Easy Blueberry Pie Crumb Bars: Your Perfect No-Fuss Summer Dessert Recipe

Blueberry Pie Crumb Bars offer all the beloved flavors of a classic blueberry pie, but without the traditional baking fuss. These delightful and easy-to-make bars are bursting with sweet and tart blueberry goodness, encased in a buttery shortbread crust and topped with a golden crumble. Exceptionally portable, they are the ideal dessert to bring along to any summer gathering, picnic, or BBQ, ensuring you can enjoy a homemade treat wherever your adventures take you.

When the Fourth of July or any warm summer day rolls around, my mind immediately drifts to pie. There’s something undeniably comforting and festive about a fruit-filled pie, whether it’s the vibrant tang of cherry, the classic sweetness of apple, or the juicy burst of blueberry. Fruit pies are a quintessential part of summer celebrations, bringing a taste of the season’s bounty to the dessert table.

However, the summer heat often leaves me yearning for simpler pleasures, especially after a long week. The thought of meticulously chilling pie dough, carefully rolling it out, and then painstakingly crimping edges can feel like a daunting task. Instead of slaving over a traditional pie, I prefer to unwind, perhaps with a refreshing drink in hand, and enjoy the ease of a more relaxed approach to baking. Who has all the time in the world for complex pie-making during peak relaxation season?

That’s precisely why I decided it was high time to transform my favorite summer dessert – blueberry pie – into something infinitely less complicated to prepare and much easier to enjoy, even when multitasking with a beverage. Enter the humble yet spectacular blueberry pie crumb bar. These bars encapsulate all the deliciousness of a traditional pie in a convenient, handheld format, making them perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without the stress.

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Elevate Your Pie Bars with a Lemon Cream Cheese Drizzle

While these blueberry pie crumb bars are truly outstanding on their own, there’s always room for a little extra indulgence. A lemon cream cheese drizzle adds a touch of sophisticated tartness and creamy richness that takes these bars from delicious to absolutely irresistible. This bright, tangy topping not only enhances the flavor of the blueberries but also provides a lovely contrast to the buttery crust and sweet crumble.

Forget the pressure of achieving a “bikini bod” in the summer! When you have these delectable pie bars within reach, every single calorie is absolutely worth it. The sheer joy and satisfaction derived from each bite far outweigh any fleeting dietary concerns. Indulge a little; life is too short not to enjoy truly amazing desserts.

One of the many reasons I adore these pie bars is the incredible shortbread-like bottom layer. It’s a revelation, almost as cherished as the vibrant blueberry filling and the crunchy crumb topping. This buttery base strikes the perfect balance in texture, offering a slight chewiness that beautifully complements the softer fruit filling. Furthermore, its rich, comforting flavor acts as a magnificent counterpoint to the inherent sweetness and delightful tartness of the blueberries. In many ways, this layered wonder surpasses a mere slice of traditional pie.

And when adorned with that bright, tart, and tangy lemon cream cheese drizzle? Pure magic! The subtle acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and the sweetness of the berries, elevating all the flavors to an entirely new dimension. It truly highlights the natural essence of the blueberries, making each bite a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and creamy.

Planning a party for Independence Day, a casual backyard BBQ, or just a fun evening with friends and family watching fireworks in the park? These blueberry pie crumb bars are guaranteed to be an absolute sensation. Their irresistible combination of creamy texture, fruity filling, and delightful tang ensures that no one can resist reaching for a second (or third!) piece once they’re laid out. They are a universal crowd-pleaser, delivering pure dessert bliss with every bite.

No one, I tell you!

Essential Tools for This Recipe

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking process for these delicious pie bars, gathering the right equipment beforehand is key. You won’t need anything overly specialized, but a few reliable kitchen essentials will make a big difference in achieving perfect results.

• Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer with Mixing Bowls: A good quality stand mixer, like the KitchenAid 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer, makes quick work of preparing both the bottom layer and the lemon cream cheese drizzle, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined and perfectly fluffy. Alternatively, an electric hand mixer paired with a sturdy set of stainless steel mixing bowls will work just as well, offering flexibility and control. These tools are invaluable for creaming butter and sugar and mixing the various components efficiently.
• Chef’s Knife: Once your bars have cooled, a sharp chef’s knife is essential for cutting them into neat, smooth squares. A clean slice not only makes for beautiful presentation but also ensures even portions. While the recipe suggests a standard chef’s knife, a specialty knife like the Shun Classic Limited Edition Paring Knife (originally listed in equipment) could be useful for more precise tasks, though a regular chef’s knife is usually sufficient for cutting bars.
• 8×8 Inch Square Baking Pan: A simple square baking pan is perfect for this recipe. You can use a standard metal pan, ensuring it’s lined with foil and greased for easy removal. For an extra touch of elegance and excellent heat distribution, consider a Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware 8″ Square Dish. Stoneware provides even baking and a beautiful presentation straight from oven to table.

Using Frozen Blueberries: Tips and Tricks

Absolutely, you can use frozen blueberries for this recipe! They are a fantastic alternative when fresh berries aren’t in season or readily available. However, there’s a small but important step to ensure your pie bars turn out perfectly. I highly recommend defrosting the frozen blueberries first. Once defrosted, gently drain any excess liquid that has accumulated. This prevents the filling from becoming too watery, which could affect the texture of your bars, making them soggy. By removing the extra moisture, you’ll achieve that ideal, luscious blueberry filling that holds its shape beautifully.

How Long Do Blueberry Pie Crumb Bars Last?

These delightful blueberry pie crumb bars are incredibly convenient for meal prepping or making ahead of time for parties. When stored properly, they will retain their freshness and delicious flavor for up to three days. To keep them at their best, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. This makes them an excellent choice for entertaining, as you can bake them a day or two in advance, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy your event without last-minute dessert preparations.

Blueberry Pie Crumb Bars

All the blueberry pie flavor without any of the hard work!

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
45 mins

Total Time:
55 mins

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Equipment

• Chef’s Knife
• Electric Hand Mixer
• Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
• Stand Mixer (Optional)
• 8×8 Inch Square Baking Dish

Ingredients

Blueberry Layer

• 2 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
• 2 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 1/2 Tbsp lemon zest
• 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp brown sugar

Bottom Layer & Crumb Topping

• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 10 Tbsp unsalted butter, chilled
• 1 egg yolk

Lemon Cream Cheese Drizzle

• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 4 to 5 Tbsp whole milk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by lining it with foil, ensuring enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Grease the foil thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients for the blueberry layer: fresh blueberries, cornstarch, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and the specified amount of brown sugar. Toss gently until the blueberries are evenly coated with the mixture. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the crust.
3. For the bottom layer (which also forms the crumb topping), begin by whisking together the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl. Next, using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or two knives, cut in the chilled unsalted butter and the egg yolk until the mixture resembles wet, coarse sand. This creates the perfect crumbly base and topping texture.
4. Take two-thirds of the prepared flour mixture and firmly press it into an even layer at the bottom of your lined and greased 8×8 inch pan. This will form your base crust. Carefully spread the reserved blueberry layer evenly over the pressed crust.
5. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the remaining one-third of the flour mixture. Use your fingers to gently crumble this mixture over the blueberry layer, creating a delicious, buttery streusel topping.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the crumb topping is beautifully golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbling slightly. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is crucial for the bars to set properly before slicing.
7. While the bars are cooling, prepare the lemon cream cheese drizzle. In a clean bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy, which usually takes about 4 minutes with an electric mixer. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and continue to beat until it’s fully incorporated and smooth. Stir in the salt, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Finally, add the whole milk, starting with 4 tablespoons and adding the 5th tablespoon if a thinner consistency is desired, beating until combined and smooth.
8. Once the blueberry pie crumb bars are completely cool, drizzle the lemon cream cheese topping generously over them. Using the foil overhang, lift the entire block of bars out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into individual bars with a sharp knife. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cuisine:
Summer

Category:
Cakes, Pies, & Tarts

These Blueberry Pie Crumb Bars are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of summer, convenience, and irresistible flavor. With a tender, buttery crust, a lush blueberry filling brightened with lemon, and a crumbly, sweet topping, each bar is a miniature slice of heaven. The optional lemon cream cheese drizzle adds a layer of tangy creaminess that truly elevates the entire experience, making these bars unforgettable.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding. It removes the intimidation often associated with traditional pies, allowing you to create a stunning, delicious dessert with minimal effort. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy on a quiet afternoon, these pie bars are versatile and universally loved. Their portability and ease of serving make them a go-to option for any event where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

So, next time summer rolls around and you’re craving that comforting taste of blueberry pie, skip the complex pastry work. Reach for this simplified yet equally sensational recipe. You’ll be delighted by how easily you can bring these gorgeous, flavorful Blueberry Pie Crumb Bars to life, leaving you more time to savor the season and the company of loved ones. They are guaranteed to become a cherished addition to your summer baking repertoire!