Blackberry Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the juicy sweetness of ripe blackberries with a buttery, crumbly crust, making them an irresistible option for both casual and special occasions.
As the summer months bring fresh, plump blackberries to the farmers' markets and backyard gardens, this recipe is a wonderful way to highlight their exquisite natural flavor.
The popularity of Blackberry Pie Bars has grown in recent years, thanks to their irresistible blend of tart fruit, sweet filling, and crisp crust.
Originating as a modern twist on the classic fruit pie, these bars allow home bakers to enjoy the essence of a traditional pie in a simpler, more convenient bar form.
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings, Blackberry Pie Bars are easily portable and serve a crowd, making them a versatile choice for entertaining. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe delivers consistent results with accessible ingredients and straightforward steps.
The combination of a golden-brown shortbread crust, luscious blackberry filling, and a crumbly streusel topping ensures that every bite bursts with summery flavors and pleasing contrasts of texture.
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to bake the best Blackberry Pie Bars, including tips for ingredient substitutions, serving suggestions, and even health benefits, so you can make the most of this delicious seasonal treat.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 4 cups fresh blackberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend until the mixture is crumbly and resembles coarse meal.
- Reserve 1 ½ cups of the crumb mixture for the topping, and press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- In a medium bowl, combine the blackberries, ¼ cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gently toss until the berries are evenly coated.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract, then pour over the cooled crust.
- Spread the blackberry mixture evenly over the crust.
- Crumble the reserved crust mixture over the blackberry layer to create a streusel topping.
- Bake the bars for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the berries are bubbling.
- Allow the Blackberry Pie Bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Nutritional Information
Blackberry Pie Bars offer a delicious combination of flavors and nutrients, making them a satisfying dessert option. Each bar is packed with the natural sweetness and antioxidants found in blackberries, while the buttery crust provides energy-rich carbohydrates and some essential fats.
A typical serving (one bar, based on a 9x13-inch pan cut into 16 bars) contains approximately 220-250 calories, with about 8-10 grams of fat, 35-38 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein, and 15-18 grams of sugar.
The use of fresh blackberries means these bars deliver a good dose of vitamin C, which helps to support the immune system, as well as dietary fiber that aids digestion.
While the butter and sugar do add calories and saturated fat, enjoying these treats in moderation as part of a balanced diet can be a satisfying way to indulge your sweet tooth without going overboard.
For those seeking to make the recipe a bit lighter, reducing the sugar slightly or substituting some of the butter with a plant-based alternative can decrease the overall calorie content. These bars are best enjoyed as an occasional treat alongside a nutritious diet.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
Blackberry Pie Bars are complemented perfectly by a chilled glass of Moscato d'Asti, a fruity Riesling, or a Pinot Noir for those preferring red wine. For non-alcoholic options, a glass of fresh lemonade, iced herbal tea, or blackberry-infused water enhances the dessert's berry flavors and refreshes the palate.
Gourmet coffee or a vanilla bean latte also pairs well, especially when serving the bars as a brunch or afternoon treat.
Cooking Tips and Variations
For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger to the crust mixture, which pairs beautifully with blackberries. If you don't have fresh blackberries, frozen blackberries work well; simply be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your bars.
To create a gluten-free version, substitute a reliable 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. If you prefer a sweeter filling, add an extra 2 tablespoons of sugar to the blackberry mixture. For a slightly tart edge, increase the lemon juice or zest.
Alter the filling by blending in other berries such as raspberries or blueberries for a mixed-berry twist. Some bakers enjoy sprinkling chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, over the streusel before baking for an added crunch.
If you're looking for a vegan option, use vegan butter and substitute the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture. Always cut the bars only once they are completely cool to ensure clean edges and minimize crumbling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Blackberry Pie Bars at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. For a more decadent dessert, warm individual bars slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
To highlight the tangy notes of the blackberries and lemon, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a few extra fresh blackberries. At picnics and parties, arrange the bars on a tiered dessert stand or platter, dusted lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
These bars travel and store well, making them an excellent choice for potlucks or bake sales-pack them in an airtight container to retain their freshness. If serving for a special occasion, pair the bars with complementary flavors such as lemon sorbet or a drizzle of berry coulis.
They make a lovely addition to brunch buffets, afternoon tea spreads, or as a light finish to summer dinners. For best results, slice with a sharp knife and clean between cuts to maintain tidy, attractive squares.
Health Benefits
Blackberries are renowned for their significant health benefits, making Blackberry Pie Bars not only delicious but also a source of nutritional value. Blackberries are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and manganese, supporting immune health, bone development, and metabolic function.
They also boast one of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit, which can help reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases. The dietary fiber in blackberries aids digestion and can contribute to heart health by helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Lemon juice and zest add an extra dose of vitamin C, while eggs provide protein and essential nutrients such as choline. Although the recipe does include sugar and butter, enjoying Blackberry Pie Bars occasionally can be part of a balanced diet.
For those seeking a lighter option, you can lessen the sugar or use whole wheat flour for added fiber and micronutrients. Blackberries' low glycemic index makes them a suitable choice for many people mindful of blood sugar levels, though those with specific dietary needs should consult their health care provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, frozen blackberries can be used in place of fresh. Be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess liquid in your bars.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days for extended freshness.
Absolutely. Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make the bars gluten-free.
Yes, you can substitute or combine blackberries with blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a mixed-berry version.
Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Blackberry Pie Bars capture the vibrant flavors of summer in a simple, shareable treat that appeals to all ages. Their buttery, crumbly crust and tart yet sweet blackberry filling make them an instant favorite among homemade desserts. With tips for adapting the recipe to various dietary preferences and serving occasions, Blackberry Pie Bars are a versatile addition to any baker's repertoire. Whether you enjoy them at a family picnic, festive brunch, or as a comforting treat after dinner, these bars deliver both nostalgia and fresh, modern flavor. Give this easy recipe a try and enjoy the delicious fusion of fruit and pastry that Blackberry Pie Bars have to offer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 2 cups fresh blackberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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2In a bowl, mix the flour, ½ cup sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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3Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
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4In another bowl, combine blackberries, ½ cup sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gently stir until the berries are coated.
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5Spread the blackberry filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
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6Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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