Blueberry Chocolate Streusel Bars are a perfect compliment to summer weather. Fresh berries, good chocolate and a hot oven are just about all this one takes!
About these dessert bars
Who doesn't like a happy kid? I'm not saying that I'm above bribing our boys now and then with a special treat; I may have once taught them to say, "Life's too short not to have a doughnut now and then." (Do not judge me). Or in this case, a couple of blueberry chocolate streusel bars.
Besides, they can even cause spontaneous singing in certain children and no doubt adults as well. Just take a look at Isaiah here as he just crawled out of bed at 9:30, donning one of my ratty old T's that he loves to wear with his PJs. (Remember, we're not judging.)
All kidding aside, these blueberry chocolate streusel bars are an all-around ideal treat. They're simple to put together, their taste is pretty self-evident (darn delicious) and they're versatile for whatever berries you have on hand. Raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, get the picture?
Probably the most challenging part of making these blueberry chocolate streusel bars is waiting for them to be finished baking. As the kitchen timer nears its end, the aroma coming from the oven makes matters only worse.
Warm berries, chocolate, and a touch of lemon, all singing together on the center rack but not quite ready for prime time. It's almost painful at this point. I suggest having something else to keep you occupied during the final 10 minutes of baking. Also, if you don't mind having company, it's O.K. to leave your windows open. The draw is that alluring.
Find some berries and grab a couple of chocolate bars of good quality. Then, get ready to sing. These blueberry chocolate streusel bars will take everything up an octave or two. On that note, happy summer to you. -Dan
Other delicious bar recipes
Blueberry Chocolate Streusel Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened plus 6 tablespoons chilled butter
- 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract divided
- 2 cups crushed chocolate bars
- 3 cups all purpose flour divided
- 1 ½ cups blueberry preserves or jam
- 1 handful fresh blueberries washed and rinsed
- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 2 teaspoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, prepare a 9"x13" baking pan with non-stick coating.
- Combine 1 cup softened butter with 1 cups granulated sugar, add egg, lemon zest and lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until fluffy.
- Add 1 cup of chocolate pieces and beat in 2 cups of flour.
- Spread evenly over pan. Evenly distribute blueberry preserves or jam over batter, leaving ¼" border.
- Evenly distribute fresh blueberries over layer of preserves/jam/
- In another bowl, combine 1 cup flour, ¼ cup sugar, 6 tablespoons of chilled butter, cut with two knives or pastry butter until crumbly. Add remaining 1 cup chocolate pieces and mix well.
- Evenly distribute crumple topping over blueberries.
- Bake in oven for 40-45 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely on metal rack, then cut.
- Combine powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk in small bowl, mix well and drizzle over bars, allow to set before serving.
Video
Notes
Batter will be thick, to help spread evenly, lightly rinse palms of hands with water and gently pat down. Can also dip tablespoon in water, shake off, and use bottom of spoon to spread batter.
Nutrition
Blueberry Chocolate Streusel Bars
Erlene
This totally made me smile. I love the video of your son singing 🙂 Do you keep these in the fridge or out on the counter after baking?
Dan from Platter Talk
Thank you Erlene We kept these on the counter, for as long as they lasted (which of course wasn't very long!)
Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner?
Oh my, these sound absolutely fantastic! I love blueberries, but add chocolate and it's even better, LOL.
Janette@culinaryginger
The coffee I'm currently drinking is terribly boring, I wish I had a slice or 3 of this to go with this. Just lovely.
Patty Haxton Anderson
I love how you captured the anticipation of these bars coming out of the oven - when that aroma knocks your socks off and the waiting period seems like forever! Great post and the recipe is terrific.
Sarah, Maison Cupcake
We don't see blueberries paired with chocolate enough but they're a great combination! Really love the look of this.
Dan from Platter Talk
Thanks so much Sarah, I think you'll like the taste as well. 🙂