How do I make Cinnamon Sugar Blueberry Crumb Bars from scratch?

To make Cinnamon Sugar Blueberry Crumb Bars, start by preparing the crumb base using flour, sugar, cinnamon, butter, and a pinch of salt mixed until crumbly. Press half the crumb mixture into a baking pan. Spread fresh or frozen blueberries evenly over the base, optionally mixing them with a bit of sugar and lemon juice for added flavor. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the blueberries. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Can I use frozen blueberries for Cinnamon Sugar Blueberry Crumb Bars?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well for these crumb bars. There’s no need to thaw them first; simply sprinkle them evenly over the crust. Using frozen berries can prevent the base from becoming too soggy while baking, as they release less juice than fresh ones. To reduce extra moisture, you can toss the frozen blueberries with a little cornstarch or flour before adding sugar and lemon juice, which helps thicken the filling during baking.

What’s the best way to store Cinnamon Sugar Blueberry Crumb Bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days. Before serving refrigerated bars, allow them to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or warm them slightly in the microwave to bring back their soft texture. You can also freeze the bars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How can I make Cinnamon Sugar Blueberry Crumb Bars healthier?

To make the bars healthier, try using whole wheat or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. Reduce the sugar in the crumb topping by half or substitute with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, adjusting butter amounts to maintain texture. You can also add chia seeds or flaxseeds to the crumb for extra nutrients. Using fresh blueberries provides antioxidants, but you can also mix in other berries like raspberries for added variety.

Are Cinnamon Sugar Blueberry Crumb Bars suitable for serving at parties or gatherings?

Yes, these bars are a great choice for parties because they are easy to slice into individual portions and can be served at room temperature. Their combination of sweet cinnamon, sugar, and juicy blueberries appeals to many tastes. For added appeal, dust the finished bars lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze. They pair well with coffee, tea, or even ice cream, making them a crowd-pleasing dessert option.

Cinnamon Sugar Blueberry Crumb Bars: 5 Minute Delight

Name: Cinnamon Sugar Blueberry Crumb Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 ¼ cups (≈ 280 g) all-purpose flour; – ¾ cup (≈ 150 g) packed light brown sugar; – ½ tsp fine sea salt; – 1 cup (2 sticks, 226 g) cold salted butter cubed; – ¼ cup (≈ 50 g) granulated sugar; – 1 tsp ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping); – 2 cups (≈ 300 g) fresh blueberries; – 1 tsp cornstarch; – 1 tsp vanilla extract; – 2 tsp lemon zest (about the zest of one medium lemon); – ½ cup (≈ 160 g) blueberry jam

Description

🫐 These buttery crumb bars combine juicy blueberries with a cinnamon‑sugar topping for a sweet, fruit‑packed snack.
🍯 The simple, one‑pan method gives a golden crust and a marbled jam swirl, perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

– 2 ¼ cups (≈ 280 g) all-purpose flour

– ¾ cup (≈ 150 g) packed light brown sugar

– ½ tsp fine sea salt

– 1 cup (2 sticks, 226 g) cold salted butter cubed

– ¼ cup (≈ 50 g) granulated sugar

– 1 tsp ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping)

– 2 cups (≈ 300 g) fresh blueberries

– 1 tsp cornstarch

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– 2 tsp lemon zest (about the zest of one medium lemon)

– ½ cup (≈ 160 g) blueberry jam

Instructions

1-First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and cubed butter, blending by hand or with a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. If the mixture feels dry, add up to 1 tablespoon of water to bring it together smoothly.

2-Next, press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create the base crust. In a small bowl, toss the remaining crumb mixture with the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon; set it aside for the topping. While that’s ready, mix the blueberries, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon zest in another bowl until the berries are evenly coated this step ensures a juicy, flavorful filling.

3-Spread the blueberry mixture over the crust, then dollop the blueberry jam in small spoonfuls and drag it lightly through the fruit for a marbled effect. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar crumb topping evenly over the fruit to finish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling. For more ideas on similar treats, check out my blueberry cream cheese crumb cake recipe that pairs perfectly with this one.

4-Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 pieces this helps them set up nicely. The total time is about 1 hour, with 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of baking, making it a quick win for busy days. If you’re new to this, imagine the satisfaction of biting into that warm, crumbly layer it’s what keeps me coming back to bake again and again.

Notes

🧈 Use high‑quality salted butter; browning it before cooling adds a nutty depth.
❄️ Frozen blueberries can go straight into the batter – no thawing needed.
🌾 Substitute gluten‑free all‑purpose flour 1:1 for a GF version.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 241

Keywords: cinnamon sugar crumb bars, blueberry dessert bars, easy fruit bars, sweet crumb pastries