Lemon Blueberry Bars Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Blueberry Bars are a delightful combination of tangy citrus and sweet berries nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. This refreshing treat is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a bright, fruity dessert.

The image shows a stack of three square lemon blueberry dessert bars on a white marbled surface. Each bar has two layers: a thick, crumbly golden brown crust at the bottom and a pale yellow creamy lemon layer on top, studded with whole blueberries that are dark blue with hints of purple. The bars have a slightly glossy and smooth texture on the lemon layer, with some powdered sugar dusted lightly on top. To the left, there is a wedge of lemon, bright yellow with glistening juicy pulp. A silver fork is placed in the foreground near the dessert bars. The overall scene is bright and fresh, with the dessert bars as the clear focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest (for crust)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest (for filling)
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons lemon zest. Stir in the melted butter until well mixed. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Step 3: Bake the crust for 10-13 minutes until it is set and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add the fresh lemon juice and 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest, mixing to combine.
  5. Step 5: Gently fold the fresh blueberries into the lemon filling mixture.
  6. Step 6: Pour the filling over the baked crust and spread evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the filling is just set.
  7. Step 7: Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight to fully set.
  8. Step 8: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and cut into squares.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra zest, add a bit more lemon zest to the filling or sprinkle some on top before baking.
  • Try substituting fresh blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for different berry flavors.
  • Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage

Store the lemon blueberry bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They taste best chilled and can be eaten cold or brought to room temperature. For best texture, avoid freezing as it may affect the filling’s creaminess.

How to Serve

A square lemon dessert bar with three visible layers sits on a white plate with a slightly wavy edge. The bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown crust, textured like crushed graham crackers. The middle layer is a pale yellow lemon filling with a smooth and creamy texture. The top layer contains whole blueberries embedded in the lemon filling, dusted lightly with powdered sugar, giving a soft white contrast to the blue and yellow. A silver fork holds a small bite of the dessert in the foreground. A wedge of lemon is placed on the plate’s edge. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

It’s best to use fresh blueberries for this recipe to prevent excess moisture from affecting the filling. If using frozen berries, thaw and drain them well before folding into the filling.

How can I make the bars less sweet?

You can reduce the sweetness slightly by using less sweetened condensed milk or adding a small amount of fresh lemon juice to balance the sweetness. Keep in mind that the filling relies on the condensed milk for structure and creaminess.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Lemon Blueberry Bars Recipe


  • Author: lilan
  • Total Time: 12 hours 43 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

Description

These Lemon Blueberry Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a tangy lemon custard studded with fresh blueberries. Baked to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, they offer a refreshing balance of sweet and tart flavors, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Filling

  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

Topping

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Bake crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons lemon zest. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10-13 minutes until the crust is set and slightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
  3. Whisk filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add fresh lemon juice and 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest, and continue whisking until fully incorporated. Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries to evenly distribute them without breaking.
  4. Bake bars: Pour the lemon blueberry filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly. Bake the assembled bars for about 15 minutes, or until the filling is just set and slightly firm to touch. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.
  5. Chill and serve: Once cooled, refrigerate the bars overnight to fully set and enhance flavors. Before serving, dust the bars with powdered sugar and cut into squares.

Notes

  • Ensure the crust is fully cooled before adding the filling to prevent mixing and sogginess.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice can alter the taste.
  • Refrigerate overnight for optimal texture and flavor development.
  • For easier cutting, chill the bars longer or warm the knife slightly before slicing.
  • These bars can be stored refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 28 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon blueberry bars, lemon bars, blueberry dessert, graham cracker crust, lemon dessert, sweet bars, summer dessert

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆