Easy Blackberry Crumb Bars. These blackberry crumb bars are a favorite for the summertime. They are filled with fresh blackberries and topped with crumbly crumbs. So easy to make and perfect for your next gathering or party.
Blackberry Crumb Bars. Doesn’t the word crumble or crumbly just speak to your soul? These are the ultimate in divine comfort food and fit so perfectly into Summer. Although, it was 100F degrees last week (109F to be exact) and then this morning it was gloomy and dark, reminding us of the oncoming Fall. So, let’s pretend it is still warm and summery while we enjoy these easy blackberry bars.
What is crumb bars or crumbly bars?
Have you ever had a crumble bar?
Crumble bars, sometimes called crumb bars, are what you would get if you combined a pie, a fruit crumble, and a cookie bar all in one.
They are also easy to make because they use the same dough for the base and the topping. The dough is sort of a cross between a shortbread and a sugar cookie dough. Half of the dough gets pressed into the bottom of the pan. The filling goes on top, and then the rest of the dough gets “crumbled” on top. The result is a bar that can be cut into larger pieces and served with ice cream on top, or cut into smaller pieces and served like cookie bars.
What kind of berries can I use?
All kinds! Anything that strikes your fancy, or whatever you have in your pantry! I’m using frozen fresh blackberries to make these blackberry pie bars. The joy of this kind of recipe is that you can adapt it to suit your taste. You can use a mixture of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries (as pictured). Or you can use one kind of berry or just a mix of 2 or 3. Adding a touch of lemon compliments the fresh flavors.
Tips for easy blackberry crumb bars:
- To easily remove your cookies once chilled, first line your pan with parchment paper or foil.
- Jumble up the berries to suit your tastes, or just use one kind.
- Once everything is mixed well, add it to your pan and allow it to chill in the fridge completely before cutting, as this makes for cleaner slices.
- If you happen to have some leftovers, which is very unlikely, pop them in the freezer for another time because you can enjoy them straight from the fridge.
These bars really are the perfect summer dessert. And since this has fruits as the main ingredient, so I figure it makes sense to call have this for breakfast, right?
And if you really want to take these over the top, add a scoop of ice cream to go with it. Lucky for me, I just happened to make another batch of strawberry ice cream so it’s a mixed berries kind-of-day for me.
Whether you’re hosting a party or attending a brunch before summer ends, these Berry Crumb Bars will be a big hit. Check out some other berries recipes to try:
- Blueberry Peach Smoothie – No matter how you call this, it is a perfect way to beat the summer heat! This delicious blueberry and peach smoothie is a pretty, refreshing and energizing way to start the day!
- Blackberry Lime Cake – Show off your baking skills with this triple-layered treat. A garnish of edible flowers makes this confection look just as wonderful as it tastes.
- Blackberry Ricotta Pizza with Basil – A simple ricotta pizza for lazy summer nights! It is mostly cheese and blackberries, which is a fabulous combo. Add some basil on top to make things a little more sophisticated, and you are on your way to an easy dinner the whole family will love!
- Keto-Berry Cheesecake Salad – A cool and refreshing low carb and keto lemon berry fluff that is perfect for summer!
- Strawberry Lychee Panna Cotta – Creamy and sweet, this Strawberry Lychee Panna Cotta is an easy dessert that you can make ahead, refrigerate, then serve when you’re ready for a dessert.
Blackberry Crumb Bars
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar divided
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 stick 1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 3 cups frozen fresh blackberries thawed
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and mix well.
- Add cold butter cubes into the flour mixture, and mix using a pastry cutter. Continue until all ingredients form together when pressed.
- Take 3/4 of the flour mixture and press evenly onto the lined baking pan. This will serve as the bars’ base.
- In another bowl, mix blackberries, cornstarch, remaining sugar, and lemon juice. Pour blackberry mixture evenly on top of bar base.
- Sprinkle with the remaining flour mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes and cool slightly before cutting into squares.
Kelly Anthony says
Blackberries are one of my favorite summer fruits. My girls will enjoy making and eating these blackberry crumb bars.
Laura says
I think I’ve found my new favourite way to eat blackberries! My girls will gobble them up, too!
Stine Mari says
Blackberries are actually more of a Fall berry here in Norway. I have picked them as late as in mid October just last year! So I have surely something to look forward to. Crumble bars are so comforting and delicious and these definitely look the part!
Renu says
I am just drooling here seeing the pics. Love that lovely colourful crumble bar with such a wonderful texture.
Jacqui Debono says
These look delicious – the sort of thing I make and gets eaten before they even cool properly! This will be perfect during blackberry season!
Erika says
What a wonderful way to use blackberries. I can imagine how hard it would be to eat only one bar!
Karyl Henry says
Iv’e never been a big blackberry person, but man these crumb bars look amazing. And I like that you can switch out the berries and use your favorite, making this such a versatile bar. I’m definitely adding this one to my must-make list
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
Crumb bars are one of my weaknesses!! I think I would opt for the mixed berry kind. Gotta use all the berries before they go out of season!!
Sophie says
I have had a chance to enjoy some crumb bars
last weekend and they were so good. I will surely try this recipe soon.
Jenni LeBaron says
These blackberry crumb bars look spectacular! I love a good crumb bar and these are perfect because they use the best of summer berries in them!
Lathiya says
The Blackberry crumb bar looks spectacular. I see lots of berries in the store now. will try this crumb bar soon.