These Blackberry Bars are the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell like a dream and disappears the second they hit the table. They’ve got a soft, buttery crust, a juicy blackberry layer that bubbles up just right, and a crumb topping that adds that golden crunch.
This recipe was a staple at my grandmother’s house in the summer—always made with fresh berries picked from the garden. But don’t worry, frozen blackberries work perfectly too, so you can get that berry fix year-round!
🌟 Why You’ll Love These Blackberry Bars
- Fresh and fruity: The juicy blackberries burst with flavor.
- Easy to make: One dough, two layers—crust and crumble in one.
- Great for any season: Use fresh berries in summer, frozen in winter.
- Perfect texture: Buttery base, jammy middle, crumbly top.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Crust & Crumble:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Blackberry Filling:
- 2 cups blackberries (fresh or frozen, thawed if frozen)
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust depending on sweetness of berries)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
🔥 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust and Crumble
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until combined and crumbly.
- Press ⅔ of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Save the rest for the topping.
Step 2: Make the Blackberry Filling
- In a bowl, gently toss blackberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and zest.
- Spread the berry mixture evenly over the crust.
Step 3: Crumble and Bake
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the berries.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool completely before slicing into bars (they set as they cool).
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Different berries: Swap blackberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mix.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Sub plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).
- Add nuts: Mix chopped almonds or pecans into the crumb topping.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.
🍴 Perfect Pairings
- Drinks: Cold milk, vanilla latte, or sparkling lemonade.
- Toppings: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Occasions: Great for brunch, potlucks, or afternoon snacks.
Blackberry bars
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 (Makes ~9 bars)
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, tangy, and crumbly—these easy Blackberry Bars are bursting with berry flavor and make the perfect summer dessert or snack!
Ingredients
For the Crust & Crumble:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Blackberry Filling:
- 2 cups blackberries (fresh or frozen, thawed if frozen)
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust depending on sweetness of berries)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust and Crumble
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until combined and crumbly.
- Press ⅔ of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Save the rest for the topping.
Step 2: Make the Blackberry Filling
- In a bowl, gently toss blackberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and zest.
- Spread the berry mixture evenly over the crust.
Step 3: Crumble and Bake
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the berries.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool completely before slicing into bars (they set as they cool).
Notes
- Different berries: Swap blackberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mix.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Sub plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).
- Add nuts: Mix chopped almonds or pecans into the crumb topping
Keywords: blackberry bars, berry crumble bars, easy summer dessert, blackberry dessert, fruit bars recipe, buttery crust bars, blackberry crumble, homemade berry bars, fresh blackberry recipe, frozen blackberry dessert
❓ FAQ: Blackberry Bars
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Absolutely. Just thaw and drain them first to prevent a soggy crust.
How do I get clean slices?
Let the bars cool completely (or chill them briefly) before slicing with a sharp knife.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and double all ingredients.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, these bars taste even better the next day after the flavors meld.
🧡 A Slice of Blackberry Heaven
There’s something magical about blackberry bars—part cobbler, part cookie, and 100% delicious. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat or sharing with friends, these fruity, buttery squares are always a hit.
