Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (divided)
- Cold Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), cut into cubes
- Fresh Blueberries: 3 cups
- Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Zest of 1 large lemon + 2 tablespoons juice
- Cornstarch: 3 tablespoons
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup of the sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 2: Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining crumbs evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust, ensuring it is compact.
- Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, gently toss the blueberries with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the berries are lightly coated.
- Step 4: Pour the blueberry mixture evenly over the pressed crust. Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of crumbs (the streusel topping) over the filling.
- Step 5: Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature for at least 3 hours before lifting them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cutting into squares.
Notes
- Keep cooled bars stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, bringing them close to room temperature just before serving for the best texture.
- Should you want to reheat leftovers, a quick 5-minute bake in a 300°F oven will help restore the crispness of the streusel topping.
- Elevate these bright bars by serving them slightly warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a side of cold vanilla bean ice cream.
- The 3-hour cooling period is mandatory; cutting the bars before they are completely set prevents the filling from running and ensures beautifully clean, neat squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American