutes
• Total time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 12-16 bars

Nutritional Information (per bar)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Carbs: 30g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 16g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Blackberry Crumble Bars:

For the Crust and Crumble:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Blackberry Filling:

• 3 cups fresh blackberries (or frozen, thawed, and drained)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra brightness)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Almond extract: Add ¼ teaspoon to the crumble for a subtle nutty flavor.
• Nuts: Fold ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or almonds into the crumble for added crunch.
• Other fruits: Swap blackberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of your favorite berries.
• Coconut flakes: Add ¼ cup of shredded coconut to the crumble for a tropical twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Grease the parchment with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.

Step 3: Assemble the Crust

Take about two-thirds of the crumb mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat spatula to press the crust firmly into the pan. This will form the base of your bars.

Step 4: Prepare the Blackberry Filling

In a medium bowl, toss the blackberries with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). The cornstarch helps thicken the juices from the blackberries as they bake, preventing the bars from becoming soggy.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Spread the blackberry mixture evenly over the crust. Be sure to distribute the blackberries evenly, so every bite has a burst of juicy fruit. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the blackberries, leaving some of the fruit exposed for a rustic look.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the blackberry filling is bubbly. The top should be crispy and the edges slightly browned.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into 12-16 bars, depending on your preferred size.

How to Serve

• With Ice Cream: Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy them as an afternoon snack with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• For Breakfast: These bars are perfect for a quick breakfast on the go, especially when paired with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• As a Dessert: Top them with a drizzle of honey or whipped cream for a light, sweet dessert.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh or Frozen Blackberries: Fresh blackberries work best for these bars, but you can use frozen berries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain frozen berries to prevent excess moisture.
2. Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it much easier to remove the bars once they’ve cooled, ensuring clean, easy slices.
3. Press the Crust Firmly: Make sure to press the crust layer firmly into the pan. This helps create a sturdy base that won’t crumble when you slice the bars.
4. Cool Completely Before Slicing: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure clean cuts and prevent them from falling apart.
5. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on how sweet or tart your blackberries are, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the filling. If your berries are especially tart, add a bit more sugar to balance the flavor.

Recipe Variations

These Blackberry Crumble Bars are incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different fruits, spices, and add-ins. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Mixed Berry Crumble Bars:

Instead of using only blackberries, use a combination of your favorite berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, for a mixed berry version. This creates a colorful and flavorful twist on the classic.

2. Blackberry Peach Crumble Bars:

For a summery twist, mix sliced peaches with the blackberries. The combination of juicy peaches and tart blackberries adds a delicious contrast of flavors.

3. Blackberry Almond Crumble Bars:

Add ¼ cup of chopped almonds to the crumble topping for extra crunch. You can also replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a subtle almond flavor that pairs beautifully with the blackberries.

4. Vegan Blackberry Crumble Bars:

To make these bars vegan, simply substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Make sure your sugar is vegan-friendly as well.

5. Gluten-Free Blackberry Crumble Bars:

For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure to use gluten-free oats. The texture will remain just as delicious and crumbly!

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The bars will stay moist and flavorful, and the crumble topping will remain crispy.

Freezing:

These bars freeze well, making them perfect for meal prepping or enjoying later. To freeze, let the bars cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Special Equipment

• 9×13-Inch Baking Pan: A standard baking pan is perfect for making a batch of these bars.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need separate bowls for mixing the crust/crumble and the blackberry filling.
• Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper ensures the bars are easy to remove and slice.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients and spread the blackberry filling evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen blackberries for this recipe?

Yes! If you’re using frozen blackberries, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to remove excess liquid. This will prevent the bars from becoming too watery.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure to use gluten-free oats. The bars will still turn out delicious and crumbly.

3. Can I use other types of berries or fruit?

Yes! These bars are very versatile. You can substitute blackberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a combination of berries. You can also use stone fruits like peaches or apricots for a different flavor.

4. How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the blackberries if they’re especially juicy. The cornstarch in the filling will also help thicken the juices as the bars bake.

5. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can make these bars up to 1-2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh.

Conclusion

Blackberry Crumble Bars are the ultimate combination of buttery, crumbly goodness and juicy blackberry filling. They’re easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion—from a casual snack to a more elegant dessert. Whether you’re enjoying them warm with a scoop of ice cream or packing them for a picnic, these bars are sure to impress.

I hope you enjoy making (and devouring) these blackberry crumble bars as much as I do! Feel free to get creative with the variations and make this recipe your own. Happy baking!