Blueberry Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for an amazing dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious, these Blueberry Pie Bars are about to become your new favorite. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and every single time, it’s a hit. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family gathering, a potluck, or just because you’re in the mood for something sweet, these bars are perfect.

Let me tell you a little secret: I first tried these bars at a friend’s house, and I couldn’t stop going back for seconds (okay, thirds). That’s when I knew I had to recreate them at home. And guess what? They’re even better homemade!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I love about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are. Chances are, you already have most of these in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crust and Topping:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour

For the Blueberry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (no need to thaw if frozen)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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How to Make Blueberry Pie Bars

Making these bars is easier than you’d think. It’s just a few simple steps, and before you know it, your kitchen will smell amazing.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring until combined. The dough will be thick.
4. Reserve about 1½ cups of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.

Step 2: Make the Blueberry Filling

1. In a medium bowl, toss the blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir until the blueberries are evenly coated.
2. Spread the blueberry mixture over the crust in an even layer.

Step 3: Add the Topping and Bake

1. Crumble the reserved dough over the top of the blueberries. It doesn’t have to be perfect—those uneven bits will crisp up beautifully.
2. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
3. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

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Tips and Tricks for Perfect Blueberry Pie Bars

• Use fresh blueberries when they’re in season. They’ll give the bars a bright, juicy flavor. Frozen blueberries work just fine, though—just add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch if they’re particularly juicy.
• Line your pan with parchment paper. It makes lifting the bars out so much easier, and cleanup is a breeze.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice. It enhances the blueberry flavor and adds a nice balance to the sweetness.
• Chill before slicing. These bars hold together better once they’ve cooled completely, so be patient!

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Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something so nostalgic about the combination of blueberries and a buttery crust. Every bite takes me back to summer picnics and family dinners where desserts like this always stole the show. What’s even better is how versatile these bars are. They’re just as good for dessert as they are with a cup of coffee in the morning (not that I’m advocating for dessert for breakfast… okay, maybe I am).

And can we talk about how simple they are to make? No rolling out dough, no fancy equipment—just mix, layer, and bake. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ve got this.

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Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to mix things up:

• Swap out the blueberries for other fruits. Raspberries, blackberries, or even diced peaches would be amazing.
• Add a drizzle of glaze. Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla, then drizzle over the cooled bars for a sweet finishing touch.
• Make them gluten-free. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just make sure it’s one that’s designed for baking.

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Storing and Freezing

These bars are great for making ahead. Here’s how to store them:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep them in the fridge for up to a week. I like to warm them slightly before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy!

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Final Thoughts

These Blueberry Pie Bars are everything you want in a dessert: easy, delicious, and totally crowd-pleasing. They’re the kind of recipe that makes you look like you spent hours in the kitchen when really, you just threw a few simple ingredients together.

So go ahead, give them a try. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, I guarantee they’ll be a hit. And who knows? You might just find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds) like I did. Happy baking!