Blackberry Lemon Crumb Bars

Indulge in the perfect combination of tangy lemon and juicy blackberries in these delightful crumb bars! A simple yet irresistibly delicious treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
• 2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• 3. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until a dough forms.
• 4. Press 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• 5. Sprinkle the blackberries over the dough.
• 6. Crumble the remaining dough over the blackberries.
• 7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.

Popular questions:

• Question: Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh ones?
• Answer: Yes, you can use frozen blackberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using in the recipe.
• Question: Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
• Answer: While it will alter the flavor slightly, you can substitute lime juice for lemon juice in this recipe.
• Question: Can I use a different type of fruit instead of blackberries?
• Answer: Yes, you can use raspberries, blueberries, or any other fruits of your choice in place of blackberries.
• Question: Can I add nuts to the crumb topping?
• Answer: Yes, you can add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the crumb topping for added crunch.

Helpful tips:

• 1. Dust the blackberries with a little flour before adding them to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bars.
• 2. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some lemon zest on top of the bars after baking.
• 3. Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Expert Secrets:

• 1. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before pressing it into the baking dish for easier handling.
• 2. Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy removal and slicing of the bars.
• 3. For a more crumbly texture, use cold butter straight from the refrigerator when making the dough.