Blueberry Pie Bars with Lattice Top Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances the sweet and tangy burst of fresh blueberries with a buttery, flaky crust, you’re going to adore this Blueberry Pie Bars with Lattice Top Recipe. It’s like your favorite homemade blueberry pie transformed into easy-to-handle bars, topped with that charming lattice design that makes every bite as delightful to see as it is to eat. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a picnic, or just a cozy night in, these bars bring that warm, fresh-baked goodness everyone loves, made simple and fun to share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, combining pantry staples and fresh blueberries to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each element plays a crucial role, from the buttery crust to the juicy, spiced berry filling.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the essential base for a tender but sturdy crust.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both crust and filling layers, balancing tartness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to the crust, preventing it from becoming too dense.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors, preventing the dessert from tasting flat.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced: Creates the flaky, rich texture essential for the crust and lattice top.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough together while adding a bit of moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the crust flavor.
• 2 cups fresh blueberries: The star ingredient that bursts with freshness and natural sweetness.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the blueberry filling without overpowering its natural flavor.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the filling to keep it from becoming runny.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the blueberry filling, balancing sweetness with citrus zing.
• Zest of 1 lemon: Infuses aromatic citrus notes that elevate the berry filling.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy spice that complements the berries perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing the lattice top): Brings a beautiful golden shine and helps with browning.

How to Make Blueberry Pie Bars with Lattice Top Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Greasing a 9×9-inch baking pan is essential to ensure your bars come out effortlessly without sticking, setting the stage for a flawless bake.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Combine your flour, half a cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This mix forms the backbone of your crust, so whisking it all together will make for an even, consistent base.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Using a pastry cutter or fork, blend the chilled, diced butter into the dry ingredients until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is critical because those little butter bits create that irresistible flaky texture when baked.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture begins to form a dough. This part brings moisture and flavor to the crust, helping it bind and bake with a lovely tenderness.

Step 5: Press the Dough for the Base

Take about two-thirds of your dough and press it evenly into the prepared pan. This forms the sturdy, golden foundation that supports the juicy blueberries.

Step 6: Prepare the Blueberry Filling

Gently toss your fresh blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. This careful coating ensures each berry bursts with balanced sweetness and spice during baking.

Step 7: Spread the Filling

Evenly spoon and spread the blueberry mixture over your pressed dough base. Distributing the filling carefully will help every bar have the perfect amount of juicy berry goodness.

Step 8: Roll and Cut the Lattice Strips

Roll out the remaining dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Then cut into strips to create your lattice top, which not only looks stunning but also allows steam to escape as the bars bake.

Step 9: Create the Lattice Top

Arrange the strips over the berry filling in a crisscross pattern. This classic lattice design is as visually pleasing as it is functional, adding a beautiful golden crust layer that frames the berries beautifully.

Step 10: Brush with Milk

Lightly brush the lattice strips with milk. This small touch helps your bars bake up with a glossy, golden finish that’s truly irresistible.

Step 11: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know the bars are ready when the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the blueberry filling bubbles joyfully beneath the lattice.

Step 12: Cool Before Cutting

Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan on a wire rack. This downtime helps the filling set so the bars hold their shape beautifully when sliced.

How to Serve Blueberry Pie Bars with Lattice Top Recipe

Garnishes

Top your bars with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an elegant, mouthwatering finish. Fresh mint leaves also add a touch of color and a refreshing taste contrast.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee, making them an ideal treat for brunch or afternoon snack time. You can also serve them alongside a simple green salad for a sweet finish to a light meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into mini squares and serving them on decorative skewers for parties or picnics. Layering pieces in a rustic wooden tray lined with parchment paper gives a cozy, inviting vibe for casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover bars tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling juicy.

Freezing

Blueberry Pie Bars with Lattice Top Recipe bars freeze wonderfully. Place cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

Reheating

Warm frozen or refrigerated bars in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual bars for 20-30 seconds. Freshly warmed bars bring back all that delightful homemade charm.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the filling, which can make the crust soggy.

What type of pan works best for these bars?

A 9×9-inch square baking pan is perfect to get the right thickness and baking time. Glass or metal pans both work well; just adjust baking times slightly if needed.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking to substitute the plain flour. The texture will still be delightful with this swap.

How do I prevent the lattice top from burning?

Brushing the lattice with milk helps browning evenly. If it browns too quickly, loosely tent the bars with foil partway through baking.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

You can! Just bake in a larger pan (like 9×13 inches) and increase the baking time slightly, watching closely for golden crust and bubbling filling.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh, the Blueberry Pie Bars with Lattice Top Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s easy enough for any home baker but delivers bakery-quality results that impress every time. Give it a try and share the love – these bars are sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

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