Buttery, crumbly pie bars layered with a sweet blackberry filling — these handheld treats are a perfect combination of tart and sweet, ideal for summer gatherings or an indulgent snack anytime. These Blackberry Pie Bars are the ultimate summer dessert, offering the perfect balance between a rich, buttery crust and a deliciously sweet and tangy blackberry filling.
Ingredients
For the crust and topping:
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
For the blackberry filling:
2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the egg and mix until the dough starts to come together.
Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust.
In a medium bowl, stir together the blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the berries are well coated.
Spread the blackberry mixture evenly over the crust.
Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the berry layer.
Bake for 38–42 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 16 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
Fruit Swap: I can swap the blackberries for any other berries, like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries. Each variation will bring its own unique twist to the flavor.
Add Spices: I can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust for an extra warm, comforting flavor.
Lemon Zest: For an additional burst of citrus, I can add some lemon zest to the filling to complement the lemon juice.
Storage/Reheating
I like to store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want them to last a bit longer, I can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat, I simply warm them up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until they’re heated through.
FAQs
How can I make these bars ahead of time?
I love making these bars a day ahead. Once they’ve cooled completely, I can store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious for the next day.
Can I freeze these Blackberry Pie Bars?
Yes! These bars freeze wonderfully. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, I let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.
What can I use instead of cornstarch in the filling?
If I don’t have cornstarch, I can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. The filling will still thicken nicely and hold together.
Can I use frozen blackberries for this recipe?
Yes! I often use frozen blackberries when fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to let the berries thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing them into the filling.
What should I do if the topping is too dry to crumble?
If the dough feels too dry to crumble, I can add a little bit of water, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds together better. Just be careful not to add too much.
Conclusion
These Blackberry Pie Bars are a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether I’m hosting a summer get-together or just need a sweet treat to enjoy with my afternoon coffee, these bars are always a hit. With a buttery crust and a sweet, fruity filling, they’re a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of summer in a portable and easy-to-enjoy form.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Blackberry Pie Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery, crumbly pie bars layered with a sweet blackberry filling — a perfect combination of tart and sweet for summer gatherings or an indulgent snack anytime.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg and mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the berries are well coated.
- Spread the blackberry mixture evenly over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the berry layer.
- Bake for 38–42 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
Fruit Swap: You can swap blackberries for other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries.
Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add extra flavor to the crust.
Lemon Zest: Adding lemon zest to the filling can enhance the citrus flavor.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to reheat.
Freezing: After baking, let cool completely, wrap in plastic wrap or foil, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Substitute for cornstarch: All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for cornstarch in the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
