Blueberry Crumb Bars Recipe – Easy Buttery Dessert Bars

jump to recipe

If you’re craving a simple dessert that feels bakery-worthy but is easy enough to make at home, these Blueberry Crumb Bars are exactly what you need. With a buttery shortbread-style crust, a juicy blueberry filling, and a golden crumb topping, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet, rich, and fruity in every bite.

These bars are one of those recipes you’ll want to save and come back to again and again. They’re made with basic pantry ingredients, come together in just a few simple steps, and work beautifully with either fresh or frozen blueberries. No complicated techniques, no fancy equipment—just a reliable, crowd-pleasing dessert that turns out perfectly every time.

Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, a family gathering, or simply looking for an easy dessert to enjoy with coffee, Blueberry Crumb Bars are always a hit. They slice cleanly, store well, and taste even better the next day—making them ideal for make-ahead baking. Scroll down for tips, variations, and the full step-by-step recipe you’ll want to keep in your favorites.

Stacked blueberry crumb bars with a buttery base, thick blueberry filling, and crumb topping on a plate

More Recipes To Try

Why You’ll Love These Blueberry Crumb Bars

Easy to make: Simple steps and basic pantry ingredients
Perfect texture: Buttery crust, juicy blueberry center, crisp crumb topping
Fresh or frozen friendly: Works beautifully with either option
Make-ahead dessert: Tastes even better the next day
Pinterest-perfect: Clean slices, bakery-style look, and crowd-pleasing flavor

These Blueberry Crumb Bars are the kind of dessert that looks impressive but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen—ideal for busy days, last-minute guests, or a cozy baking moment at home.

Blueberry crumb bars with a thick blueberry layer, buttery base, and golden crumb topping served on a plate

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Blueberry Crumb Bars are made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Using the correct measurements helps ensure the perfect balance of buttery crust, juicy filling, and crisp crumb topping.

For the Crust & Crumb Topping

2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg

For the Blueberry Filling

3 cups (about 450 g) blueberries (fresh or frozen)
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Tip: There’s no need to thaw frozen blueberries before using them. Adding them straight from the freezer helps prevent excess moisture and keeps the blueberry layer thick and set after baking.

Fresh vs Frozen Blueberries – What Works Best?

One of the most common questions when making Blueberry Crumb Bars is whether fresh or frozen blueberries work better. The good news? Both options give delicious results when used correctly.

Fresh blueberries are great when they’re in season. They release less moisture and hold their shape well, giving you a slightly firmer filling with bright flavor.

Frozen blueberries are just as convenient and work perfectly year-round. The key is not to thaw them before using. Adding frozen berries directly to the filling helps prevent excess liquid, which keeps the bars from becoming soggy as they bake.

To ensure the filling sets properly, cornstarch is used to thicken the blueberry mixture. This step is essential, especially when using frozen fruit. With the right balance, your bars will have a juicy center that slices cleanly every time.

How to Make Blueberry Crumb Bars (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and mix just until combined. The dough should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.

Step 2: Press the Crust

Set aside about one cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of a parchment-lined baking pan to form the crust.

Step 3: Make the Blueberry Filling

In a separate bowl, gently toss the blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice (if using). Spread the mixture evenly over the crust.

Step 4: Add the Crumb Topping & Bake

Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the blueberry layer. Bake until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for clean edges.

Mixing the crumb mixture for blueberry crumb bars in a glass bowl with a wooden spoon

Prepared crumb dough for blueberry crumb bars mixed in a glass bowl with a wooden spoon

Blueberry crumb bars arranged on a baking tray with a buttery crust, juicy blueberry layer, and crumb topping

Baking Tips for Perfect Blueberry Crumb Bars

These simple tips will help your Blueberry Crumb Bars turn out perfectly every time—golden on top, juicy in the center, and easy to slice.

Use cold butter: Cold butter creates a crumbly texture that bakes into a crisp, buttery topping.
Line the pan with parchment paper: This makes removing and slicing the bars much easier.
Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the crust tender, not dense.
Let the bars cool completely: The filling sets as it cools, giving you clean, neat slices.
Chill before cutting (optional): For extra-sharp edges, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before slicing.

These small details make a big difference in the final texture and presentation—especially important for Pinterest-worthy results.

Overhead view of blueberry crumb bars with buttery crust, rich blueberry filling, and crumb topping arranged on a baking surface

Blueberry Crumb Bar Variations

Once you master the classic version, try one of these easy variations:

Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars: Add lemon zest to the crust and extra lemon juice to the filling.
Mixed Berry Crumb Bars: Swap half the blueberries for raspberries or blackberries.
Oat Crumb Bars: Replace part of the flour with rolled oats for extra texture.
Almond Blueberry Bars: Add a splash of almond extract to the crumb mixture.

These variations keep the recipe fresh and give you multiple ways to reuse the same base recipe.

Close-up of blueberry crumb bars showing a buttery base, rich blueberry filling, and crumb topping

How to Store & Freeze Blueberry Crumb Bars

These Blueberry Crumb Bars store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert.

At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the refrigerator: Keep chilled for up to 5 days. This helps the filling stay firm and fresh.
To freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To serve after freezing:
Thaw the bars overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for about 1 hour. For a freshly baked feel, let them sit at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes! Frozen blueberries work perfectly in this recipe. Use them straight from the freezer without thawing to avoid excess moisture.

Why are my blueberry crumb bars soggy?

This usually happens if the blueberries release too much liquid. Make sure to use cornstarch and avoid thawing frozen berries before baking.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I get clean slices?

Let the bars cool completely, then chill them for 20–30 minutes before cutting with a sharp knife.

Recipes

Yield: Servings: 12 bars

Blueberry Crumb Bars

These easy Blueberry Crumb Bars feature a buttery shortbread-style crust, a juicy blueberry filling, and a golden crumb topping. Made with simple ingredients and perfect for dessert, snacking, or sharing, this recipe works beautifully with fresh or frozen blueberries.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour