Introduction to Lemon Blueberry Bars
Welcome to the wonderful world of Lemon Blueberry Bars! This is one juggling deadlines, kids’ activities, and the daily hustle solution. Fresh blueberries and lemon have a taste-tingling child that makes these bars just as delightful to eat as they are to make. Being a busy mom myself, I know the necessity of having fast-to-prepare yummy desserts that will win over your loved ones and bring a little bit of a ‘happy note’ in your busy day-to-day schedule. So, let’s get into this happy, lively creation that surely lights up your table!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Bars
These Lemon Blueberry Bars are a revelation! They’re simple enough for a weeknight dessert, yet elegant enough for a gathering. Just mix, bake, and glaze—easy peasy! With a luscious blend of sweetness from the blueberries and the zesty kick of lemon, every bite feels like a taste of summer. Plus, they come together quickly, making them the perfect go-to for those busy days when you want something special without the fuss.
Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step in creating these delightful Lemon Blueberry Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Eggs: Large and fresh, they provide the structure and moisture needed for the bars.
- Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps achieve that beautiful golden crust.
- Salted butter: Melted, it brings a rich flavor and moistness that you can’t resist.
- Fresh lemon juice: Essential for that bright and tangy lemon flavor that makes these bars so refreshing.
- Lemon zest: Adds an aromatic touch and amplifies the lemony goodness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla balances the tartness, creating a warm, inviting flavor profile.
- Lemon extract or lemon oil: These provide an extra punch of lemon flavor; use sparingly!
- All-purpose flour: The base of our bars, providing essential structure.
- Baking powder: This aerates the batter, ensuring your bars rise and stay light.
- Fresh blueberries: Bursting with flavor, these little gems are the star of the show—don’t skimp!
- Blueberries for glaze: A little additional fruit to create a beautiful topping.
- Powdered sugar: This adds sweetness and smoothness to your glaze for that perfect finish.
- Heavy cream or milk: Just a splash helps transform the glaze into a silky consistency.
For a stronger lemon flavor, consider adding more lemon zest. And if fresh blueberries aren’t available, feel free to use frozen ones—just remember not to thaw them before mixing in!
Check out the bottom of the article for exact measurements and a handy printable version of the recipe!
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. This step ensures that your Lemon Blueberry Bars bake evenly. While the oven heats up, line a 9×13 glass baking dish with parchment paper. I like to leave a little overhang on the sides; it makes removal a breeze later!
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs
In a mixing bowl, whisk your large eggs until they become frothy and cheerful looking. Really, it’s like giving them a little pep talk! This process incorporates air, which will help our bars rise beautifully as they bake.
Step 3: Mix in Sugar and Wet Ingredients
Next, add in 1½ cups of granulated sugar, along with the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and your choice of lemon extract or lemon oil. Beat these together at medium speed until they’re nicely blended. The mixture should be thick and luscious, almost like a lemon hug!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Now, grab another bowl. Mix together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This is your dry mixture. Combining these two ingredients properly helps to distribute the baking powder evenly, ensuring our bars rise like they should!
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Time to combine! Gently add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep our bars tender and soft. Think of it as a gentle stir, like you’re coaxing your batter into harmony.
Step 6: Fold in Blueberries
Now for the pièce de resistance! Gently fold in the fresh blueberries. Picture yourself cradling those precious berries as you mix. You want to see them scattered throughout the batter; every bite should say, “Surprise, it’s blueberry time!”
Step 7: Pour Batter into Baking Dish
Spread that delicious batter evenly in your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top; it’s like giving your bars a cozy blanket to bake under. Make sure it’s leveled for even cooking.
Step 8: Bake
Bake your bars in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Ideally, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when they’re ready. You can also check for a nice golden hue on top, signaling that they’re perfectly baked!
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
While the bars are baking, let’s whip up that beautiful glaze! In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup of blueberries and ½ cup of sugar over medium heat. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of water. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the blueberries burst into a vibrant syrup.
Step 10: Glaze the Bars
Once your bars are out of the oven and slightly cooled, pour that lovely blueberry glaze over the warm bars. Spread it out gently, letting it soak into the top layer while still being generous and luscious. It should look like a mini blueberry explosion!
Step 11: Cool and Cut
Finally, allow your Lemon Blueberry Bars to cool completely in the dish. Once they’ve cooled down, it’s time to cut them into squares. Like slicing through sunshine, these bars are ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Use fresh, plump blueberries for the best flavor. Rinse them gently.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for cleaner squares.
- Experiment with adding nuts or coconut for extra texture!
Equipment Needed
- Baking dish: A 9×13 glass dish is ideal, but you can use a metal one if that’s what you have.
- Mixing bowls: Having two separate bowls is handy for wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk or hand mixer: Either works for whipping up those eggs.
- Spatula: Perfect for spreading the batter smoothly.
- Saucepan: This is needed for making the glaze; any small pot will do!
Variations on Lemon Blueberry Bars
- Fruity Twist: Swap out some blueberries for raspberries or chopped strawberries for a mixed berry delight!
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free treat that everyone can enjoy.
- Nutty Texture: Add in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch alongside the soft bars.
- Coconut Lover: Mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut for an added layer of flavor that complements the lemon.
- Lemon-Lime Fusion: Replace half of the lemon juice with fresh lime juice for a zesty tropical vibe.
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Blueberry Bars
- Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Serve them alongside a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade for a zesty duo.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving to enhance their visual appeal.
FAQs about Lemon Blueberry Bars
Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?
Yes, you absolutely can! Just remember to toss them in straight from the freezer without thawing. This keeps them from becoming mushy in the batter, allowing those juicy bursts of flavor to shine through.
How do I store leftover Lemon Blueberry Bars?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, try refrigerating them instead, though they may lose a bit of that warm, gooey texture.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Definitely! These bars taste great when made one day in advance. Just glaze them right before serving for that fresh appearance and flavor.
What can I substitute for granulated sugar?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia. Just keep in mind, it may alter the flavor and texture slightly, but it’ll still be tasty!
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
Your Lemon Blueberry Bars are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden. Trust me, the smell alone will have you tempted to dive in!
Final Thoughts
Making Lemon Blueberry Bars is more than just baking; it’s about creating joyful moments in the kitchen. From the delightful aroma wafting through your home to the bright bursts of flavor in every bite, these bars are sure to lift spirits. They remind us that even the simplest recipes can bring happiness to our loved ones. So, whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with family and friends, these bars have a special way of turning an ordinary day into something extraordinary. Don’t forget to savor each sweet and tangy mouthful—you deserve it!
Print
Lemon Blueberry Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Lemon Blueberry Bars with a tangy glaze and fresh blueberries.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup salted butter, melted
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract, or 3 to 4 drops of lemon oil
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ cups fresh blueberries
- ½ cup blueberries (for glaze)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for glaze)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream, or milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 glass baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, whisk the eggs on high until very frothy.
- Add 1½ cups granulated sugar and continue whisking at high speed until foamy and thickened.
- Add the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and lemon oil/extract. Beat on medium speed until combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder.
- Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture and mix just until combined.
- Gently fold in the blueberries, just until combined.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake blondies for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- To make the glaze, heat ½ cup of blueberries and ½ cup of sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water (1 tablespoon) if needed. Heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the blueberries have formed a vibrant syrup.
- Stir the syrup through a sieve into a bowl with ½ cup of powdered sugar. Whisk until combined, adding a splash of heavy cream or milk to help smooth the glaze into a spreadable consistency.
- Spread glaze over warm blondies and allow them to cool the rest of the way.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest.
- Can substitute fresh blueberries with frozen blueberries, but do not thaw them before adding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
