Blackberry Bars

Ingredients:

Crust:

1 cup flour
6 Tablespoons powdered sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 Tablespoons cold butter, cubed

Filling:

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 Tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups fresh blackberries
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest

Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 Tablespoons cold butter, cubed
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch square metal pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.

2. Combine flour, powdered sugar and salt in a bowl and cut the butter in with a pastry cutter. Mix until well combined.

3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake until the surface is dry and the edges are browned, about 15-20 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes before adding filling.

4. Combine the 1/4 cup sugar and cornstarch. Stir in the blackberries and zest until combined. Set aside.

5. Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt for topping in a medium size bowl. Add butter and vanilla and cut in with a pastry cutter to form coarse crumbs.

6. Spread the filling on the cooled crust. Sprinkle the topping over the filling.

7. Bake in preheated oven until the topping has browned lightly and the berry filling is bubbling, about 40 minutes.

8. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars.