Blackberry Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Blackberry pie bars offer the perfect blend of a buttery crust and juicy, sweet-tart blackberries in every bite. This easy-to-make dessert is great for sharing and brings classic pie flavors in a convenient bar form.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh blackberries
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Add the egg and mix until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Press two-thirds of the dough mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust layer.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, toss the blackberries with the brown sugar until evenly coated. Spread the berry mixture evenly over the crust.
5. Step 5: Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the blackberries to form a topping.
6. Step 6: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Tips & Variations

• For a sweeter crust, substitute part of the granulated sugar with powdered sugar for a more tender texture.
• Mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest with the berries to brighten the flavor.
• Try using frozen blackberries, but thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
• Sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy finish.

Storage

Store the blackberry pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or enjoy chilled for a refreshing treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen blackberries. Make sure to thaw and drain them well to reduce excess moisture, which can make the crust soggy.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming too soggy?

Pressing the crust firmly and baking it well before adding the berry topping can help. Also, tossing the berries with sugar helps draw out excess juice, preventing sogginess.

Blackberry Pie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 144 reviews

These delicious Blackberry Pie Bars combine a tender, buttery crust with a sweet and tangy blackberry filling, perfect for a delightful dessert or a sweet snack. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, these bars offer a wonderful balance of textures and flavors, ideal for any occasion.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold)
• 1 large egg

Filling

• 2 cups fresh blackberries
• ½ cup brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Prepare the crust mixture: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Cut the cold unsalted butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, add the egg and mix thoroughly until the dough comes together completely.
3. Form the base crust: Take two-thirds of the crust mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the base layer of your bars.
4. Prepare the berry filling: In a separate bowl, gently toss the fresh blackberries with brown sugar until evenly coated. Spread this blackberry mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
5. Add the crumb topping: Take the remaining one-third of the crust mixture and crumble it evenly over the blackberry layer, forming the topping for the bars.
6. Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the berries are bubbling slightly.
7. Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This step ensures clean slices and enhances the flavors.

Notes

• Use fresh blackberries for the best flavor, but frozen can be used if fresh are not available, just thaw and drain excess liquid.
• Ensure the butter is cold before cutting it into the flour mixture for a crumbly and tender crust.
• Line the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easier cleanup.
• Allow bars to cool fully before cutting to maintain structure and prevent the filling from oozing out.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Keywords: blackberry pie bars, blackberry dessert, fruit bars, easy berry bars, summer dessert