Description
Delight in these refreshing Lemon Blueberry Bars, a perfect balance of tangy lemon filling and juicy blueberries nestled atop a buttery crust. These bars combine a crisp base with a smooth, zesty filling making them an ideal summer dessert or anytime treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
For the filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
For topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Incorporate the cold cubed butter by cutting it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Firmly press this crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden.
- Prepare the filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Gently fold in the blueberries without breaking them.
- Assemble and bake: Once the crust is hot and lightly golden, pour the lemon blueberry filling evenly over it. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is just set in the center and no longer jiggles.
- Cool and chill: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature. Then, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set fully and allow easy slicing.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 16 squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
- Chilling before cutting helps achieve clean, neat slices.
- Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- You can freeze the bars (without powdered sugar) for up to 1 month; thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
