Name: Blueberry Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 cup (85g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats; 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 10 Tablespoons (142g) unsalted butter, melted; 4 and 1/2 cups (about 640g) blueberries, fresh is best; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 2 Tablespoons (15g) cornstarch; 1 Tablespoon lemon juice; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 2 Tablespoons (about 20g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats

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If you are searching for a dessert that perfectly blends the tartness of fresh blueberries with a buttery, crumbly crust, this Blueberry Pie Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. These bars are a delightful twist on traditional blueberry pie, combining ease and rustic charm into every bite. Imagine a golden oatmeal crust hugging a luscious blueberry filling that bubbles with flavor, all topped with a subtle crunch of cinnamon and lemon zest. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a casual picnic, or simply a cozy night in, these bars bring a burst of summer sweetness any time of year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two parts of making a blueberry crumble dessert. On the left, a black pot filled with dark blueberries coated with sugar and lemon zest is stirred with a red spatula. On the right, a white baking dish lined with brown parchment paper holds a layer of dark blueberries topped with a thick layer of crumbly, light brown crumble being sprinkled by a woman's hand. The surface under the dishes is white with a marbled pattern. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every great recipe begins with simple, wholesome ingredients that bring out incredible flavor and texture. For this Blueberry Pie Bars Recipe, each component plays a special role—from the oats that deliver a perfect crumbly structure, to the fresh blueberries bursting with juiciness and color.

All-purpose flour: 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) provide the foundation for the crust’s hearty texture.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: 1 cup (85g) plus 2 tablespoons add a rustic chew and a nutty flavor to the bars.
Light or dark brown sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) introduces rich molasses notes that deepen the crust’s sweetness.
Baking powder: 1 teaspoon helps keep the crust tender and slightly lift it for an airy crumble.
Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon in the crust and 2 teaspoons in the filling brighten the bars with a fresh citrusy zing.
Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon gives a warm, aromatic background to the crust.
Salt: 1/8 teaspoon enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Unsalted butter: 10 tablespoons (142g), melted to bind the crust and add luscious richness.
Fresh blueberries: 4 and 1/2 cups (about 640g), the star of the show, juicy and bursting with flavor.
Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) sweetens the berries perfectly without making them too syrupy.
Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (15g) thickens the blueberry filling to just the right consistency.
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon adds a tart contrast that perfectly balances the sweet berries.

How to Make Blueberry Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on two sides. This clever step helps you lift the bars out easily once baked, preventing any messy crumbling when it’s time to cut.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Crust Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, 1 cup of oats, brown sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, cinnamon, and salt. This mixture is your crust’s dry base, offering a beautiful blend of sweet, tart, and spice. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture turns into moist, crumbly sand with no dry spots—this ensures a delicate, buttery texture that won’t feel dense or heavy.

Step 3: Press and Bake the Crust

Reserve about one-third of the crust mixture for topping. Press the remaining two-thirds firmly into the prepared pan to create an even base. Don’t be shy about pressing hard; this helps the crust hold together during baking. Pop the crust into your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Once golden and fragrant, take it out and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: Cook the Blueberry Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, gently combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir carefully as the sugar and cornstarch dissolve, allowing the berries to soften and release their juices evenly. After 2 to 3 minutes, remove the pan from heat and stir in the extra lemon zest to enhance that fresh, lively flavor. This cooked filling intensifies the blueberry goodness and keeps it perfectly thick.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Bars

Spread the warm filling over your slightly cooled crust, ensuring it blankets the base evenly. Mix the leftover 2 tablespoons of oats into the reserved crumble topping, then sprinkle this crumble generously over the berries. Gently press the topping with the back of a spoon or spatula to help it adhere without crushing the berries. Bake everything together for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a beautifully browned crisp, and the filling bubbles enticingly around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Allow the blueberry pie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling time lets the filling set up, making your bars easier to slice. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out and cut them into neat squares. The result is a stunning balance of juicy berries and crumbly, buttery crust in every square.

How to Serve Blueberry Pie Bars Recipe

The image shows twelve square blueberry crumble bars arranged closely together on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three visible layers: a dark purple blueberry filling in the middle, a thin lighter base beneath, and a thick crumbly oat topping that is light golden brown with a rough, chunky texture. Many bars have a single fresh blueberry placed on top, adding a pop of deep blue color. The bars are roughly evenly sized with some crumbs scattered around them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the tartness of the blueberries. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint can also bring an elegant touch and amplify the presentation.

Side Dishes

Perfect for a brunch spread or afternoon tea, these bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a fuller dessert experience, serve alongside a simple yogurt parfait or a scoop of lemon sorbet to highlight the citrus notes in the filling.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into mini squares and serving them on decorative toothpicks at a party for easy grab-and-go treats. Alternatively, layer crumbled bars in mason jars with whipped cream and fresh berries for a charming parfait-style dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Blueberry pie bars keep beautifully when stored properly. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigeration is your friend—just be sure to bring chilled bars to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully if you want to enjoy them later. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop the bars in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 10 minutes. This revives the crumble top’s crispness and makes the filling deliciously gooey again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work well if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to prevent excess moisture from making your crust soggy.

What can I substitute for cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder or tapioca starch are excellent alternatives that will also thicken the blueberry filling without altering the taste.

How do I make sure the crust stays crumbly and not soggy?

Pre-baking the crust for 10 minutes and using cornstarch in the filling helps keep the crust crisp. Also, allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting prevents the filling from leaking and making the crust wet.

Can I add other fruits to the filling?

Yes! Mixing in raspberries or blackberries with the blueberries adds complexity and a pop of color, creating a mixed berry variation that’s equally delicious.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Not as is, since they contain all-purpose flour and oats. To make them gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Pie Bars Recipe truly brings a slice of joy to your kitchen with its delightful combination of fresh fruit and crumbly crust. It’s the kind of recipe that invites you to bake for those you love, share stories over sweet bites, and create comforting memories. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how wonderfully simple and satisfying homemade blueberry bars can be!