Get ready to experience a burst of sunshine in every bite with these irresistible Lemon Blueberry Bars! Imagine a perfect harmony of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries, nestled in a buttery, tender base that melts in your mouth. These aren't just any ordinary dessert bars - they're a quick, easy, and absolutely delectable treat that will transform your ordinary day into something extraordinary. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, a weekend baking project, or a refreshing sweet treat, these bars are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well combined.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Allow it to cool slightly before adding the next ingredients.
- Crack 2 large eggs into the bowl with the melted butter, then add 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Whisk these ingredients together until they are fully combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if there are a few lumps.
- Fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries gently into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them apart.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut the lemon blueberry bars into squares or rectangles, and serve. Optionally, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest, and ripe blueberries make a world of difference in flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to keep the bars tender and light.
- Prevent blueberry sinking: Lightly coat the blueberries in a bit of flour before folding into the batter to help them stay suspended.
- Check for doneness: A toothpick should come out clean, with just a few moist crumbs when the bars are perfectly baked.
- Cool completely before cutting: This helps the bars set and makes for cleaner, more beautiful slices.
- Optional enhancements: Dust with powdered sugar, add a lemon glaze, or serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Storage tip: These bars stay fresh at room temperature for 3 days or can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
