Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (pinch for dough)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Blueberry Filling
- 3 cups fresh blueberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and gradually mix in the dry ingredients—flour, salt, and a pinch of cornstarch—to form a soft, cohesive dough.
- Press the Base Layer: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of a lined baking pan, ensuring a firm and uniform crust that will hold the blueberry filling during baking.
- Make the Blueberry Filling: In a bowl, gently combine the fresh blueberries with sugar, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Toss to evenly coat and thicken the filling, preventing sogginess.
- Layer the Filling: Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over the pressed crust, distributing the berries and juices for consistent flavor in each bar.
- Add the Topping: Crumble the remaining dough over the blueberry layer to create a buttery, crumbly topping that bakes golden and locks in the filling.
- Bake and Cool: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing to set the filling and achieve clean cuts.
Notes
- Chill the dough before pressing it into the pan to prevent spreading during baking.
- Use fresh blueberries for the best texture and flavor; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid.
- Spread the crust and filling evenly for consistent baking and balanced taste.
- Let bars cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling and messy cuts.
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: blueberry, pie, cookie bars, dessert, berry bars, easy dessert, summer dessert, fruit bars