Blackberry Layer Bars

Blackberry Layer Bars are soft, buttery dessert bars featuring a tender base, a sweet-tart blackberry filling, and a golden crumb topping. These bars offer a perfect balance of fruitiness and richness, making them an excellent choice for snacks, desserts, or potluck treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are incredibly straightforward to prepare while delivering bold flavor and beautiful presentation. The buttery crust pairs perfectly with the vibrant blackberry filling, and the crumb topping adds delightful texture. They slice cleanly, store well, and transport easily, making them ideal for gatherings, picnics, or afternoon coffee breaks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust and topping:

• all-purpose flour
• granulated sugar
• brown sugar
• salt
• baking powder
• cold unsalted butter, cubed
• egg
• vanilla extract

For the blackberry filling:

• fresh or frozen blackberries
• granulated sugar
• lemon juice
• cornstarch

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to create coarse crumbs.
4. Mix in the egg and vanilla until the dough forms small clumps.
5. Press two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish to form the crust.
6. In another bowl, combine blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
7. Spread the blackberry filling evenly over the crust.
8. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
9. Bake for 35–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
10. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Servings and Timing

Serves: 12–16 bars
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 35–45 minutes
Cooling Time: 30–45 minutes
Total Time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Mixed Berry Version: Combine blackberries with raspberries or blueberries.
• Oat Crumble: Add rolled oats to the topping for extra texture.
• Almond Twist: Mix sliced almonds into the crumb topping.
• Lemon Blackberry Bars: Add lemon zest to both crust and filling.
• Cinnamon Crumb Bars: Add cinnamon to the crumb mixture for added warmth.

Storage/Reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature.
Bars can be served chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warmed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries?

Yes, use them straight from the freezer but increase cornstarch slightly.

Why is my filling too runny?

You may need more cornstarch, especially with juicy berries.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Why did my crust crumble apart?

The dough may have been too dry; add a spoonful of melted butter if needed.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, reduce the filling sugar for a more tart flavor.

Do I need to bake the crust first?

No, the crust and topping bake together.

Can I add vanilla to the filling?

Yes, vanilla pairs well with blackberry.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter alternatives.

Should the bars cool completely?

Yes, cooling allows the filling to set for clean slicing.

Can I use a larger pan?

Yes, but bars will be thinner; adjust bake time slightly.

Conclusion

Blackberry Layer Bars are a delightful combination of buttery crumb layers and bright, flavorful blackberry filling. Easy to prepare and visually inviting, they are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or simple homemade desserts. Their soft texture, sweet-tart flavor, and versatility make them a dependable recipe worth baking again and again.

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