A delightful dessert, Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars combine the tangy flavor of lemon with sweet blueberries. Perfect for summer picnics or family gatherings, these bars offer a creamy filling atop a buttery shortbread crust. Their refreshing taste and vibrant colors make them a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delicious bars without fuss.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries creates a mouthwatering treat.
- Versatile Dessert: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet indulgence at home.
- Make Ahead Friendly: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
- Kid Approved: The creamy texture and fruity flavor make them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure your success.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking pan (8″ x 8″ or 9″ x 9″)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Foil
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan: Ensures even cooking and helps shape the bars perfectly.
- Electric mixer: Makes mixing the cream cheese filling quick and easy, resulting in a smooth texture.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down sides of bowls, ensuring no ingredients are left behind.
Ingredients
A sweet and creamy lemon cheesecake filling bursting with blueberries sits atop a lemon shortbread crust with lemon shortbread crumbles on top.
For the Crust
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- the zest of one lemon
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
For the Filling
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- zest of one lemon
- 2 large eggs
- 5 ounces (150g) yogurt or sour cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (300g) blueberries (fresh or frozen; if using frozen, do not thaw)
How to Make Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Position a rack in the center position of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC).
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line an 8″ x 8″ (or 9 x 9) baking pan with foil. Leave an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later. Set aside for later use.
How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer a classic serving or a more creative twist, these bars can be paired with different accompaniments to enhance their flavor.
With Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast to the creamy filling of the bars.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Pair your pie bars with vanilla or lemon ice cream for an indulgent treat that complements the zesty lemon flavor.
Fresh Berries
- Serve with extra fresh blueberries or raspberries on the side to add a burst of freshness and color to your dessert plate.
Drizzle of Lemon Glaze
- Enhance the citrus flavor by drizzling a simple lemon glaze over the top before serving for an extra zing.
Mint Garnish
- Top each bar with fresh mint leaves for an aromatic touch that brightens up the presentation.
How to Perfect Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
Creating the perfect Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars takes attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out fantastic every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: When possible, opt for fresh blueberries and fresh lemons to maximize flavor and texture.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding eggs to avoid incorporating too much air into the filling, which can cause cracks.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the sliced bars for at least an hour before serving. This enhances their flavor and texture.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes for easy removal.
Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
To complement your Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars, consider these delightful side dishes. They provide a wonderful contrast and enhance the overall dessert experience.
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Lemon Sorbet
A refreshing frozen treat that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the pie bars. -
Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the dessert. -
Pistachio Cookies
These nutty cookies provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft pie bars. -
Coconut Macaroons
Chewy coconut macaroons bring tropical flavors that harmonize well with lemon. -
Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses, especially tangy varieties like goat cheese, can heighten the flavor experience. -
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
The sweetness of chocolate-covered strawberries creates an indulgent pairing with blueberry lemon pie bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars, even experienced bakers can run into issues. Here are some common mistakes to watch for.
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Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold cream cheese or eggs can lead to a lumpy filling. Always let them come to room temperature for a smoother texture.
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Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can cause the filling to become dense. Mix until just combined for the best results.
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Skipping the lemon zest: Neglecting lemon zest means missing out on flavor. Always include it for that fresh burst of citrus.
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Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, so precise measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
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Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different, and overbaking can dry out your bars. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness at the minimum time suggested.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF (177ºC). Heat bars on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Warm one bar at a time on medium power for 20-30 seconds until heated through.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars?
Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars are delicious dessert bars made with a creamy lemon cheesecake filling and fresh blueberries on a lemon shortbread crust.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries without thawing them first. This helps keep the texture of your bars intact.
How do I customize Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars?
You can add nuts like pecans or almonds to the crust, or even mix in other fruits like raspberries for added flavor!
What should I serve with Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Final Thoughts
Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars combine sweet and tangy flavors that make them irresistible. Their creamy filling and buttery crust make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite berries or toppings! Enjoy this delightful dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends!
Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars, the perfect summer dessert that marries the zesty brightness of lemon with sweet, juicy blueberries. These bars feature a creamy cheesecake-like filling perched atop a buttery lemon shortbread crust, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or simply indulging at home, these bars are easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Brighten your dessert table with their vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, and watch as they become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 3 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 large eggs
- Fresh lemon juice and zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and line an 8”x8” baking pan with foil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, lemon zest, and flour to form the crust. Press it into the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, eggs, and flour until smooth for the filling. Fold in blueberries.
- Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.
- Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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