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Brown Butter Blueberry Crumble Bars

brown butter blueberry crumble bars - featured image

These bars feature a nutty brown butter oat crumble topping with a juicy blueberry filling, delivering a perfect balance of rustic crunch and sweet fruitiness. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, they offer comforting homemade indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (135g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups (450g) fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: Place 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as it melts and begins to foam. Watch closely—the butter will turn golden brown and develop a nutty aroma in about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly (about 5 minutes) so it’s warm but not hot.
  2. Make the Crust & Topping Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar. Stir until smooth. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups (135g) rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until crumbly dough forms. The texture should be sandy but hold together when pressed. Reserve about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
  5. Prepare the Blueberry Filling: In a medium bowl, toss 3 cups (450g) blueberries with 1/2 cup (100g) sugar, 2 tablespoons (15g) cornstarch, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest if using. Stir gently to combine and set aside for a few minutes while the dough rests.
  6. Assemble the Bars: Line a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper or grease well. Press the majority of the crumble dough evenly into the bottom to form the crust (reserve about 1 cup for the topping). Spread the blueberry filling evenly over the crust.
  7. Add the Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the blueberry layer. Gently press it down but keep the crumbly texture—don’t pack it too tightly.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes. The topping should be golden brown, and the blueberry filling bubbly at the edges.
  9. Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1-2 hours. This step is important to let the filling set so the bars hold together when sliced.
  10. Serve: Carefully lift the bars out by the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles. Enjoy with a cup of tea or your favorite coffee.

Notes

Brown the butter carefully over medium heat to avoid burning; look for a golden-brown color and nutty aroma. Let bars cool completely before slicing to prevent a juicy mess. If topping browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Frozen blueberries require thawing and draining excess liquid and may need extra baking time. Bars can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping adds extra texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, blueberry bars, crumble bars, oat topping, homemade dessert, easy baking, blueberry crumble, quick dessert