Blueberry Pie Bars

Blueberry Pie Bars are the ultimate fusion of juicy blueberries, buttery crust, and crumbly topping. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or craving a sweet snack, these bars are sure to impress with their delightful flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

Crust + Topping:

• 1 ½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 cup (85g) + 2 Tablespoons old-fashioned whole rolled oats, divided
• ½ cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 10 Tablespoons (142g) unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

• 4 ½ cups (about 640g) blueberries, fresh is best
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoons (15g) cornstarch
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

Directions:

1. Prepare and Preheat Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.

2. Make the Crust In a medium bowl, combine flour, 1 cup oats, brown sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, cinnamon, and salt. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly. Press 2/3 of the mixture into the prepared pan to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes.

3. Prepare the Filling In a saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice over medium heat. Cook for 2–3 minutes until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens. Remove from heat, stir in lemon zest.

4. Assemble and Bake Spread blueberry filling over crust. Stir remaining oats into remaining crumble mixture and sprinkle over filling. Press lightly. Bake for 45–55 minutes until top is lightly browned and filling bubbles.

5. Cool and Serve Cool completely on a wire rack. Lift bars out using parchment overhang, cut into squares.

6. Storage Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Tips:

1. Presentation: Arrange the Blueberry Pie Bars on a serving platter for a visually appealing display. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
2. Accompaniments: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the fruity flavors of the bars.
3. Variations: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans on top before baking.
4. Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea for a delightful treat.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature: Store leftover Blueberry Pie Bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing.
2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the bars in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 1 week.
3. Freezing: Blueberry Pie Bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
4. Reheating: To restore freshness, warm refrigerated or frozen bars in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until heated through. This will also help crisp up the crust.

Variations:

1. Mixed Berry Bars: Substitute some or all of the blueberries with other berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a mixed berry flavor profile. Adjust sugar and lemon juice accordingly to balance sweetness.
2. Lemon Blueberry Bars: Add extra lemon zest and a splash of lemon extract to both the crust and filling for a tangier twist on the classic blueberry flavor.
3. Almond Crumble Bars: Incorporate almond flour or finely chopped almonds into the crust mixture for added nuttiness and texture. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the bars before baking for an attractive finish.
4. Coconut Blueberry Bars: Mix shredded coconut into the crust and topping mixture for a tropical twist. Consider adding a tablespoon of coconut extract to enhance the coconut flavor.
5. Oatmeal Blueberry Bars: Increase the amount of oats in the crust and topping for a heartier texture. You can also mix in a handful of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
6. Spiced Blueberry Bars: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the crust mixture for a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness of the blueberries.
7. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats to make the bars suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
8. Vegan Blueberry Bars: Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil in the crust and topping. Ensure the sugar used is vegan-friendly, and check the cornstarch for any non-vegan additives.
9. Cheesecake Blueberry Bars: Add a layer of cheesecake filling between the crust and blueberry filling for a decadent variation. Blend cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and spread over the baked crust before adding the blueberry filling.
10. Streusel Topping Bars: Instead of mixing oats into the crust, reserve them exclusively for the streusel topping. Mix oats with flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly, then sprinkle over the blueberry filling before baking.

These variations allow you to customize your Blueberry Pie Bars to suit different tastes and dietary preferences while maintaining the delicious essence of this classic dessert. Whether you prefer a fruity twist, nutty crunch, or even a creamy cheesecake layer, there’s a variation to delight every palate!

FAQs :

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones? Yes, you can use frozen blueberries in this recipe. However, adjust the cooking time slightly as frozen berries may release more moisture.
2. Can I substitute the oats in the recipe? Yes, you can use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats, but the texture may be slightly different.
3. How can I prevent the crust from becoming soggy? Pre-baking the crust helps to prevent it from becoming soggy when the blueberry filling is added. Ensure the crust is fully cooled before spreading the filling.
4. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe? Yes, you can reduce the sugar in both the crust and the filling according to your taste preferences. Keep in mind that sugar also contributes to the texture of the crust.
5. How do I know when the bars are done baking? The top of the bars should be lightly browned, and the blueberry filling should be bubbling around the edges. This usually takes about 45-55 minutes in a preheated oven.
6. Can I freeze these Blueberry Pie Bars? Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
7. How should I store leftover bars? Store leftover bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
8. Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare these bars ahead of time. Bake them as directed, cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. Cut into squares when ready to serve.
9. What adjustments should I make if using a different size baking pan? If using a different size pan, adjust baking times accordingly. Thinner bars may require less baking time, while thicker bars may need more.
10. Are these bars suitable for special diets like gluten-free or vegan? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for special diets. Use gluten-free flour and oats for a gluten-free version, and substitute dairy butter with vegan butter or coconut oil for a vegan option. Ensure other ingredients are also suitable for your dietary needs.