Blueberry Crumble Squares

 

This recipe can easily accommodate pretty much any fruit filling. Having once fresh now frozen blueberries tucked away is perfect; allowing us to enjoy those summery fruits in the winter.  

Blueberry Crumble Squares

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Crumb Mixture:

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup old fashion rolled oats

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, melted

1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons almond extract 

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:

2 cups fresh or thawed frozen blueberries

1 lemon for grating the rind

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease and flour a 9inch square baking pan; then line with baking parchment paper. Set aside. 

In a large bowl combine flour, oats, butter, sugar, almond extract, baking soda and salt. Beat with an electric mixture at low speed for 1 to 2 minutes, until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture; press the remaining crumb mixture onto bottom of prepared baking pan. Forming a nice crust.

Spoon the fresh blueberries within 1/2 inch of edge of the now formed bottom crust and grate the lemon rind over the blueberries; then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the blueberries and grated lemon rind. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 27 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely. Cut into squares. 

Hope everyone had a nice weekend! - JD