Blueberry Pie Bars

Imagine biting into a sweet, juicy blueberry pie without the hassle of making a traditional crust. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with these delightful Blueberry Pie Bars. Perfect for both frozen and fresh blueberries, this recipe offers a buttery shortbread-style crust that doubles as a crumble topping, making it a breeze to prepare and even easier to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Blueberry Pie Bars combine the best parts of a classic pie without the fuss. No rolling pins or mixers are needed, and you’ll savor the rich, fruity filling with every bite. The dual-purpose crust and crumble topping mean less mess and fewer dishes to wash. Plus, these bars are versatile enough to enjoy with either frozen or fresh blueberries.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 8-inch square pan
• Aluminum foil
• Cooking spray
• Large microwave-safe bowl
• Medium mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Wire rack

Ingredients

Crust and Crumble Topping

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Pinch salt, optional and to taste

Filling

• 1 large egg
• Heaping 1/2 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt; or sour cream (lite is okay)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Blueberry Layer

• 12 ounces (2 cups) blueberries (fresh or frozen; no need to thaw)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (or 1/2 cup if berries are sour)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup.
2. Crust and Crumble Topping: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter on high power for about 1 minute. Add the granulated and brown sugars, whisking to combine. Stir in the flour and optional salt until the mixture is dry and sandy with some larger crumbles. Set aside a heaping 3/4 cup of this mixture for the topping.
3. Press the remaining crust mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form an even layer. Set aside.
4. Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, Greek yogurt, sugar, and vanilla. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Pour the filling evenly over the crust, using a spatula to distribute it if necessary. Set aside.
5. Blueberry Layer: In another medium bowl, combine all the blueberry layer ingredients, tossing to mix. It’s okay if the sugar doesn’t fully dissolve. Spread this mixture evenly over the filling.
6. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture over the blueberries, squeezing it in your palm to form larger crumbles if desired.
7. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until the edges bubble vigorously and the center bubbles slightly. The crumble should appear set and pale golden. Note that if using fresh berries, baking time might be reduced by 10-15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for at least 1 to 2 hours before slicing, or overnight for best results.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the bars are completely cool before slicing to prevent them from falling apart.
• If using fresh blueberries, watch the bars closely as they may bake faster than those made with frozen berries.

Additional Tips or Variations

• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the crust mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
• Use lime juice instead of lemon for a different tangy twist.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use other types of berries? Yes, you can substitute blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a different flavor.

How do I store these bars? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, in the fridge for up to 10 days, or freeze for up to six months.

Conclusion

These Blueberry Pie Bars are the perfect blend of convenience and classic dessert flavors. Easy to make and delightful to eat, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out for you. We’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative twists you might have added!