BLACKBERRY CRUMBLE BARS

Blackberry Crumble Bars are the perfect mix of a buttery shortbread base, a juicy blackberry filling, and a crunchy crumble topping. These bars are simple to make and are a delicious way to enjoy fresh or frozen blackberries. Perfect for dessert, picnics, or as a sweet snack, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion!

Ingredients:

For the Crust and Crumble:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg

For the Blackberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the crust and crumble: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and stir until the dough starts to come together, but remains crumbly.
3. Press the crust: Press about 2/3 of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Set the remaining 1/3 of the mixture aside for the crumble topping.
4. Prepare the blackberry filling: In a medium bowl, gently toss the blackberries with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Spread the blackberry mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
5. Add the crumble topping: Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the blackberry layer, covering it evenly but leaving some of the blackberries exposed.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the blackberry filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
7. Slice and serve: Once the bars are completely cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift them out of the pan. Slice into squares and serve.

These Blackberry Crumble Bars are buttery, fruity, and the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Enjoy them on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!