Easy Blueberry Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a treat that’s fruity, buttery, and absolutely irresistible, these Easy Blueberry Pie Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine crumbly crust paired with a luscious blueberry center, all finished with a golden, bakery-worthy topping. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a grab-and-go snack, or you simply crave a nostalgic dessert with a modern twist, these pie bars have got it all going on. Every bite bursts with juicy blueberries resting on a tender shortbread crust, making this the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll want to share—and maybe even keep a few extra pieces for yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how the simplest ingredients come together to make true magic. Each element in these Easy Blueberry Pie Bars has a special role to play, bringing out either the flavor, texture, or those gorgeous colors that make these bars so inviting.

  • All-purpose flour: The backbone of both the crust and the crumbly topping, giving the bars their sturdy yet delicate texture.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars just right and helps the crust turn perfectly golden.
  • Unsalted butter: Offers rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture when blended into the base and topping.
  • Salt: A pinch goes a long way to enhance every other flavor and prevent the bars from tasting flat.
  • Fresh or frozen blueberries: The juicy filling star, bursting with sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color (no need to thaw frozen berries).
  • Lemon juice and zest: Adds a bright, zippy kick that wakes up the blueberries and balances their natural sweetness.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the fruit filling so your bars cut cleanly without any sogginess.
  • Vanilla extract: Aromatic and comforting, a small splash makes the flavors feel extra homey and fulfilling.
  • Egg: Helps bind the crust, adding a little richness and structure to each slice.

How to Make Easy Blueberry Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Line a square baking pan (an 8×8-inch works well) with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal later. A light mist of cooking spray ensures those edges won’t stick, giving you perfect bars every time.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble

In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, and salt. Add in the cold butter, cutting it into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like wet sand with some pea-sized bits. Scoop out a generous cup of this mixture and set it aside for the topping—trust me, this will make your bars beautifully crumbly! Add the egg and vanilla extract into the main bowl mixture and combine until a dough forms, then press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Blueberry Filling

Toss the blueberries with lemon juice, zest, sugar, and cornstarch. The cornstarch will help keep the filling from running everywhere while the lemon notes highlight the brightness of the fruit. Pour this juicy mixture evenly over your crust.

Step 4: Add the Crumble Topping

Sprinkle that reserved crumble mixture evenly over the blueberries. Don’t worry if some berries poke through—those bubbling pockets are exactly what make these bars so tempting!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 45–50 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the blueberry filling is bubbling. Allow your Easy Blueberry Pie Bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing—this will help keep the edges crisp and the filling set.

How to Serve Easy Blueberry Pie Bars

Easy Blueberry Pie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a simple but elegant touch, dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also add a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent. A few fresh mint leaves or curls of lemon zest make these bars pop visually for parties and potlucks.

Side Dishes

Pairing Easy Blueberry Pie Bars with something creamy or tangy really brings out their best side. Think tangy Greek yogurt for breakfast, a bright fruit salad at brunch, or a slice alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon treat. Don’t underestimate their power to elevate a casual cheese board either!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a group, try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and stacking them on a tiered dessert stand. For picnics, wrap individual bars in parchment for easy transportation. Layering them in mason jars with whipped cream and extra berries is also a show-stopper for plated dessert presentations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any Easy Blueberry Pie Bars you won’t be devouring right away in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer enjoyment, transfer them to the fridge, where they’ll keep their texture and flavor for about a week.

Freezing

Blueberry pie bars are freezer-friendly! Slice the completely cooled bars and lay them out on a baking sheet to flash freeze. Once firm, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight for that just-baked flavor.

Reheating

If you love that warm, pie-fresh taste, simply warm individual bars in the microwave for about 15 seconds or heat them in a toaster oven until just warmed through. This revives their buttery richness and makes the blueberries extra jammy—pure comfort in bar form!

FAQs

Can I use other berries instead of blueberries?

Absolutely! While Easy Blueberry Pie Bars truly shine with fresh blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry combo also work beautifully—just keep the measurements the same.

Do I need to thaw frozen blueberries before using?

No need at all! Toss frozen berries straight into the mixture, but you might want to add a minute or two to the baking time if your filling seems extra juicy.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, and you should—these bars disappear fast! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time as needed.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. The parchment overhang is key for easy lifting and slicing!

Are Easy Blueberry Pie Bars gluten-free?

This particular recipe uses regular flour, but you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend for bars nearly indistinguishable from the original. Always double-check all your ingredients to be sure!

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a dessert that’s bursting with berry goodness and comfort in every bite, Easy Blueberry Pie Bars deliver every single time. Give them a try and see just how easy (and delicious) homemade pie bars can be—the hardest part will be waiting for them to cool before you dig in!

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Easy Blueberry Pie Bars Recipe

Easy Blueberry Pie Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 213 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A buttery shortbread crust topped with juicy blueberries and a golden crumble, these pie bars are an irresistible treat for any occasion.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for blueberry mixture, approx. 1/4 cup)
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, 3/4 cup sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. Set aside 1 heaping cup for the topping.
  3. To the remaining mixture, add egg and vanilla. Stir until dough forms. Press firmly into the bottom of prepared pan.
  4. In a separate bowl, toss blueberries with lemon juice, zest, about 1/4 cup sugar (to taste), and cornstarch. Spread evenly over the crust.
  5. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the blueberry layer.
  6. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing.

Notes

  • Dust cooled bars with powdered sugar before serving for a polished finish.
  • Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
  • Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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