Let’s talk about sunshine on a plate.LEMON BLUEBERRY bars are delicious. IAre you exactly that? What is the best way to make blueberry muffins? Think of the tangy zest of a classic lemon square meeting the juicy sweetness of plump blueberries. All snuggled into a buttery, crumbly crust. I swear, one bite and you’ll be hooked. My grandma used to make blueberry bars with raspberries, but these are even better. BETTER, and trust me, Grandma’s baking was legendary!
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What is lemon blueberry bar?
What are some of the best lemon blueberry bars? What are some of the best dessert bars you’ve ever had? What’s essentially a shortbread-like base topped with lemony filling bursting with fresh fruit? Blueberries, finished with a simple, sweet glaze. What’s the best part about the name? Is it easy to make a pie? What is a weeknight treat? Is it a good idea to bake lemon and blueberry bread in crockpot instead of loaf? Is it also something that is easier to share with friends?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What are some of the best reasons to eat lemon blueberry bars? Firstly, the flavor is absolutely divine. What’s the flavor of lemon? Is there a flavor combination that works?
Firstly, they’re surprisingly simple to make. The ingredient list is short and sweet (pun intended! ). ), and the steps are straightforward. No fancy equipment required! I promise, even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can nail this recipe.
Thirdly, they’re incredibly cost-effective Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and blueberries are often on sale, especially during the holiday season. Plus, you get a big batch of bars from one recipe, so it’s perfect for feeding the whole family.
What are some of the best lemon blueberry bars? Is it healthy to eat them as a breakfast snack with coffee? Sweet tooth, or as a delightful dessert after dinner. What are some good ways to serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream? What I love about this is how easy it is to customize. Can you add different extracts to the glaze like orange or vanilla? I like to add poppy seeds to my bars for crunch. No matter how you change it up, it always seems to taste delicious!
How do I make lemon blueberry bars?
Quick Overview
How do I make lemon blueberry bars? How do you make a shortbread crust? What are some of the best fresh blueberries to serve Pour the filling over the crust, bake until golden brown, and then drizzle with a sweet glaze. I know it sounds like a lot, but trust me, it’s much easier than it looks! What is the secret to a great crust?
Ingredients
For the Crust:
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Use a good quality flour for the best texture. Can you use gluten-free all-purpose flour? * 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Make sure the butter is really cold! What makes a good crumbly crust? * 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crust. * 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
For the Filling: What is the
* 2 large eggs: Provides structure and richness to the filling. * 1 cup granulated sugar: * 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Sweetens the filling and helps create a smooth texture. * 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed: helps thicken the filling. Fresh lemon juice is essential for that bright, citrusy flavor. * 2 tablespoons lemon zest: 1 tablespoon lemon. What is the best lemony flavor? What are some of the best ways to balance the sweetness of blueberries? If using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them!
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and gives it a smooth, creamy texture. * 2-3 tablespoons milk: Use enough milk to reach your desired consistency. * 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds a touch of tanginess to the glaze.
What are the steps for
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease and lightly flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. If you want to remove a pan, line it with parchment paper. I always do this because it makes clean up so much easier!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Whisking ensures that everything is evenly distributed, which is important for a consistent texture.
Step 3: Cut in Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut. Is it necessary to mix butter and flour together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs? The butter should be in small pieces, about the size of peas. What gives the crust its flaky texture? If you don’t have a pastry blender, you can use two knives to cut butter into flour.
Step 4: Press into Pan
Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to help press it down firmly. You want a nice, even layer for the crust. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as it can burn easily!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, lemon zest, and salt until smooth. Set aside. What should I make for my filling?
Step 6: Add Blueberries
If you have blueberries, fold them into the filling. Serve immediately. Do not overmix blueberries as this can cause them to bleed and turn the filling purple. I usually just use a spatula and gently toss them in.
Step 7: Pour & Bake
How do you spread the blueberry filling over the crust? Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly brown. The center should be mostly set, but still have a slight jiggle.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing and glazing. This is important, as the filling needs time to set up properly. Once the bars are cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice for the glaze. How much milk should I add to make a smooth glaze on bars? I find that letting it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes after glazing makes for a nice even coating.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What are the best bars to serve chilled or at room temperature? I like to use a warm, wet knife to get clean cuts.
What is the best way to serve it?
Lemon blueberry bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other foods. For breakfast, serve them with a cup of strong coffee or iced tea. The tangy sweetness of the bars is the perfect complement to the bitterness of coffee.
For brunch, arrange the bars on a pretty platter and serve them with fresh fruit. What is a glass of sparkling wine? The elegant presentation will impress your guests, and the combination of flavors is simply divine.
As a dessert, serve the bars warm with Ice Cream or whipped cream. What is the difference between cold ice cream and warm bars?
What are some good snacks to grab on the couch? What are some comfort food bars? We love to have them with a hot cup of cocoa on rainy days. Why not try lemon infused tea for a lemon experience?
How do I make lemon blueberry bars?
I’ve made lemon blueberry bars countless times (and trust me, I have! ), I can’t wait to make them again! ), I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly every single time.
When making the crust, make sure your butter is ice cold. How do you create a flaky, crumbly texture? I like to put my butter in the freezer for a few minutes before using it! Also, don’t overmix the crust. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
When adding blueberries to the filling, be gentle! Can overmixing cause blueberries to turn purple? Why don’t people like purple lemon blueberry bars? For even more flavor you can always use lemon infused olive oil in your bars to give it an even better flavor.
If you don’t have fresh blueberries, you can use frozen. Add them to the filling straight from the freezer. If you thaw the filling, it will release excess moisture and make it watery. Is this true? Can you substitute other berries, like raspberries or blackberries?
When baking, keep a close eye on the bars. The baking time may vary depending on your oven. The bars are done when the filling is set and lightly golden brown. Don’t overbake them, as this will make them dry. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
For the glaze, adjust the amount of milk to reach your desired consistency. I like my glaze to be thick enough to drizzle, but not so thick that it’s hard to spread. How do you add lemon zest to a glaze?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you store lemon blueberry bars? At room temperature, they will last for about 2-3 days in an airtight container. Be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
In the refrigerator, they will last for about 5-7 days in an airtight container. The cool temperature will help to preserve their freshness and prevent them from drying out.
For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
If you’re making the bars ahead of time, it’s best to wait to glaze them until just before serving. The glaze can become sticky and runny if stored for too long. But honestly, who are we kidding? These things never last long enough to worry about storing them for too long!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These lemon blueberry bars are truly a little slice of sunshine. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert, a crowd-pleasing brunch item, or a sweet treat to brighten your day, these bars are sure to hit the spot. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries is simply irresistible, and the buttery crust adds the perfect amount of richness. If you like these, you absolutely MUST try my raspberry lemonade cookies! They are super similar, but just a little different. I’ve had so much fun sharing this family favorite with you all. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, be sure to share them! Happy baking!
Lemon Blueberry Bars
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cups rolled oats
- 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter cut into cubes
Lemon Blueberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of the crust mixture into the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the blueberry mixture over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
