Lemon Blueberry Bars provide a delightful treat that brings together the bright, zesty flavors of lemon and the sweetness of blueberries. These bars are perfect for any occasion, be it a summer picnic, a family gathering, or simply a sweet indulgence for yourself. The contrast of the tangy lemon filling with juicy blueberries creates a flavor that dances on your taste buds, making each bite refreshing and satisfying.
Why Make This Lemon Blueberry Bars
Making Lemon Blueberry Bars is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about bringing a bit of sunshine into your day. These bars are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, while still delivering impressive results. The buttery crust provides a perfectly crunchy base that supports the smooth, custard-like lemon filling enriched with fresh blueberries. Plus, you can prepare them ahead of time, making them an ideal dessert for entertaining guests or enjoying with your family after dinner. They are a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both lemon lovers and berry fans alike.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bars
Crafting these delightful Lemon Blueberry Bars is a straightforward process that even beginner bakers can master. You’ll start by creating a buttery crust, and then make the lemon-blueberry filling that will sit atop the crust. With just a few simple steps and a little patience, you can have these delicious bars ready to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating blueberries)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 0.5 cup of granulated sugar until fluffy. Then, mix in 2 cups of flour and 0.25 teaspoon of salt until you get a crumbly texture.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Bake the crust for 18–20 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1.5 cups of sugar, 0.25 cup of flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and well-combined.
- In a separate bowl, toss the fresh blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to coat them lightly. This helps prevent them from sinking in the filling.
- Gently fold the blueberries into the lemon mixture, taking care not to crush them.
- Pour the lemon-blueberry filling over the pre-baked crust. Tap the pan gently on the counter to distribute the filling evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the center is just set and no longer jiggles.
- Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Once firm, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice them into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (assuming 12 servings per batch) contains approximately:
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 29g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 3g
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bars
Serve these Lemon Blueberry Bars chilled for a refreshing treat! They make an excellent dessert for summer gatherings, picnics, and barbecues. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence. They also shine on brunch tables, offering a light yet satisfying sweet option alongside coffee or tea.
How to Store Lemon Blueberry Bars
Store your Lemon Blueberry Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Lemon Blueberry Bars
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming, which leads to a better texture.
- When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife, rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents using too much flour and results in better bars.
- For an extra citrusy kick, you can add more lemon zest or a splash of lemon extract to the filling.
- Be gentle when folding in the blueberries – this helps maintain their shape and keeps them from breaking.
Delicious Variations
- Berry Mix: Swap out some or all of the blueberries for other berries like raspberries or strawberries for a mixed berry treat.
- Lemon Meringue Bars: Add a layer of meringue on top before baking for a lemon meringue pie feel.
- Almond Flavor: Replace half of the lemon juice with almond extract for a unique twist.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these bars gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just toss them in flour while still frozen to prevent them from sinking in the filling.
Q2: Can I prepare the crust in advance?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the crust a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator before adding the filling just before baking.
Q3: What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
A3: You can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute, but fresh lemons add an unmatched flavor and aroma that enhances the overall taste.
Conclusion
These Lemon Blueberry Bars are an irresistible treat that combines the refreshing zest of lemon with sweet, juicy blueberries. Not only are they easy to make, but they also look beautiful on any dessert table. Try making them for your next gathering or enjoy them yourself as a delicious snack. We hope you enjoy every delightful bite! Don’t forget to share your homemade creations with friends and family—it’s sure to be a hit!
Lemon Blueberry Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 0.5 cup of granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in 2 cups of flour and 0.25 teaspoon of salt until you get a crumbly texture.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.
- Bake the crust for 18–20 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1.5 cups of sugar, 0.25 cup of flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, toss the fresh blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to coat them lightly.
- Gently fold the blueberries into the lemon mixture.
- Pour the lemon-blueberry filling over the pre-baked crust and tap the pan gently on the counter to distribute it evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the center is just set and no longer jiggles.
- Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice them into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.