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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 18 to 20 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Remove from the oven once done.
- 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.
- Add blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries into the lemon mixture carefully to avoid breaking the berries.
- 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.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set fully.
- 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
