Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars Recipe

The Best Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Summers burst with sweet berry magic, and these blackberry pie crumble bars dance with irresistible flavor.

Rich, buttery crumbles cradle juicy blackberries in a delectable dessert that melts hearts.

The golden-brown layers promise a symphony of textures and tastes waiting to be savored.

Crumbly edges give way to soft, jammy fruit centers that sing with natural sweetness.

Fresh blackberries nestled between tender pastry create a rustic treat everyone will adore.

Each bite tells a story of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to serve these bars at every gathering, watching friends and family devour them with pure delight.

FAQs

  • What is the purpose of cornstarch in the blackberry filling?

Cornstarch helps thicken the blackberry mixture, preventing excess liquid and creating a more stable filling that won’t make the bars soggy.

  • Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blackberries. Just thaw and drain them completely before mixing with other filling ingredients to prevent excess moisture.

  • How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Look for a slightly golden brown crumble topping and set edges. The filling should look bubbling and not overly liquid when you remove it from the oven.

  • Is it necessary to use a stand mixer for this recipe?

No, you can use a hand mixer or mix the dough by hand with a fork or pastry cutter. The key is to break the cold butter into small pieces throughout the dough.

Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars Standout Details

  • Savor Homemade Comfort: Blackberry pie crumble bars deliver a warm, nostalgic dessert experience that feels like a sweet hug from grandma's kitchen.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap blackberries for other seasonal fruits like raspberries or peaches to match your taste preferences and what's fresh in the market.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
  • Versatile Dessert Option: Enjoy these bars as a casual weekend treat, potluck contribution, picnic snack, or elegant dessert after a family dinner.

Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars All Ingredients

Crust Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational dry ingredient that provides structure for the pie bars.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crust texture.
  • Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy flavor to enhance the overall taste.
Butter and Egg Components:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture and adds delicious flavor to the crust.
  • Eggs: Bind the crust ingredients together and contribute to the bar's tender consistency.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Fresh Blackberries, Lemon Juice, Cornstarch, Granulated Sugar: A classic combination that creates a sweet and slightly tangy fruit filling with the perfect thickened consistency.

Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars Baking Made Simple

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grab a 9×13 baking dish (or a 9×9 if you want chunkier bars) and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

Toss these goodies into your standing mixer:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Fresh lemon zest

Blend everything until they become best friends.

Step 3: Butter It Up

Drop in cold cubed butter.

Use your fingers or a fork to break down the butter into tiny pieces.

Keep mixing until the mixture looks perfectly combined.

Step 4: Bind the Dough

Add eggs and mix until a delightful crumbly dough forms.

The texture should feel like it’s ready to become something magical.

Step 5: Build the Foundation

Take half of your dough and press it firmly into the bottom of the baking dish.

This creates a delicious base layer that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 6: Prepare the Berry Magic

In a large bowl, combine:
  • Fresh halved blackberries
  • Zesty lemon juice
  • Cornstarch
  • Sugar

Stir everything together so the berries get a lovely, even coating.

Step 7: Layer the Berries

Pour the blackberry mixture over your crust.

Use a rubber spatula to spread it evenly, creating a gorgeous purple blanket.

Step 8: Sprinkle the Crumble Topping

Crumble the remaining dough over the blackberry filling.

This creates a rustic, delectable top layer that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Pull the dish out of the oven and let it cool completely.

Once cooled, slice into bars and get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven.

Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars Pointers for Success

  • Chill butter in the freezer for 15 minutes before cubing to ensure a perfectly crumbly, flaky crust texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Select ripe, plump blackberries without soft spots or mushiness to guarantee a vibrant, sweet filling with maximum flavor intensity.
  • Sprinkle a thin layer of cornstarch on the bottom crust before adding berry filling to absorb excess moisture and maintain a crisp base.
  • Taste blackberries before adding sugar – if they're naturally sweet, reduce sugar quantity to let the fruit's natural flavor shine through.
  • Allow bars to cool entirely at room temperature for clean, neat cuts that hold their shape without crumbling.

Fun Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars Remixes

  • Berry Blend Bars: Swap blackberries with mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a colorful fruity variation.
  • Gluten-Free Crumble Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend to create a celiac-friendly dessert that maintains the same delicious texture.
  • Vegan Berry Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs to make a plant-based version of the classic crumble bars that everyone can enjoy.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Treat: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar, and reduce overall sugar content for a diabetic-friendly and weight-conscious alternative.

Plating Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars Beautifully

  • Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack these bars in a cute container for outdoor gatherings, making them an ideal portable dessert that travels well without falling apart.
  • Dessert Companion Delight: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the blackberry's rich flavor and add a creamy contrast to the crumbly texture.
  • Coffee Break Indulgence: Pair with a hot espresso or cappuccino for a delightful afternoon snack that balances the sweet berry filling with robust coffee notes.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Include these bars on a weekend brunch spread as a gorgeous homemade pastry that impresses guests with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

How to Store Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars

  • Store cooled blackberry pie crumble bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The chilled environment helps maintain their freshness and prevents the fruit filling from spoiling quickly.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Frozen bars can last up to 3 months without losing their delicious texture and flavor.
  • Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days if you plan to enjoy them soon. Place them on a covered plate or inside a sealed container to preserve their crumbly texture and prevent them from drying out.
Print
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Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars Recipe

Blackberry Pie Crumble Bars Recipe


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4.9 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent blackberry pie crumble bars blend sweet and tangy flavors in a rustic dessert that celebrates summer’s bounty. Crisp buttery layers and juicy berries invite you to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible homemade treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups blackberries, halved
  • 3 cups flour
  • 3 eggs, slightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon corn starch
  • 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 large lemon

Fat and Texture Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons/113 grams) unsalted sweet cream butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 3/4 cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
  2. Combine flour, sugar, and lemon zest in a standing mixer, blending thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Incorporate cold cubed butter into the mixture, using fingers or a fork to break down butter pieces until the texture becomes crumbly and integrated.
  4. Mix in eggs until a cohesive, slightly crumbly dough forms, maintaining a soft, pliable consistency.
  5. Gently press half the dough into the prepared baking dish, creating an even, compact bottom crust layer.
  6. In a separate bowl, toss blackberries with lemon juice, cornstarch, and sugar, ensuring each berry is uniformly coated with the sweet-tart mixture.
  7. Carefully spread the blackberry filling across the crust, using a rubber spatula to distribute evenly and prevent clumping.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining dough over the fruit filling, creating a rustic, textured crumble topping that covers the entire surface.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crumble and slightly bubbling fruit edges, indicating perfect doneness.
  10. Allow the baked dessert to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into bars, which helps set the filling and ensures clean cuts.

Notes

  • Chill Dough for Flakier Texture Refrigerate the prepared dough for 15-20 minutes before pressing into the pan to ensure a more crumbly and tender crust.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottom Use cornstarch in the blackberry filling to help absorb excess moisture and keep the bottom crust crisp and well-structured.
  • Customize Fruit Options Swap blackberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry blend to create delightful variations of this versatile dessert bar.
  • Make Gluten-Free Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the recipe’s delicious texture.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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