Blackberry Lemon Crumb Bars

Indulge your taste buds with these irresistible Blackberry Lemon Crumb Bars! Bursting with the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 cups fresh blackberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• 3. Stir in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until the dough comes together. Press two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
• 4. In a separate bowl, toss the blackberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Spread the blackberry mixture over the dough in the pan.
• 5. Crumble the remaining dough over the blackberries.
• 6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g

Give these Blackberry Lemon Crumb Bars a try and let your taste buds thank you later! #BlackberryLemonBars #DeliciousDesserts #RecipeOfTheDay

Popular questions:

• Q: Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can use frozen blackberries in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid before using.

• Q: Can I substitute the blackberries with another fruit?

A: You can try using raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches in place of blackberries for a different flavor variation.

• Q: Can I omit the lemon zest?

A: While the lemon zest adds a nice citrusy flavor, you can omit it if you prefer a milder lemon taste.

• Q: How should I store these bars?

A: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

A: Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can try using margarine as a substitute.

Helpful tips:

• 1. For an extra burst of citrus flavor, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the crumb mixture.
• 2. Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert option.
• 3. Dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar before serving for a decorative touch.
• 4. Experiment with different fruit combinations such as lemon-blueberry or raspberry-lime.
• 5. Add a handful of chopped nuts to the crumb mixture for added crunch and texture.

Expert Secrets:

• 1. Be sure to use cold butter when making the crumb mixture to achieve a flaky and tender texture.
• 2. Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent a tough crust – mix just until the ingredients come together.
• 3. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting to allow them to set properly.
• 4. Adjust the amount of sugar in the blackberry mixture based on the sweetness of your berries.
• 5. To prevent the bars from sticking to the pan, make sure to line it with parchment paper.