These 5-ingredient vanilla blueberry cake mix bars are simple and quick to make. You probably have the cake mix and jam already in your pantry. It is always nice to have a sweet treat recipe that everyone, it seems enjoys eating.
These Blueberry Crumble Bars is one of those easy recipes that makes the perfect dessert as the whole family loves these. Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream after dinner. However, it is wonderful as a fast and easy sweet snack making them perfect for breakfast, an after school snack, or great dessert.
So simple to make with a cake mix base, blueberry pie filling middle, and part of the reserved cake mix crumble mixture as a topping.
You need just a boxed cake mixed and canned blueberry filling, along with a few staples to make this easy blueberry pie bar recipe. When you mix them together, every square is oozing with blueberry flavor and a chewy cookie base.
If you happen to have any, the addition of fresh blueberries would take this delicious dessert over the top.
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Stocking the Pantry
When cake mixes go on sale, I tend to stock up. They are just perfect for those days when I need to whip up something quick. It is amazing just how versatile a box of cake mix can be. This is one of those go-to recipes for a sweet snack. With the quick oats in this recipe, it is perfect for a hand-held breakfast before heading out the door.
Turn your plain cake mix into something amazing. If you love these kinds of recipes, you’ll most likely enjoy these cake mix brownies.
White or Yellow Cake Mix Can Be Used
Today, I used a Vanilla flavored White Cake mix. However, this would be just perfect for a plain white cake mix a yellow cake mix, or even a lemon cake mix. Additionally, it can be any brand that you prefer or purchased on sale. I have used a few and they all work really well with this recipe.
Combine the dry ingredients consisting of the cake mix and the quick oats. In a large bowl, mix that with the butter. Use this for the buttery crust and crumbly topping.
Fruit Filling is a Jar of Jam
The one thing that is important in this recipe is the type of jam that you use. It is the star of the show; therefore, it must taste good. If it does not taste good in the jar, it will not enhance the dessert. I like to use a good quality jam that we all enjoy.
Today, I used a Wild Maine Blueberry Jam. It has small fresh juicy blueberries throughout. . Yes, I order it special for our family. Sometimes, it is just nice to splurge. This jam was has the perfect fruity flavor and pairs well with the cake mix and quick oats.
The jam is thinned with water or lemon juice. That way, it is easier to spread over the bottom crust.
This is a great recipe that can be made with other jams that are purchased or homemade. Here are a few ideas on jams that would be perfect for this recipe.
- Blueberry
- Strawberry
- Rhubarb
- Cherry
- Blackberry
- Peach
- Apple
- Raspberry
- Cranberry
- Plum
Pressing Down the Bottom Layer
Here is a hint to pressing down the bottom layer when making these bars. I used to use my hands and the dough would get warm from my touch and start sticking to my hands about half way through the process of spreading out the dough and pressing it down.
Pro Tip. I now use the bottom part of a measuring cup to spread out and pat down the dough layer on the bottom. It works like a charm. My hands stay clean and I also think it is a bit more sanitary.
For easy serving, make sure to use a little bit of cooking spray in the bottom and sides of the pan before adding the dry cake mix mixture to the bottom. Another option is to line the bottom of the baking dish with parchment paper. When it is done the best way to serve is to just lift the whole pan of blueberry pie bars right out of the pan for serving.
Size of Dessert Treat Pan
I made these treats in a 9 X 13 cake pan. This recipe makes a dessert bar approximately 1 inch thick. Therefore keep that in mind when pressing in the bottom layer, it will be approximately 1/2 inch thick. However, after the jam and crumb topping is added, by breaking up small pieces of the remaining dough. The hardest part is letting it sit a few minutes and cool to room temperature before serving.
I cut my pan of bars into 15 pieces. If you prefer thicker cake bars, you can make this in a 13-inch baking dish.
5-Ingredient Vanilla Blueberry Cake Mix Bars
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 15.25 Oz. Cake Mix White, Yellow, Vanilla
- 1 1/2 Cups Quick Oats
- 3/4 Cup Butter Melted
- 12 Oz. Blueberry or other jam filling 1 jar Can be a little more or less than 12 Oz.
- 1 Tbl. Water Can also use Lemon Juice if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven the 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and oats.
- Add the melted butter.
- Stir in the butter until fully incorporated. The batter will be thick and form a dough ball.
- Put approximately 3 cups of the mixture into a 9 X 13 pan. Press firmly into the bottom on the pan. (I also sprayed a bit of oil in the pan to keep things from sticking just in case).
- In a small bowl, combine the water and jam. Stirring the jam with a bit of water helps it spread over the top of the crust.
- Spread the jam over the crust evenly.
- Cover with the remaining dough mixture by crumbling between fingers distributing it evenly across.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Don't over bake or the edges will become too dry.
- Let cool before cutting. Serve plain, with ice cream, or whipped cream.
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I hope that you liked this blueberry cake bars recipe. If you are looking for more ideas on what to make, here are a few other recipes that you may enjoy.
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.