Scott Banks opened the scoring for the Seasiders after only six minutes, with the winger finishing on the rebound after an initial shot from Ashley Fletcher was saved.
After being denied by Ben Winterbottom once, the striker wasn’t stopped with his next effort, as he headed home from a CJ Hamilton cross.
Birmingham City loanee Emil Hansson had a couple of chances to extend the lead further, but was stopped by the Barrow keeper on both occasions.
Down the other end, Franco Ravizzoli was on hand to make a reaction save to deny Tyler Walker from close-range.
Ahead of the break, Zac Ashworth was lucky to remain on the pitch after appearing to bring down the Bluebirds forward on the edge of the box. The referee ultimately didn’t give a foul, and a decision concerning a card wasn’t required.
Shortly after the restart, the Seasiders claimed their third, with Andy Lyons flicking a Lee Evans corner past Winterbottom.
The fourth came courtesy of Dale Taylor off the bench. The striker found himself played through by fellow substitute Josh Bowler, as a lofted finish proved to be enough to find the back of the net.
Just before his withdrawal heading into the final 10 minutes, Banks added his second to ensure Bruce’s side went home with more goals than they’d scored in every other game combined this season.
Here’s how the Seasiders performed:
13. SUBS
Albie Morgan and Danny Imray (both 6/10), Josh Bowler and Dale Taylor (both 7/10). Photo: Gareth Evans