Katies Blueberry Bars

Hello friends. My hubby has been crushing on blueberries lately. (smile) So, I’m sharing this easy blueberry recipe with you today. You can find substitutions in the Katie’s Tidbit section. There are also suggestions if you are on a restricted diet. Please make sure to read all ingredients in the recipe to be certain it suits any food restrictions, allergies etc.).

What You Need for the Dough/Crust

• 3 Cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 Cup * sugar
• 1/2 Cup * brown sugar
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt (optional)
• 1 Large egg
• 1 Tbsp. pancake syrup
• 1 Cup * unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
• 9 x 13 Baking dish (if using glass dish, place onto baking sheet before putting in oven)
• Parchment Paper
• Nonstick cooking spray, butter or canola oil
• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Large fork

What You Need for the Filling

• 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 1/2 Cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. *orange juice (no pulp)
• 4 Cups fresh or frozen blueberries (thawed – room temperature)

Before We Start

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line the baking dish with parchment paper. Leave about 2 inches on each side sticking over the baking dish. Butter, spray or oil the parchment paper bottom and sides.

Let’s Make it!

In a large mixing bowl combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Whisk well to combine.In a small mixing bowl, add egg and syrup, whisk together until frothy.Add the egg mixture and cold butter cubes to flour mixture. Using a fork cut mixture together until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Press 1/2 of the mixture evenly into prepared baking dish.

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together remaining 1/2 cup sugar and cornstarch, stir in orange juice, and add blueberries. Fold to evenly coat the blueberries. Pour the mixture into the dough-filled baking dish. I made mine extra fancy with lines through the dough. It’s so unnecessary ( smile). Spread to make even. Now sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over the top of the blueberries. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until golden brown). Remove from oven and let sit for about 10 minutes. Then, using the extended edges of parchment paper, lift out of the baking dish. Place on counter to cool for about 30 minutes. Slice cooled bars into pieces (squares, rectangles, etc.)

*Katie’s Tidbits * You can substitute sugars for equal parts sugar alternatives (like Splenda). If you need to substitute butter, use equal parts margarine or vegan butter, etc. and increase flour by ½ cup. You can substitute lemon juice for orange juice if needed. You can use a prepared blueberry filling if you want to skip that step. But fresh is always best. Refrigerate any leftover bars (if there are any ) Try using different berries too. (smile)

Enjoy!

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