Blueberry Preserves Crumble Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups blueberry preserves

• Optional: Zest of 1 lemon (for added brightness)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.

2. Make the dough:

   • In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.

   • Stir in the flour until a crumbly dough forms.

   • Set aside 3/4 cup of the dough for the topping.

3. Press and layer:

   • Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

   • Spread the blueberry preserves over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges (it will spread during baking).

   • If using, sprinkle the lemon zest over the preserves.

4. Crumble the topping:

   • Crumble the reserved dough over the blueberry layer.

5. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling.

6. Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.