Lemon Blueberry Bars: A Delightful Treat
Lemon Blueberry Bars are a refreshing and zesty dessert that perfectly balances the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of juicy blueberries. These bars are not just a treat for the taste buds; they also bring a burst of color and flavor to any gathering. Originating from the classic lemon bar recipe, the addition of blueberries adds a delightful twist that has made this dessert a favorite among many.
People love Lemon Blueberry Bars for their light and airy texture, which melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering taste of summer. The combination of the tangy lemon and sweet blueberries creates a harmonious flavor profile that is both satisfying and invigorating. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a convenient option for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or simply craving a sweet snack, Lemon Blueberry Bars are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the filling:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, if out of season)
- For garnish:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Additional lemon zest, optional
Preparing the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add ½ cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to pack it down firmly.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking.
- Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Preparing the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, crack 2 large eggs and whisk them until they are well beaten.
- Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the eggs and whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix these dry ingredients together before adding them to the egg mixture. This helps to prevent lumps.
- Pour the flour and baking powder mixture into the egg and sugar mixture, and whisk until fully combined.
- Next, add ½ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the mixture. Whisk until everything is well incorporated and smooth.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries, being careful not to crush them. If using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them; just fold them in directly.
Assembling the Bars
- Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the lemon-blueberry filling over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center may still have a slight jiggle, but it will firm up as it cools.
- After baking, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Once cooled, transfer the baking dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until completely set. This step is crucial for achieving clean cuts when slicing the bars.
Slicing and Serving
- Once the bars are fully chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the baking dish.
- Place the bars on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- For a beautiful presentation, dust the tops of the bars with powdered sugar and, if
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, then these Lemon Blueberry Bars are an absolute must-try! The zesty lemon combined with the juicy blueberries creates a refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic, a family gathering, or simply a sweet indulgence after dinner. The buttery crust adds a satisfying crunch, while the creamy filling melts in your mouth, making each bite a heavenly experience.
For serving suggestions, I recommend dusting the top of the bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. If you want to elevate the flavor even further, consider adding a hint of fresh mint or a drizzle of lemon glaze on top. These variations can take your Lemon Blueberry Bars to the next level and impress your guests!
Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe as well. You can swap out the blueberries for other berries like raspberries or strawberries, or even mix in some chopped nuts for added texture. The versatility of this recipe means you can customize it to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
I truly encourage you to try making these Lemon Blueberry Bars yourself. They are not only simple to prepare but also incredibly rewarding when you see the smiles on your family and friends’ faces as they enjoy this delicious treat. Once you’ve made them, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your beautiful bars. Your feedback is invaluable and can inspire others to dive into this delightful recipe.
So, gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these Lemon Blueberry Bars. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is a favorite among dessert lovers. Happy baking!
Lemon Blueberry Bars: A Refreshing Dessert Recipe You’ll Love
These delightful Lemon Blueberry Bars feature a buttery crust topped with a tangy lemon filling and fresh blueberries, creating a refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- lemon zest
- blueberries
- buttery crust
- lemon filling
Instructions
- Sprinkle with additional lemon zest.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious lemon blueberry bars!
Notes
- For a more intense lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon zest.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Feel free to substitute the blueberries with other berries like raspberries or blackberries if you prefer.
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