Lemon Blueberry Bars Recipe

If you love the bright, refreshing zing of lemon paired with sweet bursts of juicy berries, then this Lemon Blueberry Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert. These bars are a perfect harmony of buttery crust and luscious lemon filling studded with fresh blueberries that bring a delightful pop of flavor and color. Whether you are baking for a family gathering, a picnic, or just a cozy day at home, these bars offer a wonderfully balanced treat that feels both indulgent and light at the same time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lemon Blueberry Bars Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture you won’t forget. Each component is essential, from the buttery crust that creates the perfect base to the sharp citrus and sweet berries that provide that irresistible fruity twist.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich, creamy moisture to the crust for a tender, flaky base.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of both crust and filling, providing structure and balance.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the crust for a delicate texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness to the citrus filling to complement the tang of lemon.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the lemon filling so it sets beautifully.
• 4 large eggs: Give the filling structure and a luscious creamy consistency.
• 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: The star ingredient that delivers that bright, fresh lemon punch.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor with aromatic oils from the lemon skin.
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries: Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and gorgeous pops of color throughout the bars.
• Extra powdered sugar for dusting: A pretty finishing touch that adds subtle sweetness and elegance.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, with some overhang for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, 2 cups flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix these together until a crumbly dough forms. This buttery crust will provide the perfect balance of crispness and tenderness. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure it’s compact and smooth. Pop it into the oven to bake for about 18 to 20 minutes or until it turns lightly golden and you catch that incredible buttery aroma.

Step 2: Mix the Lemon Blueberry Filling

While your crust is baking, whisk together the granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour, eggs, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This filling is where that tangy, sweet magic happens. Gently fold in the blueberries, taking care not to overmix to keep the berries intact and beautiful, especially if you’re using fresh ones. Frozen blueberries work too and give the filling a lovely swirl of purple.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

Once the crust comes out of the oven looking perfectly golden, immediately pour the lemon blueberry filling over the hot crust. Spread it out evenly to ensure every bite has a little bit of everything. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the center is set and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan. This baking time allows the filling to transform into a luscious custard-like texture that still holds its shape perfectly.

Step 4: Cool and Chill

Let the bars cool completely right in the pan so the filling sets further. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Chilling is a key step for clean slices and that lovely refreshing chill that makes these bars irresistible. Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar for that classic finishing touch.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bars Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar is a simple but stunning garnish that adds subtle sweetness and a delicate snowy look. For a bit of extra flair, consider topping each bar with a few fresh blueberries or a tiny twist of lemon zest to highlight the key flavors further. Edible flowers or a sprig of fresh mint also make for beautiful, elegant presentations.

Side Dishes

These bars are a delightful dessert on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a cozy brunch or afternoon tea, serve alongside a pot of hot herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee to balance the tartness and sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Lemon Blueberry Bars Recipe on a pretty platter lined with parchment or decorative doilies for a charming rustic vibe. Stack bars in a tiered stand for festive occasions, or package individual portions in small boxes tied with a ribbon as sweet gifts. You can also turn them into parfait layers by crumbling bars and layering them with yogurt and fresh berries in glasses for a creative twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover lemon blueberry bars keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled preserves the perfect firmness of the filling and the crispness of the crust, making every bite just as delightful as the first.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

While these bars are best served chilled, if you prefer them slightly warmed, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 to 7 minutes or until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess; a gentle oven heat keeps the crust crisp and the filling silky.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries in this Lemon Blueberry Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries can add beautiful color as they may bleed slightly into the filling, creating lovely purple swirls. Just be sure not to thaw them before folding into the batter to avoid excess moisture.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars before serving?

Yes, chilling the bars for at least 2 hours helps the filling set properly and makes slicing easier. It also enhances the refreshing coolness that pairs so well with the lemon flavor.

Can I substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice?

For the brightest, most vibrant flavor, fresh lemon juice is best. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch but might lack some of the fresh citrus brightness that makes this recipe shine.

How should I store leftover bars to keep them fresh?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling fresh for up to 4 days.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

With a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can adapt this recipe. Just be sure to use one that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour for best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about the combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries in this Lemon Blueberry Bars Recipe that just lights up any table. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon treat or the star of a dessert spread, these bars are guaranteed to bring smiles and compliments. I can’t wait for you to try baking them and experience that perfect balance of flavors and textures that make them such a beloved classic. Happy baking!

Lemon Blueberry Bars Recipe

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4 from 28 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Lemon Blueberry Bars are a delightful summer dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with a tangy lemon custard bursting with fresh blueberries. These bars are easy to make, chilled to perfection, and dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish, making them perfect for gatherings or a refreshing treat anytime.

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Ingredients

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For the Crust

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)

For Serving

• Extra powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring you leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until the dough is crumbly but holds together when pressed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
3. Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 18 to 20 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Remove from the oven once done.
4. Prepare the lemon filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour, eggs, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Add blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries into the lemon mixture carefully to avoid breaking the berries.
6. Combine and bake: Pour the lemon blueberry filling evenly over the hot crust immediately after taking it out of the oven. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles.
7. Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set fully.
8. Serve: Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into 16 bars and dust with extra powdered sugar just before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best and brightest flavor.
• These bars keep well in the refrigerator and can be made a day ahead of serving.
• Using frozen blueberries may cause some purple bleeding into the lemon batter, creating a beautiful swirl effect.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American