Zesty Blueberry Lemon Bars Recipe: Sunny Summer Treats

Tangy and sweet, these blueberry lemon bars dance with vibrant flavors that capture summer’s essence.

Bursting with juicy blueberries and zesty lemon, this recipe promises a delightful dessert experience.

Each bar packs a punch of bright citrus and deep berry notes that sparkle on your palate.

The buttery shortbread crust provides a rich, crumbly foundation for the luscious fruit filling.

Layers of creamy lemon custard intertwine with ripe blueberries, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Dust these bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finish that will make anyone’s taste buds sing.

Grab a fork and savor every single bite of this irresistible treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 80 minutes

Calories: 366 kcal

Servings: 17

Blueberry Lemon Bars: Ingredient List

• Butter: Provides rich, tender base with golden hint, choose high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create crisp texture, select fine-grain sugar for smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall depth, use pure extract for authentic taste.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor, opt for fine sea salt.
• Lemon Zest: Introduces bright citrus notes, use fresh lemons for maximum aroma.
• Flour: Creates structural foundation, select all-purpose flour for ideal crumb.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers creamy richness, choose full-fat variety for luxurious texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and binding, use fresh room-temperature eggs.
• Yogurt: Adds tanginess and moisture, select thick Greek-style yogurt.
• Lemon Juice: Brings vibrant citrus punch, freshly squeezed works best.
• Lemon Zest: Amplifies citrus profile, use microplane for fine zesting.

• Blueberries: Offers sweet-tart burst, select plump, firm, and deeply colored berries.

Kitchen Tools That Help Make Blueberry Lemon Bars

• 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan: Perfect for creating those delicious bar-shaped treats.
• Aluminum foil: Essential for easy removal and clean-up of your bars.
• Medium mixing bowl: Great for preparing the shortbread crust mixture.
• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Crucial for creating a smooth, creamy filling.
• Paddle attachment: Helps mix ingredients evenly and efficiently.
• Spatula: Perfect for gently folding blueberries into the filling.
• Wire rack: Helps cool the bars evenly after baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Grater or microplane: Helpful for zesting lemons.
• Toothpick: Used to check if bars are fully baked.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting the bars into neat squares.

How to Bake Tangy and Sweet Blueberry Lemon Bars

Sweet Sunshine Blueberry Treats

• Cozy Kitchen Setup

Grab your baking gear and warm up the kitchen. Line a square pan with friendly parchment paper, letting it peek over the edges for easy lifting later.

• Buttery Crumbly Base

Mix melted butter with sweet sugar, a dash of vanilla, and bright lemon zest. Fold in soft flour until a delicate dough forms. Press most of this magic mixture into the pan, saving a little sprinkle for later.

• Creamy Dreamy Filling

Whip cream cheese until silky smooth. Dance in sugar, eggs, and tangy yogurt. Gently fold fresh blueberries into this velvety mixture, creating pockets of juicy goodness.

• Baking Magic

Pour the lush filling over the golden crust. Scatter extra blueberries and sprinkle the reserved crumbly topping. Let the oven transform these ingredients into a golden treasure for about an hour.

• Cooling and Sharing

Let your creation rest and chill completely. Slice into beautiful squares that reveal swirls of blueberry and hints of lemon. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few days.

Tips for Better Texture in Blueberry Lemon Bars

• Select plump, ripe blueberries for maximum flavor and juiciness. Gently wash and pat dry berries before adding to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
• Experiment with different berry variations like raspberries or blackberries for unique taste profiles. Adjust lemon zest and juice quantities to complement the new fruit selection.
• Ensure the shortbread crust is evenly pressed and firmly packed to create a stable base. Use the back of a measuring cup or smooth spatula to achieve a uniform layer.
• Prepare bars up to 2 days in advance for stress-free entertaining. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing refrigerator odors.
• Prevent soggy bars by patting blueberries dry and avoiding overbeating the filling. Use full-fat yogurt for best texture and richness in the recipe.

Serving Blueberry Lemon Bars for Snacks or Parties

• Summer Picnic Companion: Pack these zesty bars in a cute container for outdoor gatherings, perfect for beach trips or park lunch dates.
• Dessert Pairing Magic: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or pair with a chilled lavender tea for an elegant touch.
• Brunch Showstopper: Arrange bars on a beautiful ceramic platter with fresh mint leaves and a dusting of powdered sugar for a stunning weekend brunch centerpiece.
• Gifting Delight: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with a ribbon, creating a homemade treat that shows personal care and culinary skill.

How to Store Blueberry Lemon Bars for Later Enjoyment

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Keep the blueberry lemon bars tightly wrapped in plastic or stored in an airtight container to maintain their fresh texture and prevent moisture absorption from other refrigerator items.
• Freezing Champion: Cut bars into individual portions before freezing, which allows for easy grab-and-go treats and prevents thawing the entire batch when craving a quick dessert.
• Temperature Timing: Allow chilled bars to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor complexity and soften the texture slightly, making each bite more delectable.
• Freshness Window: Consume refrigerated bars within 5 days for optimal taste and quality, ensuring maximum enjoyment of the delicate lemon and blueberry flavors.

Tangy Blueberry Lemon Bars

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Homemade blueberry lemon bars combine tangy citrus with sweet summer berries in a delightful dessert. Classic shortbread crust and silky lemon custard create a perfect balance for you to savor and enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (300g) blueberries (fresh or frozen; if using frozen, do not thaw)
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 5 oz (150g) yogurt or sour cream
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 2 zest of one lemon
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Meld melted butter, sugar, vanilla, salt, and lemon zest in a mixing bowl, incorporating flour until a uniform dough materializes.
2. Pan Setup: Divide dough, reserving roughly three-quarters. Press remaining portion into a foil-lined baking pan, creating an even foundation.
3. Initial Baking: Roast the crust until edges transform to a golden hue, approximately 18 minutes, establishing a robust base for the subsequent layers.
4. Filling Creation: Whisk cream cheese to a silken texture, gradually introducing sugar and lemon zest to construct a vibrant, aromatic core.
5. Liquid Integration: Incorporate eggs systematically, maintaining a smooth consistency. Blend in yogurt, lemon juice, and a whisper of salt.
6. Blueberry Infusion: Delicately fold flour into the mixture, minimizing stirring. Gently introduce fresh blueberries throughout the creamy landscape.
7. Assembly and Topping: Cascade the velvety filling over the pre-baked crust, strategically dispersing additional blueberries. Crumble reserved shortbread mixture across the surface, optionally dusting with a light sugar sprinkle.
8. Final Baking: Bake until the center solidifies completely, approximately 55-60 minutes. Verify doneness using a toothpick test.
9. Cooling and Serving: Allow bars to cool entirely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour. Extract from pan using foil edges, slice into elegant squares, and optionally garnish with extra lemon zest.
10. Storage: Refrigerate remaining bars, which will preserve their exquisite flavor for up to five days, or freeze for extended enjoyment.

Notes

• Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate the shortbread base before baking to enhance its structure and prevent spreading during cooking.
• Gentle Mixing Matters: Minimize stirring when incorporating flour and blueberries to maintain a light, tender texture in the filling.
• Toothpick Test Technique: Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Zest Boost Tip: Reserve extra lemon zest for garnishing to intensify the citrusy aroma and add a fresh visual appeal to the final bars.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 366
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 78 mg