Blackberry Bars
Sweet and tangy blackberry bars feature a buttery crust topped with a luscious blackberry jam and raisin filling, perfect for dessert or teatime treats for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 1 1/4 cups flour, white sugar, and butter; blend until fine crumbs form.
- Press the mixture into an 8-inch square pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- In the meantime, mix chopped raisins, blackberry jam, and 1 tablespoon flour.
- Pour the raisin and jam mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until set.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, substitute the raisins with chopped dried apricots or cranberries. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. Ensure your butter is softened for easier blending. If you want a more tart flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the jam mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the blackberry bars as a delightful dessert or snack. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent treat. Consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad, such as Frozen Strawberry Fruit Salad, for a refreshing contrast. They're perfect for picnics or as a sweet addition to lunchboxes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover blackberry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in a microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blackberry Bars contains roughly 323 calories, with 4g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1047mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh blackberries instead of jam?
Yes, you can use fresh blackberries, but you'll need to cook them down with some sugar to create a jam-like consistency. Simmer the blackberries with sugar until they break down and thicken. This will enhance the flavor and maintain the right texture in the bars.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free blackberry bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum or add a teaspoon to help with binding. This will maintain the texture while accommodating gluten-free diets.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These blackberry bars can be made ahead of time and stored for later. Bake and cool them, then wrap tightly and store in the refrigerator. They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).