Introduction
Treat yourself to these Blueberry Lemon Bars, a perfect blend of tart lemon and sweet blueberries with a buttery shortbread crust. These bars have a luscious lemon filling packed with juicy blueberries, making them a refreshing and irresistible dessert. Whether for a summer gathering or a simple afternoon treat, these bars are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Sweet & Tangy Flavor – The perfect balance of lemon and blueberries.
✔️ Buttery Shortbread Crust – A deliciously rich base.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and steps.
✔️ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a sweet snack.
✔️ Make Ahead Friendly – They taste even better the next day!
Equipment Needed
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Ingredients (Serves 9-12)
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Blueberry Filling:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Optional Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon zest
- Extra blueberries
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fats: 8g
- Sugar: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
Step by Step Instructions
Total Time: 50 Minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust – In a bowl, mix melted butter, flour, sugar, and salt until combined. Press into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling – In a mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and zest. Add flour and baking powder, stirring until smooth.
- Add Blueberries – Gently fold in fresh blueberries.
- Bake the Bars – Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until set and slightly golden on top.
- Cool & Chill – Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Dust & Serve – Sprinkle with powdered sugar, slice into bars, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Blueberry Lemon Bars
Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed juice gives the best flavor.
Toss Blueberries in Flour – Helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
Chill Before Slicing – Makes cutting clean, even bars easier.
Use Cold Butter for Crust – Creates a flakier texture.
Serving Suggestions
With Coffee or Tea – A delightful afternoon snack.
With Vanilla Ice Cream – A creamy contrast to the tart lemon.
With Whipped Cream – Light and airy topping for extra indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries?
A: Yes! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before adding them to the filling.
Q: How do I store these bars?
A: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Conclusion
These Blueberry Lemon Bars are the ultimate sweet and tangy dessert, combining a buttery shortbread crust with a luscious lemon blueberry filling. They’re simple to make, bursting with fresh flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Serve them chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar for an irresistible treat!