A Declaration of Desserts

Blueberry Pie Bars | Makes 9   

These bars are a cross between pie, muffins and bars! They have all the delicious tasty flavors of each rolled into one handheld treat! This is perfect for the morning, afternoon or night!

CRUST

1½ cups all-purpose flour

½ tsp baking powder

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

½ tsp almond extract

1 egg

FILLING

2 cups fresh blueberries

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 tsp cornstarch

1 tbsp lemon juice

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray an 8 x 8–inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. 

In a large bowl, add your flour, baking powder, sugar, butter, almond extract and egg. Beat with a hand mixer until the dough is crumbly. 

Press half of your dough into the bottom of the pan. Set aside.

To make the filling, in a bowl, toss together the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice until coated. Pour the mixture over your prepared crust, then sprinkle the remaining dough pieces over top of the blueberry filling. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes until the juices from the blueberries are bubbling and the crumbs are golden.

Remove the bars from the oven, and let them cool completely before serving.

Blogger, baker and dessertaholic Allison Miller takes sweets to a new level in her first cookbook Untraditional Desserts. With fun twist on traditional treats. Allison approaches old favorites in brand-new ways and dares readers to be fun, different and untraditional with desserts that are sure to surprise and delight. (Page Street Publishing)