Blackberry Pie Bars – Immerse yourself in the world of these Blackberry Pie Bars that offer a combination of sweetness and fruity flavors. These bars seize all the essences you cherish in a blackberry pie. In a more convenient bar form. Indulge, in the buttery and crumbly crust infused with hints of cinnamon and lemon zest enveloping a layer of blackberries. The balance of flavors is absolutely spot on with the subtle tanginess from the lemon adding a twist. Whether you’re preparing a picnic, hosting a family assemblage or simply treating yourself these pie bars are guaranteed to make an impression.
The moment I embarked on making these Blackberry Pie Bars, for the first time was truly unforgettable. It transpired in my kitchen, where I found myself shrouded by a bunch of picked blackberries that perfectly embodied the season’s mood. As their sweet aroma plugged the air during baking both my husband and child couldn’t resist tiptoeing peeks into the oven with suspense. When I finally tugged out those bars their faces lit up with exhilaration. We gathered around our dining table eagerly awaiting our bites. As they savored each mouthful their eyes widened with amazement and delight. My husband couldn’t. Exclaim, “These taste like Grandma used to make!” While enjoying a mouthful my child enthusiastically clamored “These bars are downright amazing!” It was such a heartwarming moment for me to see how my homemade creation brought back recollections with family. Since that day these Blackberry Pie Bars have become a tradition, in our household reminding us of the sweet moments we share together.
What makes this Blackberry Pie Bars truly special?
What sets them apart is their simplicity in preparation – the dough effortlessly comes together in a food processor. The true highlight lies in the filling overflowing with four cups of blackberries to form a vibrant center. These bars knock the harmony between sweetness and tartness with whiffs of lemon delivering an extra kick. Their versatility is what makes them truly special – they can be enjoyed as either a dessert or an indulgent brunch treat. They capture all the goodness of homemade baking without any hassle of rolling out pie crusts. These Blackberry Pie Bars are about celebrating simplicity and taste making them absolutely flawless for savoring during those summer berry seasons.
What You Need To Make This Blackberry Pie Bars Recipe?
Dough:
All-Purpose Flour: For the dough, we start with all-purpose flour, which serves as the foundation, for many of our baked goods. It provides structure. Gives the dough a delightful texture.
Granulated Sugar: To add sweetness to the dough and create a contrast with the tangy blackberry filling we use granulated sugar.
Baking Powder: Baking powder is an ingredient that helps our dough rise and become light and tender giving it that perfect texture.
Cinnamon: To bring in a comforting flavor that complements the fruity blackberries beautifully we add a touch of cinnamon.
Salt: Salt plays a role in enhancing the flavor of our dough while balancing out its sweetness.
Lemon Zest and Juice: To elevate the crust’s flavor profile we incorporate both lemon zest for its bright citrusy aroma and lemon juice for a tang.
Cold Unsalted Butter: Cold unsalted butter is our weapon for creating a flaky and buttery crust. When chilled it creates pockets of steam during baking resulting in a light and delicate texture.
Large Egg: A large egg comes into play to provide moisture and structure to our dough ensuring everything holds together perfectly.
Vanilla Extract: Finally, just a hint of vanilla extract adds a pleasant note of vanilla that enhances the overall taste experience.
Filling:
Granulated Sugar: Now let’s move on to the filling. We start by sweetening it with granulated sugar to balance out any tartness, from blackberries.
Fresh Blackberries: Speaking of blackberries. They are truly the star of this dessert! Bursting with fruity sweetness and boasting a purple hue they take center stage in every bite.
Cornstarch: Last but not least we incorporate cornstarch into the filling to help thicken it up. A thickening agent is added to the blackberry juices to prevent the filling from being too watery and to assist in achieving a set consistency.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Steps To Make Blackberry Pie Bars:
Step 1: Alright bakers, let’s get started! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then take a 9×13 inch pan. Give it a love by greasing it. This will ensure that our pie bars don’t stick and can be enjoyed on.
Step 2: Now let’s focus on our dough. In your food processor blend together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon a pinch of salt and the zest from one lemon. Oh yes, that lemon zest adds a touch of zing!
Step 3: Once everything is harmoniously combined, add in the sliced butter. Pulse until the mixture becomes like sand on a beach. Then gently stir in one egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. You’ll end up with a dough that feels as comforting as wrapping yourself in a blanket on a chilly night.
Step 4: Divide the dough into two portions. Give more attention to the larger portion. Press it evenly into the bottom of your greased pan to create our canvas. Strive for perfection, like your grandma’s pie crust.
Step 5: Now let’s talk about the star of the show; the blackberry filling. Start by mixing ½ cup of granulated sugar, 4 teaspoons of cornstarch and the juice, from the lemon you zested earlier in a bowl. Add in those juicy blackberries (four cups) and gently stir everything together. Make sure every single berry is coated with that tangy goodness.
Step 6: It’s time to layer it all up! Spread the blackberry mixture evenly over your crust. Then crumble the remaining dough on top like a comforting blanket.
Step 7: Put it in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. We want a top just like the edges of a perfect sunrise. Keep an eye on it though; we definitely don’t want our masterpiece to burn.
Step 8: Patience is key my friends! Allow your bars to cool down completely to room temperature. Trust me this might be quite challenging because their heavenly aroma will tempt you.
Step 9: Once they’re cooled down cut them into squares. I won’t judge if you sneak in a taste test. These bars are, at their best when enjoyed fresh so go ahead and savor each bite filled with fruitiness, buttery goodness and a hint of cinnamon.
Tip:
When you’re adding the blackberry mixture to the crust make sure to spread the berries out. This way every bite will be filled with fruity goodness. It will create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Paying attention to this step will make each Blackberry Pie Bar a delightful treat!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh ones?
Although it is recommended to use fresh blackberries, for this recipe you can opt for frozen berries if they have been properly thawed and drained. Just keep in mind that using blackberries might yield a different texture.
Can I use a different type of fruit for these pie bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with fruits such as blueberries, raspberries or even a combination of berries to create unique flavor variations for these delicious bars.
How should I store the Blackberry Pie Bars?
To ensure their freshness store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for, up to three days. If you need them to last longer refrigerate them instead.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Blackberry Pie Bars
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 c. granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- ¼ tsp. salt
- Zest and juice of one lemon divided
- 1 c. 2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch slices
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
Filling:
- ½ c. granulated sugar
- 4 c. fresh blackberries
- 4 tsp. cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a baking pan measuring 9x13 inches.
- Using a food processor combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and the zest of one lemon. Pulse the ingredients until they're well mixed.
- Now add butter slices, one large egg and vanilla extract, to the food processor. Pulse the mixture until it reaches a crumbly consistency.
- Gently press down half of the dough evenly onto the greased pan while keeping the remaining dough aside for later use.
- In another bowl gently fold in fresh blackberries with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and cornstarch. Add in the lemon juice as well.
- Spread this blackberry mixture evenly over the dough in the pan.
- Crumble the reserved dough over the layer of blackberries.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. Until you notice a slight golden brown color forming on top (be cautious not to overbake).
- Allow these bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Store these Blackberry Pie Bars, in an airtight container.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
