Description
Delight in these luscious Blackberry Pie Bars, featuring a buttery crumbly crust and a vibrant fresh blackberry filling with a hint of lemon zest. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these bars are an easy-to-make dessert that combines the flavors of a classic pie with a convenient bar format, ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch slices
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups fresh blackberries
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
- Juice of one lemon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust dough: Using a food processor, pulse together the all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and lemon zest until combined. Add the cold, sliced butter, egg, and vanilla extract and pulse until the mixture turns crumbly, forming the dough.
- Form the crust base: Pat half of the crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a firm base while reserving the remaining dough for the topping.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Gently fold in the fresh blackberries until evenly coated with the mixture.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the blackberry filling evenly over the crust base in the pan. Then crumble the remaining dough over the berry layer, covering it lightly.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top turns slightly golden brown. Avoid overbaking to prevent the bottom from burning.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is cold when adding to the dough to achieve a crumbly pastry texture.
- The lemon juice and zest enhance the fresh blackberry flavor, but can be adjusted to taste.
- Use fresh blackberries for best texture and flavor; frozen berries can make the filling watery.
- Cooling completely before cutting helps the bars hold their shape better.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
